Helping Your Little One Succeed at Preschool

What happens when your child won't nap at daycare? The childcare day generally includes at least one nap time. But your little learner refuses to rest. What gives? If your preschooler won't nap in care, take a look at what you need to know about sleep, young children, and more. 

Do All Children Nap?

No, all children don't (or won't) nap. According to the Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, preschoolers ages three through five need 11 to 12 hours of sleep each night and a nap. But many will stop napping by age five. But this doesn't mean every child will take an afternoon nap or that all five-year-olds won't need to sleep during the day. 

These are the expected sleep times for young children—and each child is an individual. Some three-year-olds won't need an afternoon rest period, while others will. The same is true for four and five-year-olds. Some children may get more than 11 to 12 hours of sleep at night. These preschoolers won't always have the need to add extra rest hours during their day in care. Other children may prefer to nap at home after school or just don't want to sleep during their school day.

Are All Children Required To Nap In Care?

The answer to this question depends on the early childhood center. Some daycare center programs have designated nap times for all students. Other schools may have a more flexible or open nap period. If your child isn't a regular napper, talk to your child's teacher about the nap-time schedule and the classroom routine. 

What Happens If Your Child Won't Sleep?

Even though your child's classroom has a designated nap period, your preschooler won't sleep. If your child still naps at home, you will need to figure out why they won't rest at school. Some children may feel uncomfortable sleeping in an out-of-the-home environment, others are over-stimulated by the school setting, and some may want to exert their independence. Talk to your child and their teacher before you assume your child just won't nap anymore. If you can't find a reason, you will need to come up with an alternative idea.

Even the best early childhood educator can't make a non-napper nap. Instead of forcing your child to sleep, discuss alternative (to napping) ideas with the teacher. These could include resting quietly during nap time or engaging in a quiet-time solitary activity, such as coloring or paging through picture books. 

Reach out to your local childcare center to learn more.