Nap & Rest Time Policy at Licensed Daycares in Saskatchewan | Daisy Days Guide

Rest time is an important part of the daily schedule at any quality licensed daycare — but parents often have questions about nap policies, what happens when children don’t sleep, and how rest time transitions as children grow. At Daisy Days Daycare in Regina SK, we follow developmental guidelines for rest and sleep that meet Saskatchewan’s licensed childcare standards.

Why Rest Time Matters at Licensed Daycares in Saskatchewan

Children’s sleep needs in early childhood are significant and non-negotiable:

• Infants (0-12 months): 14-17 hours/day total — multiple naps throughout the day are essential
• Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours/day — typically one nap (1-3 hours) in the early afternoon
• Toddlers (2-3 years): 11-14 hours/day — most still napping daily, some transitioning out
• Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours/day — some nap, some don’t; rest period is appropriate for all

Children who don’t get adequate daytime rest are more emotionally dysregulated, have shorter attention spans, eat more poorly, and have more behavioral challenges in the afternoon. Protecting rest time at licensed daycares serves every child.

How Rest Time Works at Daisy Days Daycare

Infant Rest (Birth-18 months)

Infants nap on individual schedules based on their developmental age and personal sleep-wake cycle. At Daisy Days Daycare, infants sleep in individual cribs or designated safe sleep spaces in a quiet, dimmed room. We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep guidelines: on their back, in their own space, with no loose bedding.

Toddler Rest (18m-3 years)

Most toddlers aged 18 months to 2.5 years still need a daily nap, typically after lunch. Individual cots or mats are set up in a quiet area. Sleep cues vary by child — our educators are responsive to each child’s individual settling needs.

Preschool Rest (3-5 years)

A quiet rest period (typically 45-90 minutes) is provided after lunch. Children lie down for the first portion of rest time. Active nappers sleep; children who no longer nap have quiet rest with low-stimulation activities (looking at books, quiet puzzles) after the initial rest period.

What to Bring for Nap Time at Daisy Days Daycare

• A small labelled blanket or sleep sack (optional — contact us for our current supply policy)
• A small comfort object if your child uses one for settling
• All items must be labelled with your child’s first and last name
• Take all nap items home weekly for washing

What If My Child Has Stopped Napping at Home?

Even children who have stopped napping at home often benefit from — and still nap during — the group rest period at daycare. The group rest environment and post-lunch tiredness often produce sleep in children who resist napping at home. This is normal and healthy. Daisy Days Daycare provides rest opportunities for all children; we never force sleep but always protect the rest period.

Contact Daisy Days Daycare to discuss our rest time schedule for your child’s age group.
306-807-3233 | info@daisydaysdaycare.com | 2007 Potts Crescent East, Regina SK S4V 2E5