Toddler Daily Sheet Template

Download a free toddler daily sheet template

A toddler daily sheet is a documented log used by childcare providers to record a child's essential activities throughout the day, such as meals, naps, diaper changes, and learning milestones. These reports serve as a vital communication bridge, ensuring families feel connected to their child's routine and well-being while they are away.

Download your free toddler daily sheet template

Effective daily sheets help you build trust with families at your childcare or preschool program. This free, printable template allows you to easily record:

• Nutrition: Details on meals, snacks, and fluid intake.
• Rest: Specific start and end times for naps.
• Hygiene: Bathroom breaks, potty training progress, and diaper changes.
• Reminders: Notes for supplies families need to bring, such as diapers or extra clothes.

What is the purpose of a toddler daily sheet?

For childcare providers, a toddler daily sheet is more than just a checklist; it is a tool for building relationships. It allows staff to efficiently document a child's physiological needs and daily milestones, ensuring clear and consistent communication between the program and families.

When families receive detailed updates about their toddler's day—from what they ate for lunch to a new word they learned—it enhances their connection to your program. It also helps families maintain consistent routines at home, as they know exactly how long their child slept or when they last ate.

What should be included in a toddler daily report?

To provide the most value to families, a comprehensive daily sheet should capture the following details:

• Mood and disposition: Was the child happy, fussy, or tired?
• Meals and snacks: What food was offered, and how much did the child eat?
• Nap times: Exact times the child fell asleep and woke up.
• Bathroom activity: A log of diaper changes (wet/BM) or potty training attempts.
• Activities and learning: A brief note on the activities the child participated in, such as "circle time" or "sensory play."
• Supply requests: A checklist to alert families when supplies like wipes or diapers are running low.

How to use daily sheets to improve family engagement

Using a standardized template streamlines record keeping, allowing educators to focus more on engaging with children and less on administrative tasks. Here is how to maximize the impact of your daily sheets:

• Be consistent: Fill out the sheet at the same times every day (e.g., immediately after lunch or nap) to ensure accuracy.
• Be specific: Instead of writing "good day," share a specific moment, such as "Sam shared his toy truck with a friend today."
• Encourage two-way communication: Leave space for families to write notes back to you, such as how the child slept the night before.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why are daily sheets important for toddlers?
A: Daily sheets provide families with critical information about their child's health, nutrition, and routine. They help parents understand their child's mood and needs, ensuring a smooth transition between the childcare program and home.

Q: Can I use digital daily sheets instead of paper?
A: Yes, many childcare programs use digital platforms like brightwheel to send real-time updates, photos, and digital daily reports directly to a family's smartphone. This reduces paper waste and ensures families never lose a report.

Q: How often should daily sheets be updated?
A: Daily sheets should be updated in real-time throughout the day as events occur (e.g., recording a diaper change immediately after it happens) and sent to families at the end of every day.

Q: How does a toddler daily sheet differ from an infant daily sheet?
A: While both reports track daily activities, they focus on different developmental stages. An infant daily sheet typically has more detailed sections for tracking bottle feedings (time and amount), diaper changes, and sleep schedules. A toddler daily report, on the other hand, puts more emphasis on meals and snacks, potty training progress, learning activities, and social interactions with peers, reflecting their growing independence and development.

Additional resources

After downloading this daily sheet template, explore these other early education resources to support your program:

• Daily Lesson Plan: Structure your curriculum effectively.
• Activities Across Developmental Domains: Specific activities to support growth.
• Family Engagement Guide: Strategies to build strong partnerships with families.
• Calendar Template: Organize your program's schedule for the year.
• A Guide to Studying the Natural World with Young Children - Fall Edition