Emily sings loudly, her voice audible above the rest of the class. Mandy Ryan is just breaking away from her computer to grab a bite to eat. But at day care, with lunch eaten, the lion's share of the day is over. As Miller drags each red mat to its appropriate place in the room, the children make another pilgrimage to the bathroom to clean hands and faces before nap time. All's quiet on the day care front.
Some children fall asleep in five minutes and sleep for two hours.
It's up and at 'em once again - time to wash hands before a snack of bread sticks with marinara sauce and milk. After-nap time is much more laid back, says Miller. For the rest of this day, Emily bides her time coloring, cutting and playing with Legos, knowing Mom will be here shortly. When an adult asks what time Mom comes, Emily knows the answer. Later, she makes another picture, cuts it out and asks to put it in her cubby.