When considering preschool or daycare for your little one, many parents naturally ask: Does preschool have nap time? The short answer is yes—most preschools and daycares do include nap time in their daily schedule. But how it’s structured, how long it lasts, and whether it’s age-appropriate can vary depending on the facility and the child’s age.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything Calgary parents need to know about nap time in preschools and daycares—from age-based nap needs to how Chapter 1 Daycare supports healthy sleep routines for young children.
Why Is Nap Time Important in Early Childhood?
Sleep is essential for a child’s growth, brain development, and emotional regulation. During naps, the brain consolidates learning, processes emotions, and recharges energy levels. Skipping naps can lead to overtiredness, which often results in tantrums, lack of focus, and difficulty settling at night.
Preschools and daycare programs that prioritize rest time are helping children stay emotionally balanced and physically healthy throughout the day.
Do Preschools Have Nap Time?
Yes, most preschools and licensed daycare centers do have scheduled nap times, especially for children under 5 years old. Naptime is typically built into the daily routine because it plays a crucial role in a child’s cognitive and physical development. Children who nap regularly tend to be more alert, emotionally balanced, and ready to engage in learning and play.
In Calgary, many childcare providers follow Alberta’s child care regulations, which recommend rest periods for children who attend care for more than six hours a day. However, each center might manage it differently—some provide a quiet rest area even if a child doesn’t fall asleep.
How Long Is Nap Time in Daycare and Preschool?
The length of nap time varies by center, age group, and individual child needs. On average:
- Daycares: Often schedule nap times between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Preschools: May offer a slightly shorter nap or quiet time, particularly if they serve older toddlers or 3–5-year-olds.
Quiet activities (books, puzzles, or soft music) are provided for children who don’t sleep but still benefit from downtime.
How Do Daycares Manage Nap Time?
Most Calgary preschools and daycares use a structured approach to nap time:
- Set nap windows: Usually between 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- Designated sleep areas: Clean mats, cots, or cribs, depending on age
- Soothing environment: Dimmed lights, soft music, or white noise
- Non-sleepers rest quietly: If a child doesn’t sleep, they’re encouraged to relax quietly with a book or soft toy
Providers closely monitor children during naps and align sleep routines with each child’s home habits when possible, especially for infants.
How Much Nap Time Is Good? (By Age)
One of the most common questions parents ask is: How much nap time does my child really need? Let’s break it down by age.
1–2 Months
- Newborns sleep in short cycles throughout the day and night.
- Nap needs: 4–5 naps per day, 30 mins to 2 hours each.
3–4 Months
- Naps start to become more predictable.
- Nap needs: 3–4 naps per day, totaling 4–5 hours.
5–6 Months
- Sleep begins to consolidate.
- Nap needs: 3 naps per day, about 1–1.5 hours each.
7–9 Months
- Transitioning from three to two naps.
- Nap needs: 2–3 naps per day, 1–2 hours each.
10–12 Months
- Most babies settle into two naps (morning and afternoon).
- Nap needs: 2 naps per day, ~1–1.5 hours each.
13–15 Months
- Many toddlers begin dropping the morning nap.
- Nap needs: 1–2 naps, 1.5–2 hours total.
16–24 Months
- One solid afternoon nap becomes the norm.
- Nap needs: 1 nap, 1.5–2 hours.
2–3 Years
- Still requires a daily nap but may start resisting it.
- Nap needs: 1 nap, ~1 hour.
4–5 Years
- Many children start phasing out naps.
- Preschools often replace nap time with quiet rest time.
- Nap needs: Varies—30 mins to 1 hour, or quiet time only.
How Much Nap Time is Too Much?
While it’s important for children to get enough rest, too much daytime sleep can interfere with nighttime routines. If a child struggles to fall asleep at night, their nap duration or timing may need to be adjusted. A good rule of thumb: toddlers and preschoolers should wake from naps by 3:00 PM to avoid bedtime disruptions.
Tips for Supporting Healthy Nap Habits at Home and in Preschool
- Keep nap times consistent, even on weekends
- Use a wind-down routine: a story, dim lights, or soft music
- Limit sugary snacks before rest time
- Create a calm, screen-free environment before naps
- Communicate with your daycare provider to stay in sync with your child’s routine
How Chapter 1 Daycare Supports Nap Time
At Chapter 1 Daycare in Calgary, we understand how important rest is to your child’s health and happiness. That’s why our daily routine includes a calm, structured nap time tailored to each age group.
Here’s how we do it:
- Infants nap according to their individual sleep schedules.
- Toddlers follow a predictable routine, including post-lunch naps in cozy rooms.
- Older preschoolers are given the option of resting quietly or engaging in low-energy activities.
Our educators monitor children closely during nap time and work with parents to maintain consistent sleep routines both at home and in the center.
What If My Child Doesn’t Nap?
It’s completely normal for some preschool-aged children to skip naps. In these cases, we offer:
- Quiet reading corners
- Soft music
- Gentle yoga or stretching
This allows children to recharge without disrupting others who are sleeping.
Final Thoughts
Whether your child is 6 months or 4 years old, nap time remains a crucial part of their day. It supports their emotional well-being, helps regulate their body clocks, and provides a much-needed break from play and learning.
If you’re looking for a daycare or preschool in Calgary that honors your child’s need for rest, Chapter 1 Daycare provides nurturing care, age-appropriate nap schedules, and a peaceful environment for every child to thrive.