Nap & Rest

Rest is part of the daily rhythm that helps children learn, grow, and feel their best. We know young children regulate and focus best when their bodies and minds have time to recharge. Our nap practices create a calm, nurturing environment that supports every child’s well-being.

Daily Rhythm

  • Timing: Nap and rest take place from 1:00–3:00 PM, with gentle transitions beginning around 12:45.

  • Environment: Soft lighting, cozy cots, and calming music (sometimes white noise or fans) help children settle.

  • Consistency: Familiar routines—bathroom breaks, water refills, and quiet stories—signal to children that it’s time to rest.

Gentle Rituals

To help children feel secure, teachers lead short mantras or call-and-response cues that remind them they are safe, loved, and cared for:

  • Teacher: “You are safe.” → Children: “I am safe.”

  • Teacher: “You are loved.” → Children: “I am loved.”

  • Teacher: “Rest helps your body grow strong.” → Children: “I am growing strong.”

Sometimes we also use simple breath focuses (“Peace in my heart, calm in my body”) or repeat a single word like safe, loved, rest. These rituals help children ease into quiet stillness with confidence.For Children Who Nap

  • Teachers provide a calm, supportive atmosphere for children who need sleep.

  • Comfort items from home (blankets or stuffed animals) are welcome.

  • Children are not woken early unless required for health or safety.

For Children Who Do Not Nap

  • Children rest quietly on cots with books, drawing boards, or soft listening activities.

  • After at least 30 minutes of quiet rest, non-nappers may be offered calm, independent activities so long as they do not disturb others.

Why Rest Matters

Rest is more than a break—it’s an essential part of growth and learning. Nap time helps children:

  • Recharge attention and memory.

  • Support physical growth and emotional regulation.

  • Enjoy a peaceful reset before an active afternoon of play and discovery.

Each child has their own cot and may bring a favorite blanket or stuffed animal from home. For children who find comfort in gentle pressure, weighted blankets are also available. Our goal is to make nap time feel safe, cozy, and reassuring—whether children drift into sleep or simply rest quietly.

State Standards & AVP Care

As a licensed Colorado preschool, AVP follows all nap and rest regulations, which ensure:

  • Every child is offered a rest opportunity each day.

  • Children are never forced to sleep but always provided a quiet space to rest.

  • Cots are sanitized daily; bedding is stored separately and laundered weekly or sooner if needed.

Our Philosophy

Whether a child falls into deep sleep or rests quietly with their thoughts, nap time is designed to be restorative. Through soothing rituals, gentle affirmations, and consistent routines, we honor children’s need for balance and remind them: they are safe, they are loved, and their growth is cherished.