Page 48 - parent handbook 2024-25 FINAL FLIP

Naptime
Why Sleep Is So Important
Sleep plays a significant role in your childʼs overall physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep is essential for optimal health and development in young children. In fact, most kids spend approximately 40% of their overall childhood sleeping.
Naps are an essential part of your childʼs sleep hygiene. Toddlers (2-year-olds) need up to 12 to 14 hours of sleep, including an afternoon nap. Preschoolers (3 and 4-year-olds) require up to 12 hours of sleep at night with an afternoon nap. Naps help keeps children from becoming overtired, which not only takes a toll on their moods but may also make it harder for them to
fall asleep at night.
Much of your childʼs brain development occurs during the time in which they are sleeping. Brain development during sleep has a direct effect on a childʼs ability to learn, regulate their emotions, have good attention span, and overall health.
No child wants to nap or go to bed. They have so many things they want to do! Many parents allow their child to drop their naps before they are physically and emotionally ready, hoping they will go to bed earlier. But, this often has the opposite effect making evenings less relaxed and enjoyable for both parent and child.
Naptime at Alden
All toddlers nap from approximately 12:00 to 2:30. Preschoolers rest from approximately 1:00 to 2:30. They are afforded ample time to wake up naturally and rise when they feel ready. Waking a child from a nap early and disturbing their sleep pattern is generally not a good idea as children often do not feel well and are groggy or upset. Preschoolers who wake up early may rise after an hour and quietly work on an activity as long as they allow their peers to rest undisturbed.
Children who are unable to work quietly and are disruptive during naptime would be better served by attending the morning program and picked up after lunch.
Five-year-olds and kindergartners do not nap but have approximately 20 minutes of downtime to relax while the teachers assist the nappers and prepare for the afternoon work cycle. This may include resting on a mat, reading a book, or drawing.
Support for Home
If you struggle with your child at bedtime and need help, we have many ideas on bedtime routines to share. Most of us have had children of our own and have experienced all you are going through!