https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:06:22 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school/page/2#post-2701138 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 12:05:32 +0000 birdofafeather 2701138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>in CA, kids under 5 must have a spot to rest and DD1's current school said they couldn't wake kids up. but they napped them at 1:30! and she would sometimes be sleeping at 4 when i picked her up! it made for awful nights. but that was during summer when there were less kids (at 3.5) and when the new school year started, she pretty much stopped napping because none of those kids did.</p> <p>her old school had nap time from 12:30-2:30 and it was the perfect amount of time. but she was 3y4m when she left there and definitely sleeping the entire time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2701136 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 11:55:02 +0000 travellingbee 2701136@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: well I made a fuss about how that isn't developmentally appropriate and now they let him sit on his mat with paper and crayons or a book or some "quiet box" with little toys. But he hasn't to stay quiet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2701113 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 10:55:47 +0000 MamaG 2701113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: The issue you might encounter with sending her "back" to the old class to nap is child/teacher ratios. They probably would rather take on a kid full time ($$$) than leave the spot open to move your child there for a couple hours a day to nap when they don't get any additional $$$ for having that spot open for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2701068 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:58:32 +0000 snowjewelz 2701068@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: oh ok. yeah that brings me back to asking if they can just send her to her old room to nap if needed! but hey, as long as she is napping i guess it doesn't matter what they are doing :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2701054 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:41:50 +0000 lamariniere 2701054@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: it seems. I'm pretty she's in another room though (I get practically no info from daycare since there's a language barrier). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2701051 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:40:10 +0000 snowjewelz 2701051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: and she totally sleeps through the commotion? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2701044 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:33:59 +0000 lawbee11 2701044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: OMG that's insane. M doesn't usually nap at school anymore (maybe once a week), but their rest time is only an hour long. And she struggles with that! Luckily they let her read or do puzzles quietly. I can't imagine if she were expected to lie quietly for 2.5 hours. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2701040 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:31:50 +0000 lamariniere 2701040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: the other kids do all sorts of crafty activities after lunch. But they frequent do crafty activities, so I don't think she's missing out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2701036 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:28:43 +0000 snowjewelz 2701036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: I might say that too, if they'll let her nap if she's tired. What are the other kids doing while she naps? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2701035 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:28:11 +0000 snowjewelz 2701035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: wow it is pretty crazy too that they make him lay on the mat the whole time! Even now in the toddler room, if they don't nap or wake early they can at least sit at the table and do stuff quietly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2701033 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:26:05 +0000 lamariniere 2701033@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 3yo is still napping at daycare, but I think she's the only 3yo who naps (she's in the big kid class). She definitely needs it though and will even tell you she's tired. I told daycare they could move her up as long as she could keep napping. My son napped until about 3.5 at daycare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700936 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 23:20:57 +0000 travellingbee 2700936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: We had the same problem when my son was just turning three. They napped from 1230 to 3 and he would be up so late! Around 3 1/2 he just stopped completely though. Now he just has to lay there quietly on the mat from 1230 to 3 PM. It's ridiculous and I can't wait for him to go to pre-K next year where they don't nap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700930 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 22:58:53 +0000 autumnlove 2700930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, usually 12:30-2 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700893 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 21:47:25 +0000 Alba4 2700893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, my 3.5 year old naps at school from 1-3. That seems strange to me that there would be preschool with no naps?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700868 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:44:00 +0000 catlady 2700868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DD still naps at age 3 and her preschool class does 1-3 as nap time. That said, she often takes later naps on weekends (no earlier than 1:30 and often 2) and it hasn't really affected bedtime. She's in bed by 8pm, weekday or weekend. My kid might be unusual but just wanted to mention it in case your DD has to have a 2pm naptime. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700750 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 15:20:52 +0000 daniellemybelle 2700750@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In Texas, any program longer than 4 hours requires a rest period. So, they would definitely have to have nap time of some sort if they were in Texas! I SAH and we are doing a 9-1 preschool this fall so she can come home and take a nap (hopefully!) after school versus an abbreviated nap at school. My LO turned 3 last October. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700704 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 14:24:07 +0000 snowjewelz 2700704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: oo, that may be a good idea; to be able to move her up to the next level but keep that nap time. Thanks for the idea! And your comment is helpful.. I guess we know our kids best, and I know that she'll make it, but she will either have to nap at aftercare, or be cranky in the evening. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700701 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 14:20:52 +0000 LBee 2700701@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: My son is in MDO / preschool and has pretty much the exact same schedule. He has thrived. His program ends at 1 PM though. He's not 3 year (2.5), but I can already say he would not be able to hang until 2 PM. There are days when he passes out during lunch and they end up having to put him down. I also can say that him going down at 2 would most likely translate to him sleeping too late into the evening (probably 4:30) and rough bedtimes. </p> <p>I realize my comments aren't very useful other than confirming that this wouldn't work. I will say my son has thrived on a similar structure (except his lunch is way earlier - like 11:30 - by 12:30 he would be a monster).</p> <p>ETA: Ohh, I actually had a helpful thought! I wonder if they would be okay with her going to the toddler room for nap at 1 PM -- it looks like 1 PM is just quiet time, etc. I'm not sure if that's even a possibility, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700699 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 14:19:33 +0000 snowjewelz 2700699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks all.. I am going to talk to the director more about this. I will most likely ask to keep her in the toddler room and see if she's ready to move mid-way after she turns 3. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700696 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 14:16:56 +0000 snowjewelz 2700696@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: This is their sample schedule - </p> <p>Free play till 9:30 as kids come in<br /> 9:30-10 - calendar time, then exercise time<br /> 10-10:30 snack time<br /> 10:30-11 circle time<br /> 11-11:30 table toys<br /> 11:30-12 group activities/games<br /> 12-12:30 gross motor activities (playground)<br /> 12:30-1 lunch<br /> 1-1:30 quiet reading/arts and crafts<br /> 1:30-2 closing circle </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700687 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 14:11:26 +0000 Pumuckl 2700687@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO dropped his nap at home at 2.5 and as soon as he was allowed to at school at a little over 3. Since dropping the nap his overall sleep has actually increased because he goes to bed so much earlier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700682 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 14:06:50 +0000 twodoghouse 2700682@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For kids who do a full day (8:30-3 at our school), there is a nap time. If you just do a half day (morning or afternoon), there is no naptime. I wouldn't want my 2 yr 9 mo olds to go the whole day without a nap. My kids are just over that age now and they NEED their nap, especially on school days. I know there are a lot of kids their age who don't nap anymore, but for us, it's still very much necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700678 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:59:58 +0000 gingerbebe 2700678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our school goes until Pre-K/4 and they require naps/rest time for everyone from 12-2pm. DS is 2 years 5 months right now and there are rare days when he will not nap at school (I think 2 days since he started in September), but he still takes 2-3 hour naps at home on the weekend, so he definitely needs it. I would do everything possible to keep his nap in place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700662 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:31:45 +0000 winniebee 2700662@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can she move mid-year? I would keep her in the toddler room until you feel she is ready to drop the nap. Most kids don't start preschool until 3 here anyways! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700658 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:22:50 +0000 erinbaderin 2700658@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, at our daycare they nap up 12:30-2:30 until they go into the kindergarten room at 4. The kids who don't sleep any more have to stay quietly on their cots for an hour and then are allowed to get up and do quiet activities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700652 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:14:29 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2700652@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: Yes, I would talk to the director about how the handle a young child who still needs a nap. If they aren't willing to let her nap from like 2:30-4 then I would hold her back another year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700646 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 12:46:34 +0000 Mrs D 2700646@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, my DD is 3.5 and in pre-school. She naps (well - in theory) from 12:30-2:30 each day. They nap in the pre-K room (next up) as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700645 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 12:43:47 +0000 winniebee 2700645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Responded on another trhead. By law in ME there is mandatory rest time for 3 year olds. Kids are not required to sleep, but yes, rest. T stopped napping before 3 (and stopped napping at school at just over 2) but many children do nap at 3 at his school!</p> <p>T was low sleep needs and he napped later at home around age 2.5 -- probably 1:30-3 or 2-3:30/4. He would go to bed around 8:30. When he dropped his nap he started going to bed at 7:30 for a long time. For a long time there were some days he needed the nap and other days he would skip. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700641 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 12:40:53 +0000 Worrywart 2700641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That's crazy! My daughter is 4 1/2 and is in pre-k and they have nap/quiet time from 1-3p everyday. I'm pretty sure it's DCFS required. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-your-3-year-old-nap-at-school#post-2700640 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 12:39:51 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2700640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: Yup, my kid is weird that way. I actually consulted a sleep specialist about it and she said that the nap gives her an extra jolt of energy, kinda like caffeine. Our daycare won't force them to sleep, but won't keep them awake either, so when it's with the crowd, she'll usually fall asleep. </p> <p>I would definitely check with the nap policy with aftercare. Ours is strictly 1-3 PM, so they will be woken at 3 regardless. I imagine your aftercare will do the same, but it's worth checking. The other question I'd ask them is whether they keep kids awake and only have those who want naps nap, or if everyone naps. Last but not least, I'd try a couple weekends without a nap and see what happens. Our kid is definitely an oddity with her long stretches of not sleeping, but even with her we notice some crankiness when it gets to 4-5 PM. We usually try to avoid the car (so we don't get the dreaded car nap) and do some quiet/distracting activities so she can power through. </p>