What We Do and Why: Rest

Nap time at Little Dreamers Early Childhood Center

For children who spend long days at the center, rest time provides rejuvenation for the afternoon program. Because children associate sleeping with home, many have a difficult time settling down. We understand this and recognize that it is to be expected.

Each child has their own way of relaxing or falling asleep. Some drop off to sleep right away, some need to suck their thumb or a pacifier to help them relax, some have a special blanket or a soft toy that helps them feel safe and comfortable, many need an adult to rub their back to calm them down and others need a calming voice to read them a story or sing a special song.

Nap time at Little Dreamers Early Childhood Center
We plan a quiet activity for the group right before rest time, such as a group story, finger play or a quiet song. We play soft music during rest time to encourage a relaxed atmosphere and to help drown out background noises that might otherwise wake some children.

We know that many children, especially older preschoolers no longer nap. We provide these children with a shorter rest time with opportunities to talk with a teacher while they lie down or to look at books or listen to music. After a period of quiet relaxation, children who do not nap are provided with quiet activities on tables or carpets in the room or are taken to an alternative location to play so as not to disturb children who need continued time to sleep.

Nap time at Little Dreamers Early Childhood Center Children are allowed to wake up at their own pace, without the expectation that they will awaken quickly or cheerfully from a deep sleep. As they awaken, children are helped on with their socks and shoes when necessary and are allowed to sit quietly for a few moments looking at books or working puzzles until everyone is up and ready to begin afternoon activities.