3.16.1.7: Nap/Rest Time
- Page ID
- 41698
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Nap/Rest Time Policy for Early Childhood Center
Purpose
This policy ensures that children have a designated time to rest or nap during the day, promoting their physical health, emotional well-being, and developmental needs in a calm and supportive environment.
Policy Statement
The program provides a daily nap/rest period for all children, recognizing that rest is essential for young children's growth and development. Rest time is structured to meet individual needs and ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all children.
Guidelines for Nap/Rest Time
1. Schedule
- Nap/rest time will occur daily, typically after lunch, and will last approximately 1 to 2 hours depending on the age group and individual needs.
- Children who do not fall asleep after 20–30 minutes of quiet rest will be offered quiet activities (e.g., books, puzzles) to avoid disrupting their peers.
2. Rest Environment
- Each child will have a designated space for resting, ensuring consistency and comfort.
- Cots, mats, or cribs will be clean, age-appropriate, and labeled with the child’s name.
- The nap area will be dimly lit, and soothing music or white noise may be used to create a calming atmosphere.
- Rest areas will be monitored by staff at all times.
3. Hygiene and Safety
- Bedding (sheets and blankets) must be provided by families or the center and will be stored separately for each child to prevent cross-contamination.
- Bedding will be washed at least weekly or whenever soiled.
- Cots, mats, and cribs will be disinfected regularly, according to the center’s cleaning schedule.
- Staff will position children on their backs for sleeping in accordance with safe sleep guidelines for children under 12 months of age unless otherwise directed by a medical professional.
4. Comforting Children
- Staff will help children transition to nap/rest time by providing soothing routines such as reading a book, gentle patting, or calming words.
- Children may bring a comfort item (e.g., blanket or stuffed toy) from home, if desired.
- If a child becomes upset during rest time, staff will comfort and reassure the child while maintaining a quiet environment for others.
5. Non-Sleepers
- Children who do not nap will be encouraged to rest quietly on their mat or cot for a short period.
- After the rest period, non-sleeping children will be offered quiet, individual activities in a designated area to avoid disturbing those who are still sleeping.
6. Parent Communication
- Parents/guardians will be informed of the center’s nap/rest time schedule during enrollment.
- Individual preferences for nap/rest time, such as comfort items or specific routines, can be discussed and accommodated when possible.
- Parents will be notified of any changes in their child’s sleeping patterns or concerns observed during nap/rest time.
Rest Time Procedures for Staff
- Preparation:
- Set up mats, cots, or cribs in a clean, organized layout with adequate spacing for safety and comfort.
- Ensure all bedding is clean and appropriately labeled.
- Supervision:
- Staff must remain in the nap/rest area to actively supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of all children.
- Perform periodic visual checks to monitor sleeping children and ensure proper positioning for younger children.
- Transitioning Out of Rest Time:
- Gently wake sleeping children after the rest period using calm and soothing methods.
- Provide sufficient time for children to transition back to activities after waking.
This policy supports children’s developmental needs while maintaining health, safety, and individual accommodations.