DC question re: nap time

workingmama

DS just started in day care about six weeks ago and has been doing really well.  It has been everything we had hoped for him after being home for 18+ months.  Question, though - I went by to peek in the window during nap time, as I often do, and he was sitting, wide awake, on his cot, playing with a toy and staring out the window that looks into the center's hallway.  I felt sorry for him, though he seemed perfectly content.

Do centers usually just leave a child alone during nap time, even if they are not sleeping (as long as they are not disrupting the others)?  Perhaps this is a good sign of understanding rules and structure and considering others, but I just thought I would check with this knowledgeable bunch.  Thanks!

emjenkins715

That's kind of how it goes at my sons DC. As long as they are content and not screaming/crying etc. they stay in their cots. I understand that if they don't nap they at least get quiet down time which can be even more important if LO has trouble napping at first. It might also take a little time for LO to wind down from playing and that's how... or could have just woken up too. I wouldn't be worried about it, but you can always ask them. If they are a good DC they'll let you know exactly what happens during nap time.

pinkcallalily

My son's daycare has a webcam so I watch him pretty often. He's not the greatest sleeper and most days wakes up from his nap 30-60 minutes before the rest of the kids.  He just sits on the cot and plays with books or other quiet toys until the others start waking up.  There have been a few days where his sheet said he didn't sleep at all, but he still spends that time sitting quietly on his cot.  They do try to get him to sleep (or back to sleep when he wakes up), but it doesn't always work.

blissfully_caffeinated

Yep. At DS center he doesn't have to nap but he does have to have some quiet alone time. His room naps from 12-2. They wouldn't leave a kid by himself that whole time but they would encourage some quiet alone play. Usually the kids fall back asleep. If not, the teachers will spend some 1 on 1 time with them.