Rest Time - Dr Day Care Toddler training video (part 8)

Summary

The video script outlines a structured routine for toddlers post-lunch, focusing on the importance of rest to rejuvenate for the afternoon. Teachers facilitate the transition by assisting with potty breaks and setting up individual cots with unique sheets and blankets. A quiet environment is established with dimmed lights and soft music to encourage napping. Children are gently guided to self-soothe and sleep independently. Teachers use this time for administrative tasks and supervision. Upon waking, children engage in quiet activities before transitioning to snack time and outdoor play. The script emphasizes cleanliness with the sanitization of cots and overall classroom maintenance to ensure a hygienic and welcoming space for children and parents.

Takeaways

• 😴 Post-lunch is rest time for children, which helps them recharge for the afternoon activities.
• 👶 Teachers assist children in using the potty and preparing their cots with separate sheets and blankets.
• 🧸 Some children may have a comfort item or pacifier for naptime, which should be used only during this time.
• 💤 Dimming lights and using a soft voice signals the start of nap time and helps children wind down.
• 🤫 Teachers use whisper voices to communicate with children who are not sleeping, to maintain a quiet environment.
• 📚 Providing a book or quiet activity can help children who don't sleep to still participate in a calm manner.
• 🛌 Cots are spaced at least two feet apart and labeled with numbers corresponding to a child's name for organization.
• 🛋️ Teachers sit next to children to help them learn self-soothing and independent sleep, without rubbing backs.
• 📝 Nap time can be an opportunity for teachers to complete paperwork or prepare activities for later.
• 🎵 Soft lullabies or children's music are played at a low volume to facilitate relaxation and sleep.
• 🧩 Upon waking, children may engage in quiet activities on their cots, such as reading or playing with soft toys.
• 🍌 Snack times are individualized and served as soon as a child is ready, with a group going outside after finishing.
• 🧼 After naptime, children are encouraged to help clean up by putting away their bedding and comfort items.
• 🌞 Lights are turned on when about half of the children are awake, and all should be up by 2:30 pm at the latest.
• 🧹 The end of rest time involves cleaning and tidying up the classroom, including vacuuming and disposing of trash.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the rest period after lunch for toddlers?

The rest period after lunch helps toddlers to recharge their energy, which allows them to have a great afternoon.

What assistance do teachers provide during the transition from lunch to rest time?

Teachers help children use the potty and prepare their cots with separate sheets and small blankets.

Can children bring personal comfort items or pacifiers for naptime?

Yes, some children can have a small comfort item from home or a pacifier, but it should be used only for naptime.

How do teachers create a conducive environment for naptime?

Teachers begin to turn off some lights and use a quiet voice once the lights are off, and they may point to their cots and use whisper voices to communicate with the children.

What is the recommended approach if a child does not sleep or takes a short nap?

Instead of having a power struggle, it's better to provide children with a book or a quiet activity to help them settle in a quiet atmosphere.

How are the cots arranged and identified for each child?

Cots are positioned at least two feet apart and each cot is labeled with a number that correlates with a child's name on a list.

What is the policy regarding helping children fall asleep during rest time?

Teachers do not rub children's backs but they sit next to children to help them learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.

Can teachers use rest time for other tasks like completing paperwork?

Yes, while sitting nearby a child to offer comfort and supervision, teachers may find it a good time to complete paperwork or prepare activities.

What type of music or sounds are played during naptime and what is the recommended volume?

Restful lullabies or soft children's music should be played at a low volume during naptime.

What activities are available for children when they wake up from their nap?

Upon waking up, children may engage in a quiet activity on their cot, such as reading a book, playing with a soft toy, or working on a puzzle.

What is the procedure for children after waking up and before outdoor play?

Children get up for a diaper change or use the potty, wash their hands, and then have a snack. Once a group has finished and cleaned up, they go outside for fresh air and gross motor activity.

How are the cots managed after rest time and before outdoor play?

Comfort items and pacifiers are put into baskets or cubbies right away. The teacher who puts away the cots sprays them with a bleach and water solution and then stacks them to air dry.

What cleaning tasks are performed by teachers after rest time and before the classroom is ready for parents?

Teachers clean the tables and floor from the afternoon snack, vacuum the rugs, take out the garbage, and ensure the classroom is clean and ready for parent pick-up.