This means the distance can be accomplished by staggering the direction in which children lie: head-to-toe and toe-to-head. Children’s faces should be at least three feet apart or separated by a solid barrier, such as a shelf unit, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children. If children are too close together, they may distract each other and spread illnesses. Think carefully about cot arrangement as well. Children should not sleep directly on the floor.

First, each child in a full-day program should have a cot or mat for rest time. There is a lot you can do to promote a peaceful rest time. See Creating a Restful Environment for Sleep Some children do not sleep during naptime, but they still benefit from a quiet period of rest. A child who gets less sleep at night will likely need a longer nap during the day. A child who sleeps 10 to 12 hours per night may nap less than an hour during the day. The amount of sleep a child needs during the day is also related to the amount of sleep a child gets at night. This nap usually lasts around one hour, but each child’s sleep needs are different. Typically, preschool children benefit from one afternoon nap. Developmental Stages and SleepĪs children progress from infancy through the preschool years, they typically need less and less sleep during the day.

It is still our responsibility to keep all children safe during this important time. Although preschoolers are not at risk for sudden infant death syndrome, rest time is not without risk. We often think of infants when we think of “safe sleep” practices. Children who are overtired often are easily upset and may even have a harder time falling asleep at night (for more information, see ). Without naps, children may become overtired. Young brains and muscles also do serious work during sleep. Naps give children time to rejuvenate and let active bodies rest. Sleep is an important part of a healthy childhood.

Rest time cots