Preschool Nap and Rest Time Safety Check
Rest time in preschool settings requires careful safety management. This checklist addresses licensing requirements for sleep space setup, supervision ratios during rest, and safe sleep practices for any toddlers or young preschoolers who may still nap, preventing injury and licensing violations.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 15 minutes
- Role: Lead Teacher / Assistant Teacher
- Total Items: 29
Rest Space Setup
Prepare and inspect the rest area before children use it.
- Cots or rest mats clean and sanitized?
- At least 18-24 inches spacing between mats/cots?
- Each child's bedding individually labeled and stored separately?
- Room temperature comfortable for resting (68-72°F)?
- Lighting dimmed appropriately for rest?
- No hazards (cords, heavy objects) accessible near children at rest?
Safe Sleep for Younger Children (Under 2)
Apply AAP safe sleep guidelines for any children under 2 years.
- All children under 2 placed on their backs to sleep?
- No soft bedding, pillows, stuffed animals in sleep spaces for under-2?
- Sleep sacks or wearable blankets used instead of loose blankets?
- Cribs meet current CPSC/ASTM safety standards (post-2011)?
- No sleep positioners, wedges, or inclined products used?
Supervision During Rest
Verify supervision requirements are met during rest.
- Awake, alert staff member present in rest area throughout rest period?
- Regular breathing checks conducted for sleeping children?
- No staff sleeping during children's rest time?
- Emergency exits accessible even during rest?
- First aid kit accessible during rest period?
Individual Rest Accommodations
Address individual children's rest needs.
- Non-napping children provided quiet activities?
- Approved comfort objects (pacifiers, small stuffed animal for older preschoolers) accessible?
- Children with special rest needs accommodated per health plan?
- Parent preferences for rest routines followed where possible?
Wake-Up and Transition
Manage the transition from rest back to activities.
- Gradual, calm wake-up process followed?
- Children wash hands after rest before activities or snack?
- Bedding stored in individually labeled bags after use?
- Mats sanitized or stacked with sanitation between layers?
- Any unusual sleep patterns or concerns noted for parent communication?
Rest Time Documentation
Complete required rest time records.
- Rest time start and end documented in daily log?
- Individual sleep logs completed for infants and toddlers?
- Any rest period incidents documented?
- Sleep information to share with parents at pickup noted?
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- Preschool IEP and Special Needs Accommodation Review
- Preschool Developmental Screening and Assessment Protocol
- Preschool Classroom Learning Environment Assessment
- Preschool Parent-Teacher Conference Preparation and Documentation
- After-School Program Daily Operations Safety Check
- After-School Program Emergency Preparedness Review
- After-School Program Activity Planning Safety Review
- Infant Safe Sleep Monitoring and SIDS Prevention Check
Related Preschool Checklists
- Preschool Weekly Curriculum Planning Checklist - FREE Download
- Preschool Classroom Morning Preparation - FREE Download
- Preschool Child Developmental Progress Assessment - FREE Download
- Preschool Circle Time and Group Activity Safety Check - FREE Download
- Preschool Outdoor Learning Environment Safety Check - FREE Download
- Preschool IEP and Special Needs Accommodation Review - FREE Download
- Preschool Developmental Screening and Assessment Protocol - FREE Download
- Preschool Classroom Learning Environment Assessment - FREE Download
- Preschool Parent-Teacher Conference Preparation and Documentation - FREE Download
- Preschool Daily Outdoor Learning and Recess Safety - FREE Download
Why Use This Preschool Nap and Rest Time Safety Check?
This preschool nap and rest time safety check helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for lead teacher / assistant teacher professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Preschool Nap and Rest Time Safety Check cover?
This checklist covers 29 inspection items across 6 sections: Rest Space Setup, Safe Sleep for Younger Children (Under 2), Supervision During Rest, Individual Rest Accommodations, Wake-Up and Transition, Rest Time Documentation. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 15 minutes.
Who should use this Preschool Nap and Rest Time Safety Check?
This checklist is designed for Lead Teacher / Assistant Teacher professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.