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Sleeping and Napping Arrangements SOP

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: A normal night-time sleep cycle.

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

Procedure

Step 1: Provide Approved Bedding

  • Each child must be provided with safe, sanitary, and approved bedding during sleep or nap periods.

  • Approved sleep bedding includes:

    • Beds

    • Cribs

    • Mattresses

  • Approved nap bedding includes:

    • Sleep bedding

    • Cots

    • Playpens

    • Play yards

    • Floor mats

  • Prohibited bedding:

    • Air mattresses

    • Foam mattresses

  • Nap bedding is not required for school-age children; however, a designated and appropriate rest area must be available for children who choose to rest.

Step 2: Ensure Bedding Safety and Fit

  • Bedding must be appropriate for the child’s age and size.

  • Floor mats must:

    • Be a minimum of one (1) inch thick

    • Have an impermeable, cleanable surface

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

Step 3: Implement Overnight Sleep Routines (If Applicable)

When children sleep overnight, staff must ensure appropriate bedtime routines are followed, including:

  • Brushing teeth

  • Washing face and hands

Personal hygiene requirements:

  • Toothbrushes, towels, and washcloths must not be shared

  • Toothbrushes must be stored to prevent contact with other toothbrushes

Step 4: Linen Use and Availability

  • Linens must be provided for all children during sleeping or napping periods.

  • Pillows and blankets must be:

    • Available

    • Age-appropriate

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

Step 5: Linen Cleaning and Sanitization

  • Linens must be:

    • Washed at least once per week

    • Washed immediately when soiled or dirty

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

  • All bedding and linens must be:

    • Thoroughly cleaned and sanitized weekly

    • Cleaned and sanitized before use by another child

Step 6: Proper Storage of Bedding and Linens

  • When not in use, bedding and linens must be stored in a sanitary manner to prevent the spread of:

    • Germs

    • Lice

  • Bedding and linens may not be stored in bathrooms, unless they are kept inside closed cabinets.

Compliance

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