Nap time is an essential part of the day for young children. It allows them to rest and recharge to be ready to learn and play for the rest of the day. However, preschool nap time can sometimes be a challenge for teachers. Most children will eventually fall asleep, but some may need a little help getting there.
Winding down for nap time can sometimes be difficult for children as they might be too excited or too curious about their surroundings before relaxing enough to fall asleep. Creating a calm and peaceful environment is often the first step in helping them drift off to sleep.
This article provides tips to help make preschool nap time go more smoothly for your children. You’ll find tips for both nappers and non-nappers and advice on creating a calm and comfortable environment for all.
Why is nap time important?
Sleep is very important to a child’s growth, development, and overall physical and mental health. While children need different amounts of sleep at different stages of their development, nap time during the day can supplement their sleep at night, allowing them to get the recommended amount of sleep they need to grow, learn, and play. Naps can also reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, increase alertness, and boost cognitive function. Furthermore, getting enough sleep is essential for building a strong immune system.
Some state licensing agencies may require a certain amount of time for preschoolers to rest daily. For example, in California, licensing agencies require that all children in daycare centers have an opportunity to nap or rest without distraction or disturbance from other activities at the center. This can be in the form of a nap or quiet activities such as reading or coloring.
This regulation is in place to ensure that children are getting the rest they need. It’s also important to note that only some children will sleep during this time, and some may simply need a break from the daycare environment.
Check your state’s licensing regulations to see if there is a required rest period in your local area. If so, make sure you’re providing that for your children. If not, consider implementing quiet time into their daily routine. You want your preschoolers to experience the benefits of a good nap.
How long is nap time in preschool or daycare?
Children’s nap time varies depending on age and how long they slept the previous night. Some children may not sleep during nap time, which is perfectly normal.
As a general rule, naps should last up to two hours. This gives the child enough time to rest and recharge without feeling groggy when they wake up. The following are some general guidelines for nap time length, based on age:
Infants
Infants are typically the best nappers, as they need the most sleep. Newborns tend to sleep the most, waking every couple of hours to eat. Around four months old, babies are usually sleeping longer at night and typically have two to three daytime naps.
Toddlers
Toddlers usually take one to two naps daily, each lasting one to two hours. Some toddlers may need only one nap, while others may still need two.
Preschoolers
Preschoolers generally take one nap per day, lasting one to two hours. However, some preschoolers might not need a nap at all.
With brightwheel’s daily report feature your teachers can quickly log things like meal and nap times, learning milestones, and other activities all from the brightwheel app. This centralizes documentation in one place and can be easily shared with families each day.
