Sleeping at daycare isn't just a cute routine—it's as crucial as learning to walk or chat! That's right, catching those Zs during the day is essential for your child's growth and development. If you're new to the world of daycare, you might have a bunch of questions about how naptime works at Cresthill Academy.
Here are a few queries we hear a lot:
"Will my child nap at daycare?"
"How many naps will my child take during daycare?"
"Does preschool include naptime?"
"How long will my child nap at daycare?"
We'll tackle these questions head-on and explain why our curriculum makes sleep a top priority for every class, from the tiniest infants and upwards.
WHY IS NAPPING AT DAYCARE SO IMPORTANT?
Like we said, nap schedules for toddlers are non-negotiable when it comes to your kiddo’s development. For little ones, sleep isn't just about rest. It’s about processing and learning. Cognitive Psychologist Rebecca Gómez from the University of Arizona in Tucson says that for infants, napping helps them extrapolate what they’ve learned and apply it to new situations.
Toddlers benefit hugely too. A regular nap routine helps them unwind, process their busy day, and recharge, giving them a fresh slate when they wake up.
Did you know? Newborns can snooze for 16-18+ hours a day! As they grow, this amount decreases. By the time they hit one to two years, most toddlers are down to one nap a day, which can last about one and a half to two hours.
And yes, even preschoolers between three to five years old still need their afternoon siestas, requiring around 12 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period.
Consistency in nap schedules is key for bright days and peaceful nights. Contrary to what some might think, skipping naps doesn't lead to better sleep at night. Over-tired children can become cranky and stressed, making it harder for them to settle down at bedtime.
NAPTIME AT CRESTHILL ACADEMY
At Cresthill Academy, we weave naptime seamlessly into each group's daily schedule. Our preschoolers range from 30 minutes to 2 hours of naptime after lunch and bathroom breaks. Early finishers? They get a little extra learning zone time while their peers wrap up.
Infants, on the other hand, follow a more flexible schedule, as your infant grows towards 12-18 months, you’ll see they fall into around two naps per day based on their needs because, you know, babies will sleep when they want to!
CREATING THE COZY AND SAFE NAPTIME ENVIRONMENT
We go all out to make our napping environment as cozy and comforting as possible. Our staff is expertly trained in age-appropriate child care and safe sleep practices, which includes everything from the back-to-sleep position for infants, no swaddling for any age and that cribs are clear of blankets and pillows.
Each child is unique, so our approach to helping them drift off is personalized—be it a gentle song, a soothing rock, or light strokes on the forehead to tip of their nose.
Safety is non-negotiable, so we stick to strict state guidelines regarding room lighting, layout, and sleeping amenities. Our infant rooms feature cribs, while the pre-k and preschool kids graduate to cots.
For those preschoolers who are not as sleepy as their peers, they are offered a state required 30 minute rest followed by quiet time with non-noisy activities like books and fidget toys, providing a calm break for everyone.
NAP SCHEDULES FOR TODDLERS AND BEYOND
At Cresthill Academy, we're dedicated to supporting your child's development through well-structured naptimes. Whether it's on-demand in our infant rooms or part of the daily routine in our pre-k and preschool classes, we never underestimate the power of a good nap.
Interested in a daycare that truly understands the needs of your child? Come check out Cresthill Academy, and see why naptime here is just one of the many ways we nurture your child's growth. Book a tour and join our family today!
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