Daycare Sleep, Rest Time & Nap Policy for Toddlers & Preschoolers | Daisy Days Regina SK

Sleep and rest time at licensed daycare is a topic that generates many parent questions — particularly around whether children are required to nap, what happens if a child doesn’t sleep, and whether daycare sleep practices are safe. At Daisy Days Daycare in Regina SK, here’s the complete guide to rest and sleep in our programs.

Why Rest Time Matters at Licensed Daycare in Saskatchewan

Rest is not a luxury at licensed daycare — it is a regulatory requirement and a developmental necessity:

• Saskatchewan’s Child Care Regulations require that licensed daycares provide appropriate rest and sleep opportunities for all enrolled children
• Children under 3 typically need a midday sleep for optimal development and wellbeing — overtiredness in toddlers produces the challenging afternoon behaviour that parents and educators find most difficult
• Even children who are transitioning away from napping benefit from a quiet midday rest period — the nervous system needs downtime even when sleep doesn’t occur

Infant Sleep at Daisy Days Daycare

Infant sleep at Daisy Days Daycare follows each baby’s individual schedule — not a group schedule. Safe sleep practices are non-negotiable:

• Each infant has their own designated sleep space (crib or regulated sleep surface)
• Infants are placed on their back to sleep — always
• No loose bedding, soft bumpers, positioners, toys, or plush items in the sleep space
• The sleep area is separate from the active play area
• Sleeping infants are supervised continuously — never left unobserved

Toddler Rest Time at Daisy Days Daycare

The toddler room has a scheduled rest period after lunch — typically lasting 60-90 minutes depending on the group. During this time:

• Each child has their own labeled rest mat or cot set up in the rest area
• The room is darkened and quieted — most toddlers in this age group genuinely need and benefit from this rest
• Children who fall asleep are allowed to sleep as long as needed (within program schedule)
• Children who are awake after a reasonable rest period are given quiet activity — books, soft toys — rather than being required to continue lying still

Preschool Rest Time — The No-Napper Reality

By age 3.5-4, many children are naturally transitioning away from regular napping. The preschool room at Daisy Days Daycare accommodates this reality:

• A rest period is still scheduled and required for all preschoolers (regulatory requirement)
• Children who don’t nap after a rest period are offered quiet independent activity — puzzles, books, drawing
• Children who do still nap are allowed to do so; rest mats are available for nappers and non-nappers alike
• Note: even non-nappers typically show better afternoon regulation after a quiet rest period than without one

Can I Ask Daisy Days Daycare Not to Let My Child Nap?

This is a common parent request — particularly from families whose child is transitioning off napping and whose evening routines are affected by a late afternoon daycare nap. The reality:

• Daisy Days Daycare is required by Saskatchewan licensing to provide rest opportunities — we cannot skip rest period
• We cannot guarantee a child won’t fall asleep — children often surprise parents by napping at daycare because the quiet environment triggers their natural sleep response
• We can note your preference in the child’s file and encourage quiet activity for a child who is genuinely past napping — but we cannot force wakefulness

→ Infant room and safe sleep guide
→ Toddler behaviour and rest — what’s connected
→ Toddler milestone guide

Contact Daisy Days Daycare for our complete rest and sleep policy in Regina SK.
306-807-3233 | info@daisydaysdaycare.com | 2007 Potts Crescent East, Regina SK S4V 2E5