
Use positive reinforcement around napsĪlong with setting expectations, using positive reinforcement is key to getting children to rest quietly during nap time - or to help get the behavior you want any time. If not, find another time during the day to set nap time expectations, like remaining quiet and staying on cots.Ģ. If you do circle time, it’s a great opportunity to review the daily schedule and set expectations. Whether you’re a daycare center or preschool with a structured schedule or a family childcare provider with a looser approach to they day, setting expectations daily is crucial for a successful nap time. These 17 nap time tips will help you get children calm and rested at daycare.
REST TIME MUSIC FOR KINDERGARTEN HOW TO
How to Make Nap Time Run Smoothly at Daycare

It’s essential that children are never disciplined for not sleeping and there are many reasons why a child may not sleep, or even rest, during nap time.

Why Children Won't Nap at Daycare or Preschool Of course these are guidelines and you’ll have children who sleep both less and more than indicated. 4-5-year-olds- 1 nap per day for 1 hour.3-year-old-1 nap per day, 1-2 hours long.2-year-old-1 nap per day, 2-3 hours long.1-year-old- 1-2 naps per day, totaling 4 hours.6-month-old- 2-3 naps per day, totaling 5 hours.0-6 months - 3-4 naps per day - many states have regulations that require childcare providers to allow infants to sleep on demand, rather than adhere to a schedule.Generally, that period is at least two hours and in a childcare center, often ratio laws differ during nap time, allowing teachers to take their break and have lunch.īeyond your state’s regulations, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers need nap time to mature properly.įrom the physiological to the emotional benefits, napping is essential for a healthy upbringing and the number and duration of nap times are directly correlated to a child’s age. Most states require that children in full-day daycare or preschool have a rest period during the day. Of course, you need an environment where children can nap undisturbed, so what do you do when you don’t have those peaceful days when all children close their eyes the second their head hits their nap cot?

But children.they often don’t want to lay down and rest, even though their growing bodies desperately need it. As adults, we wish we had two hours in the middle of the day to lay down and shut our eyes.
