A Day in the Life at WHALE Respite Center
Every child who walks through the doors of WHALE Respite Center brings their own story, strengths, and spark. Our mission is to create a space where children with delays or disabilities feel safe, supported, and celebrated – a place where they can develop socially, emotionally, academically, and physically through meaningful routines and joyful moments.
Today, we’re giving you a look into a day in the life of one of our WHALE kids, whose schedule is wonderfully unique. With early drop-off at WHALE, mid-morning therapy at OASIS Pediatric Therapy, preschool (UPK) in the late morning and early afternoon, and a return to WHALE later in the day, his routine is full, rich, and thoughtfully supported every step of the way.
Early Morning at WHALE
Arriving around 7:00 AM, he begins his day during arrival and free play time from 7:00–8:30 AM. This soft start to the morning helps him settle in, warm up his body and brain, and connect with peers at his own pace. Our young learner starts his day surrounded by familiar faces and nurturing staff who help him settle into his morning rhythm.
At 8:30 AM, it’s time for breakfast before transitioning into one of the most structured and meaningful parts of the day:
Circle Time: 9:00–9:30 AM
During circle time, he participates in:
Question of the day
Class jobs
Weather
Calendar
Days of the week
Letter of the week
Colors and shapes
A read-aloud story
This week, the class is learning the letter L.
Dancing During Wiggle Time
Movement is a big part of our morning routine because it helps kids regulate their bodies, increase engagement, and get ready for learning. During wiggle time, he jumps right in, dancing, laughing, and connecting with peers.
Learning the Letter of the Week: L
Using visuals, repetition, and hands-on practice, he works on letter identification at a level appropriate for his development.
After circle time, his class transitions into Small Group Time from 9:30–10:15 AM.
By this time, our student transitions to therapy, and with the help of a visual schedule and supportive staff, he confidently prepares to head to OASIS Pediatric Therapy right next door.
Therapy Time at OASIS Pediatric Therapy: Skill Building Through Play
At OASIS, therapy sessions are designed to look and feel like play, because children learn best when they feel safe, regulated, and joyful. Today, Alfred worked on:
• Advocating for breaks and regulation tools
• Sustaining attention
• Peer interaction and turn-taking
• Impulse control
• Transitioning to activities that were not self-initiated
Preferred Movement for Regulation
First, he engaged in swinging on the trapeze bar to crash down a tower. This is one of his preferred high-intensity movement activities that offers the proprioceptive/vestibular inputs that his body craves. This activity started off the session to challenge his ability to transition to an activity that was not self-initiated (in this case, a peer asked him to play a puzzle) and to engage in clean up tasks.
Working with a Peer on a Challenging Puzzle
When a peer invited him to complete a challenging puzzle, Alfred practiced flexibility by shifting from a preferred task to a new one. This puzzle was more difficult than Alfred is used to, so it challenged his ability to persist with a task that was difficult and less interesting to him. In order to help him engage, his therapist acknowledged when his body needed support and helped him self-advocate for what would be best for him. In this case, a visual/tactile fidget and his preferred wobble chair. These moments help him learn to self-advocate, a lifelong skill.
Cooling Down and Returning to WHALE
Alfred has identified swinging and squeezing a tactile fidget as being calming his body, so this time he demonstrated flexibility by trialing a new swing with his therapist that offered more intense tactile inputs. After swinging until the end of a visual timer, he worked on putting his shoes independently (and correctly on R/L feet) and walking back to class when it was time.
When he returns to WHALE, Alfred continues with the class during small group time by focusing on fine motor and writing skills.
Finger Painting for Fine Motor Skills
Finger painting is one of the small group activities he enjoys. It helps strengthen finger muscles, explore sensory input, and build early writing readiness. He joyfully engages with textures and colors as he works on fine motor control.
Practicing Writing His Name
With staff support, he practices writing his name. At WHALE, progress is celebrated at every level, from holding the marker correctly to forming the first recognizable letter. There are so many fun ways that students can practice writing their names!
At 10:15 AM, the class pauses for a snack and bathroom break before heading outside from 10:30–11:00 AM for movement, social time, and fresh air.
UPK Classroom: Learning, Play, and Routine
At 11 AM, this student heads to his UPK classroom in another center. Here at WHALE, the students in the UPK classroom follow this schedule for the rest of their day:
11:00–12:00 PM – Free Play
Students choose activities that match their regulation level and interests.
12:00–12:30 PM – Lunch & Bathroom Break
Students refuel and reset for the afternoon.
12:30–2:20 PM – Nap/Rest Time
A calm, quiet environment helps all children reset their bodies and prepare for the second half of the day.
2:30–3:00 PM – Outside Time
A chance to move freely, practice motor skills, and enjoy time with peers.
3:00–3:30 PM – Snack
A structured break that supports regulation.
By 4:00 PM, our young learner returns officially to WHALE care, where staff help him transition smoothly from school mode to afternoon play mode.
3:30–4:45 PM – Free Play Centers
He explores hands-on activities, practices communication, and strengthens peer relationships during this flexible time.
4:45–6:00 PM – Combined with Pre-K
At the end of the day, classrooms combine, allowing students to reconnect with peers, play, and unwind in a supervised, supportive space.
Conclusion: A Full Day of Support, Joy, and Growth
A day in the life at WHALE is structured yet flexible, therapeutic yet playful, and always centered on what each child needs to thrive.
From morning wiggles…to therapy breakthroughs…to preschool learning…to afternoon play…
Every moment is guided by compassion, skill, and intentionality.
This is the heart of WHALE Respite Center:
A place where children feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
A place where families can breathe, knowing their child is safe and cared for.
A place where learning, therapy, and joy flow together seamlessly.