Nap and Sleep Standards for Daycare Centers
Website design By BotEap.comWhen a child’s attendance at a nursery or child care center requires a nap, the center must provide a separate crib, bed, or cot, as well as individual sheets and blankets.
- Children under 6 years of age who attend daycare for 5 or more hours a day should be given the opportunity to rest or nap.
- Babies should be allowed to sleep according to their individual needs (in consultation with parents).
- Young children 3 years and older who are not enrolled in kindergarten should not be allowed to nap longer than 2 hours.
- Children from kindergarten to school age children do not require a nap. However, padded chairs, floor pillows, soft rugs, or cots should be provided for lounging or lounging.
- The crib, bed, or cot provided for each child must be appropriate for the child’s developmental level.
- Babies must sleep in cribs.
- Small children can use stackable cots or full size cribs.
- Each cot, bed, or crib must be labeled with the child’s name.
- Cribs, beds and cots must be kept clean and disinfected.
- Cribs, beds, and cots should be wiped down as often as needed.
- Before another child uses it, all cribs, beds or cots must be thoroughly cleaned and then disinfected with a germicidal solution.
- At no time should 2 children be allowed to share the same crib, bed, or cot unless it is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each use of a child.
- Freshly laundered sheets and blankets should be provided and changed at least twice a week for infants and toddlers, at least once a week for preschoolers, or more often if wet or dirty.
- Bedding should be close-fitting and washable.
- Conveniently located, washable, plastic-lined, covered receptacles should be provided for soiled sheets and blankets.
- When children nap, the room should be dimly lit but not completely dark.
- Labeling cribs with numbers and child names can help ensure that the same child uses the same crib every day.
- Create a napping area that is separate from the play area to minimize disturbance for those who still need a nap.
- When storing cots, make sure they are away from hallways and activity areas.
- Create a calm environment for napping by dimming the lights and playing softer lullabies.