Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Topic 1
Discuss the sleep and rest needs of children. How should educators identify these needs and what are some options for rest?

- Firstly educators should familiarize themselves with the sleep requirement guidelines for children of different ages. These can be used as a guide in understanding the required hours of sleep for children according to age groups daily.

- From here educators can discuss with parents or ask parents to fill out a sleep routine form during enrollment. Possible information to cover includes:
>when and for how long children sleep/rest during the day.
>Any activities the child engages in prior to sleep that is part of the routine at home (i.e., eat, drink, play, read a book, cuddly, drink bottles).
>How the child is settled (i.e., cuddle, patted, rocked, left alone, music)
>Does the child have a comforter or special toy?
>Where does the child sleep? (Bed, Cot, Pram)
>Are there any specific physical or emotional needs the child has during sleep or rest? (i.e., blanket/sheet, underwear/dressed, pillow, night light, silence/music)

- Educators must also consider what is a safe and appropriate rest and/or sleep environment. That is a place that is quiet, low/no lighting, safe, restrictive/possibly chocking clothing removed, distration free, and hygienic (bedding: labelled, laundered, stored separately and mattresses/beds disinfected).

- Overall, educators need to understand that they are responsible for providing a healthy rest environment that tailors to the child's individual, remembering that sleep cycles change constantly, so flexibility is essential.