2026 Minnesota Statutes

142H.12 NAPS AND REST.

Subdivision 1.Naps and rest policy.

An applicant must develop and a license holder must implement a policy for naps and rest that is consistent with the developmental level of the children enrolled in the center. The policy must include but is not limited to the requirements in this section, as applicable.

Subd. 2.Parent consultation.

The parent of each child must be informed at the time the child is enrolled of the center's policy on naps and rest and be offered the opportunity to provide information specific to their child.

Subd. 3.General nap and rest requirements.

(a) The child care center must provide a quiet space for children to nap and rest.

(b) Nap and rest time must be in accordance with the developmental needs of the child. A child care center may not withhold sleep or rest from a child, including at a parent's request, if such time is allowed in the child care center's naps and rest policy.

(c) Nap and rest areas must be lighted to allow for visual supervision of all children at all times.

(d) Evacuation routes must not be blocked by resting or napping children. Each child must have a free and direct means of escape, and the staff must have a clear path to each resting child, including full access to at least one long side of a crib, cot, or mat.

(e) A crib that meets the safety requirements of section 142B.45 must be provided for each infant for whom the center is licensed to provide care.

(f) The license holder must follow the infant safe sleep requirements under section 142B.46.

(g) Cribs, cots, and mats must be placed directly on the floor and must not be stacked when in use.

Subd. 4.Monitoring napping infants.

(a) An infant must be supervised as defined in section 142H.01, subdivision 38, and pursuant to section 142H.24, subdivision 1, paragraph (a).

(b) Staff must conduct in-person checks of the sleeping infant every 15 minutes.

(c) When a baby monitor or other mechanical equipment is used to hear or see infants during sleep, the monitoring equipment must be:

(1) able to pick up the sounds of all infants in the separate room;

(2) actively monitored by program staff at all times; and

(3) checked daily prior to use to ensure it is working correctly. If equipment is malfunctioning, a program staff person must put in place an alternate means of supervision until the equipment can be fixed.

Subd. 5.Confinement limitation.

A child who has completed a nap or rested quietly for 30 minutes must not be required to remain on a cot, mat, or in a crib. Any child who does not fall asleep during a designated nap time must have the opportunity to engage in quiet activities.

Subd. 6.Bedding and sleeping equipment.

Separate bedding must be provided and stored separately for each child in care.

History:

2026 c 127 art 12 s 12

NOTE: This chapter, as added by Laws 2026, chapter 127, article 12, sections 1 to 37, is effective July 1, 2027. Laws 2026, chapter 127, article 12, section 41.