When I worked in a center the floor was usually wet from 3:45ish to 4:15ish (afternoon snack at 3:30
).
"Circle time rug and story time" while it was drying was common.
During
morning mop/dry, the kids went out to the playground while it dried. After
lunch mop/dry the kids went to mats for nap.
Once upon a time the kids went out to the playground after
afternoon snack, too, but the majority of parents began to complain about kids being dirty for going home. So began "circle time rug/clean up for going home" .
Simple supply/demand, it had nothing to do with appropriate development. Just business and tired of complaints.
**It is odd that there were no manipulatives or books, though.
**
Typically, once a few of the kids leave, the group will be combined with another room while their room is cleaned. Then another. Then another. Then they are moved to the hall or kitchen as all the rooms will have been cleaned by 5:45ish. Overtime is not allowed for cleaning.