9.2.3.13: Plans for Evening and Nighttime Child Care

Facilities that provide evening and nighttime care should have plans for such care that include the supervision of sleeping children and the management and maintenance of sleep equipment including their sanitation and disinfection. Evacuation drills should occur during hours children are in care. Centers should have these plans in writing.

RATIONALE

Evening child care routines are similar to those required for daytime child care with the exception of sleep routines. Evening and nighttime child care requires special attention to sleep routines, safe sleep environment, supervision of sleeping children, and personal care routines, including bathing and tooth brushing. Nighttime child care must meet the nutritional needs of the children and address morning personal care routines such as toileting/diapering, hygiene, and dressing for the day. Children and staff must be familiar with evacuation procedures in case a natural or human generated disaster occurs during evening child care and nighttime child care hours.

COMMENTS

Sleeping time is a very sensitive time for infants and young children. Attention should be paid to individual needs, transitional objects, lighting preferences, and bedtime routines.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

2.2.0.1 Methods of Supervision of Children
3.3.0.4 Cleaning Individual Bedding
3.3.0.5 Cleaning Crib and Other Sleep Surfaces
5.4.5.1 Sleeping Equipment and Supplies
5.4.5.2 Cribs
5.4.5.3 Stackable Cribs
5.4.5.4 Futons
5.4.5.5 Bunk Beds
9.2.4.3 Disaster Planning, Training, and Communication
9.2.4.4 Written Plan for Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza
9.2.4.5 Emergency and Evacuation Drills Policy