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Napping and Sleeping Requirements

Purpose

To ensure that all children are provided with safe, sanitary, and developmentally appropriate sleeping and napping arrangements while in care, in compliance with childcare licensing regulations and best practices.

Scope

This SOP applies to all childcare personnel responsible for supervising children during napping or sleeping periods, including daytime naps and overnight care when applicable.

Definitions

  • Sleeping: The normal night-time sleep cycle.

  • Napping: A brief period of rest during daylight or early evening hours.

Procedure

Step 1: Provide Approved Bedding

  1. Ensure each child is provided with safe, sanitary bedding when napping or sleeping.

  2. Approved sleep bedding includes:

    • Beds

    • Cribs

    • Mattresses

  3. Approved nap bedding includes:

    • Sleep bedding

    • Cots

    • Playpens

    • Play yards

    • Floor mats

  4. Air mattresses and foam mattresses are strictly prohibited.

  5. Nap bedding is not required for school-age children; however, an appropriate area must be provided for children who choose to rest.

Step 2: Ensure Bedding Safety and Fit

  1. Bedding must be appropriate for the child’s size.

  2. Floor mats must:

    • Be at least one (1) inch thick

    • Have an impermeable, cleanable surface

  3. Double or multi-deck cribs, cots, or beds are prohibited.

Step 3: Implement Overnight Sleep Routines (If Applicable)

  1. If children sleep overnight, staff must ensure accepted bedtime routines are followed, including:

    • Brushing teeth

    • Washing face and hands

  2. Personal hygiene items must follow these rules:

    • Toothbrushes, towels, and washcloths may not be shared

    • Toothbrushes must be stored to prevent contact with other toothbrushes

Step 4: Linen Use and Availability

  1. Linens must be provided when children are sleeping.

  2. Pillows and blankets must be available and appropriate for use.

  3. For children under one (1) year of age, staff must follow all additional infant sleep requirements outlined in the applicable infant sleep SOP.

Step 5: Linen Cleaning and Sanitization

  1. Linens must be:

    • Washed at least once per week

    • Washed immediately when soiled or dirty

  2. Linens used by more than one child must be washed between each use.

  3. All bedding and linens must be:

    • Thoroughly cleaned and sanitized weekly

    • Cleaned and sanitized before being used by another child

Step 6: Proper Storage of Bedding and Linens

  1. When not in use, bedding and linens must be stored in a sanitary manner that prevents the spread of:

    • Germs

    • Lice

  2. Bedding and linens may not be stored in bathrooms, unless stored inside closed cabinets.

Compliance

All childcare personnel are responsible for following this SOP consistently. Failure to comply may result in corrective action and may place the facility out of compliance with licensing regulations.