Acton Early Childhood Centre.

 

SLEEP AND REST POLICY

 

AIM

 

To respond to childrenÕs need for quiet times and provide a relaxing and pleasant environment for sleep and rest.

 

EXPLANATION

 

Sleep is important for each child's wellbeing. Depending on the age group of the children, the requirements for sleep and rest will differ.  Children at Acton Early Childhood Centre are involved in constant activity throughout the day and this should be balanced by quiet times programmed into their routine.  This time will be supervised by the staff. Children who do not sleep will be given a short period of rest before beginning quiet activities.

 

ACTIONS

 

Billy Buttons

 

á    Babies have a separate sleep room and sleep times will be in response to individual needs and in consultation with parents.

á    Babies are changed and made comfortable before being put to bed. 

á    Babies have an identified cot and may be put down to sleep with comfort/security toys brought from home. These will be removed from the cot once the child is sleeping.

á    Parents are to bring in two cot sheets, and an appropriate weight blanket.

á    Staff will discuss settling practices with parents to support family practices. Babies will sleep in the main play area in a quiet corner where this is the only way in which they can be encouraged to sleep or where this better simulates the home situation. 

á    In order to follow recommendations regarding SIDS, all babies will be put to sleep on their backs, without excessive clothing. See Safe Sleeping Practices Policy – SIDS and KIDS recommendations.

á    Music and comforting staff contact will be a regular part of the routine.

á    Monitors to the sleep room will be on whenever there are children using the sleep room.

á    Older babies will sleep on mats to orientate them to this style of sleeping before they join the Sundews group.

 

Sundews

 

á    Toddlers are encouraged to have a standard sleep time, generally settling at around 12.30.

á    Toddlers are changed and suitably clothed before settling

á    Toddlers sleep on a mattress on the floor in the sleep room.

á    Parents must bring toddlers one fitted cot sheet, one top sheet and an appropriate weight blanket.

á    Toddlers wake and return to play in their own time or when indicated by parents.

á    Toddlers may sleep with comfort/security toys.

á    Music and comforting staff contact will be a regular part of the routine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kanookas

 

á    It is difficult to program a rest time for all preschoolers at the same time.  Children who need a regular sleep will be settled by approximately 1.00pm each day. 

á    Non sleepers will be encouraged to rest and then participate in quiet activities as set out in the room program.

á    Preschoolers sleep on a mattress on the floor in the sleep room. Children who are only resting may use large pillows or bean bags.

á    Parents must bring preschoolers who sleep one fitted cot sheet, one top sheet and an appropriate weight blanket in cooler months.

á    Preschoolers wake and return to play in their own time or when indicated by parents.

á    Preschoolers may sleep with comfort/security toys if this is not causing a distraction or disturbance for the child and others.

á    Music, recorded stories and comforting staff contact will be a regular part of the routine.

á    A sleep record chart will be maintained on the sign on /off sheet. This will indicate whether a child has slept or only rested.

 

 

 

 

In the application of this policy reference should also be made to the following centre policies:-

á    Multicultural Policy

á    Anti-Bias Policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source - Sids and Kids ÒSafe Sleeping Childcare KitÓ June 2004.

               Parentlink Parenting Information Sheet ÒSleep (0-6years)Ó 2003.

               Safe Sleeping Practices Policy.

 

 

Policy  Reviewed 7-10-03.

Reviewed by Policy Review Committee 24-5-05.

Reviewed by Policy Review Committee 8-5-07.

Reviewed Policy Review Committee 30-6-09.