
As Head Room Parent (and a working mom) for my daughter's class I've spent a lot of time this year researching how to occupy a classroom full of 3-4 year old students in the most time-effective way. Below is a schedule and a link to everything I used for the Preschool Valentine's Day Party as well as some ideas I found in my research.
Before the Party:
Create an Amazon Wishlist. This will allow any contributions from other parents to be sent directly to you. It has saved me so much time coordinating drop-off / pick-up of party supplies. How to Create an Amazon Wishlist: 11 Steps (with Pictures)
Sign Up Genius: I used Sign Up Genius for all of the parties. You can collect volunteers to help on the day of the party as well as asking for help for tasks ahead of time (like printing or prepping crafts). SignUpGenius - Free Online Sign Up Forms
Party Schedule:
This is about one hour of party time - plus 15 minutes of set up. You can adjust to add or remove time as needed. As one example, you can add a fourth station (a photobooth or another game) or you can do just two stations.
15 mins before start: Set up.
Black plastic tablecloths on tables (use painters tape to secure)
Set out snacks / juice boxes
Set up games / photo station
Identify where to put treat bags and when teacher will pass out (I'd recommend end of day vs. end of party)
First 5 minutes: Snack and Announce Party Plans
If I've learned anything preschoolers need to be told what to expect and what is expected of them. The schedule I created uses "stations" so that's the language I'd use to explain each station.
5-15 minutes: Read a Book
I love to have a moment to read to the kids and it's a bonus that you can donate the book you read to the classroom library after the party.
15 minutes - 45 minutes: Three Stations (10 minutes each)
For stations - I'd recommend splitting groups ahead of time.
45 minutes - 55 minutes: Wrap Up
Dance party
Read second story
Settle class and volunteers say goodbye!
Party Supplies:

Black Plastic Tablecloths: This is a pack of 12 so depending on how many tables are in your classroom you can use for multiple parties. It keeps tables clean for your teachers (plus easy cleanup) and the black color works for any theme so it's helpful to buy once for the year. https://amzn.to/3CiMcwK

Snacks - Applesauce: Easy healthy snack that is a hit with the kids. https://amzn.to/4hpFiEL

Snacks - Granola Minis: Another healthy snack option that's pre-portioned and one flavor (Strawberry) so no flavor envy among the kids. https://amzn.to/3E2IMPf
Crafts:

Craft #1: Foam Love Monster
One option to extend this craft would be to have the students create a story or share their monster with the class.

Craft #2: Create Heart Hedgehogs
I love this craft because it's adorable. Each component of this craft is a sticker, which was perfect for this age group. I recommend peeling the backs off of the stickers and putting on parchment paper ahead of time. It saves the kids a lot of time and allows you to portion out the stickers fairly.
Games:

Game #1: Inflatable Monster Toss Game
I'd recommend using painter's tape to mark a starting point on the floor for the kids. This can be as easy or as difficult as you'd like based on how far you place the painters tape!
Books:

Book #1: Love Monster https://amzn.to/3WsE7fT

Book #2: Kindness is my Superpower https://amzn.to/42owcUL
Treat Bags:
The lists below are good for other themed parties and are all non-food items.

Bags (Pack of 25): I like to buy these - they are the perfect size for the items below and the crafts the kids will complete. I also write (or print) kids' names on the front of the bag and tie with a seasonal ribbon. As mentioned, I like to store the completed crafts in these bags and the handles help the kids carry to take home (vs. small plastic bags). https://amzn.to/4joerLb

Ribbon for Treat Bags: This is more than enough to tie the bags so you can always double up or use for crafts or other projects. https://amzn.to/3WvJR8u

Play-Doh Pack of 42: These are great for treat bags any time of year! It's a cost-effective addition to any treat bag. https://amzn.to/40IjnmO

Pop Fidget Keychains: What kid doesn't love these? It's a simple addition to the treat bag that goes a long way. https://amzn.to/4g3MgOQ

Foam Airplanes (pack of 28): These could also make cute valentines for the class for a student to share. https://amzn.to/4aqSIhu
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