A free preschool daily sheet template to track meals, naps, and activities

Preschool Daily Sheet Template - brightwheel

A preschool daily sheet is a document used by childcare providers to record a child's activities, meals, naps, and mood throughout the day. It serves as a vital communication tool to keep families informed about their child's daily routine, learning highlights, and developmental progress.

Effective daily sheets help you build trust with families at your preschool by providing transparency into their child's day.

Free printable preschool daily sheet template

Download this free preschool daily sheet template to help you record:

  • Information on meals and naps
  • Learning highlights and curriculum activities
  • Bathroom or diapering updates
  • Additional notes for families

What to include in a preschool daily sheet

To ensure clear communication, a comprehensive daily report should cover the essential parts of a child's day. Including these specific details helps families feel connected to their child's experience.

  • Meals and snacks: Record what the child ate and how much. This helps families monitor nutrition and appetite.
  • Nap times: Note when the child slept and for how long.
  • Bathroom and diapering: Track diaper changes or potty training progress, which is crucial for health and routine.
  • Activities and learning: Highlight specific activities, such as circle time, art projects, or outdoor play, to show what the child is learning.
  • Mood and behavior: A brief note on the child's temperament (e.g., happy, tired, energetic) gives families insight into their emotional state.
  • Supplies needed: Use a section to remind families if the child needs more diapers, wipes, or a change of clothes.

Why use a daily sheet in your childcare program?

Using a daily sheet template offers significant benefits for both staff and families.

1. Builds trust and transparency

Parents and guardians appreciate knowing the details of their child's day. A consistent daily report demonstrates that you are attentive to their child's needs, which strengthens the relationship between the program and the family.

2. Streamlines communication

Instead of relying solely on drop-off or pick-up conversations, which can be hurried, a daily sheet provides a structured summary. This ensures you don't forget to mention important details, such as how well a child ate or if they struggled during nap time.

3. Tracks development

Over time, these sheets serve as a record of a child's routine and development. You can spot patterns in sleep or behavior that might need attention, helping you support the child's growth more effectively.

Moving from paper to digital daily sheets

While a printable template is a great starting point, many childcare providers eventually switch to digital solutions to save time.

Brightwheel offers a digital daily sheet feature that allows you to:

  • Log activities, meals, and photos in real-time.
  • Share updates instantly with families via a mobile app.
  • Reduce paper waste and administrative work.

Whether you choose paper or digital, the goal remains the same: ensuring every child's day is documented and celebrated.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How often should I provide a daily sheet to families?
A: You should provide a daily sheet every day the child attends your program. Consistent daily reporting ensures families stay informed about their child's immediate needs and routine.

Q: What is the difference between a daily sheet and a lesson plan?
A: A daily sheet records what a specific child actually did that day (meals, naps, mood), whereas a lesson plan outlines the educational activities and goals the teacher intends to cover for the class.

Q: Can I customize the daily sheet template?
A: Yes, you can adapt the template to fit your specific program. Many providers add sections for specific curriculum goals or remove sections that don't apply to their age group.

Additional resources for early dducation

After downloading the daily sheet template, explore these other resources to support your program:

Get your free template!