11. Nap time can be an especially complex time. Some children need to sleep, other children have their

own schedule and other children do not need to sleep and only need a short rest. (Page 195)

June 13, 2023

Nap time is important for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and some kindergarten children. Infants

sleep "on-demand", based on their own schedule. For other age groups, the daily schedule should

incorporate a balance of active and quiet play, including a rest period. During quiet time, children

should be encouraged to rest, but not required to sleep. Children who do not sleep should be allowed

to get up and participate in quiet activities after a period of rest, while still respecting the quiet time so

others can nap.

Read the Nap and Quiet time policy at Windridge Park Preschool and answer the questions below.

https://cdn1.hubspot.net/hubfs/5884588/website-pdfs/Canada/Parent-Handbook-BC-August-2021.pdf

Our Naptime/ Rest time Policy

Imagine an entire day without your preschooler napping or having downtime. Oh, no! It sounds about

as much fun to you as it is to their daycare teacher. With circle time, outdoor and gym play, art,

music, and more play in our stimulating group centre, we recognize and understand the need for a

young child to nap or rest during the day. The primary reason behind a naptime policy is to make sure

your child doesn't become irritable in the aftemoon, and that they stay safe before, during and after

their nap time. Preschool children usually need some amount of rest during the day to provide

downtime for their bodies to rejuvenate. On average, preschool children (aged 3 to 5 years) sleep 10-

12 hours at night in addition to approximately a one-hour nap in the afternoon. Children's nap

schedules may vary depending on age and individual needs.

While not every child can easily sleep during naptime, we require that non-sleeping kids are quiet

during this restful period. A nap is not forced on any child; your child does not have to sleep.

Teachers typically will tell the children that they should try to sleep, and if they can't, they need to sit

or lie quietly. This can include a quiet time activity such as looking at a book or sitting on their mat

drawing or doing a puzzle. Understandably, this policy helps napping children to fall asleep easier

and provides a calm atmosphere in the room. The naptime environment is calming with soft music

and dim lights, and everyone has their own mat. Parents or Windridge Park Childcare Centre will

provide the bedding (fitted sheet, blanket) that is comfortable for their child. Teachers will wash the

bedding and disinfect their mats once a week.

Our naptime routine starts after lunch and our teachers go through a similar routine every day for the

children to understand what is expected of them, so they feel safe and secure. Our ratio, as stated by

Vancouver Coastal Health licensing, is one teacher to 8 children together at nap time. Nap/rest time is

required of all children in childcare who are in attendance for 4 hours or more. Your child may bring

a soft toy, pillow, and blanket for naptime. Your child is provided with an individual resting place. It

is important that parents understand that all children need to rest. No bottles or sippy cups while

napping. Our nap rest time typically will be from 1:00 to 2:00, depending on the children's needs. We

ideally wish for this time to be one of rejuvenation, relaxation, and care for all our children's

individual needs.

A. What do you like about this policy?

B. What do not like about this policy?