If parents and teachers disagree on a child's nap, the kindergarten principal and local government must respond. It is unacceptable for a child to be "required to stay in bed and prohibited from moving." If the kindergarten fails to fulfill its obligations under legal acts, there is reason to contact the kindergarten management, local government, and the supervision division of the Ministry of Education and Research.

First, discuss with your group team (teachers and assistant teachers). If a question or problem arises there, then approach the kindergarten management. The daily schedule is an organizational issue that should be resolved by the kindergarten management.

I would like to point out that when drafting the regulation wording, we involved a wide range of experts, and the general consensus was that flexibility is essential.

I will reiterate that the relevant provisions are worded as follows:

1. For a child up to three years old, up to two hours of rest time per day must generally be provided, with the option to choose between sleep and other quiet activities. For a child aged four to seven, up to one hour of rest time per day must generally be provided, with the option to choose between sleep and other quiet activities;

2. For a child with special educational needs, rest time must be provided based on the child's health and developmental specifics.

The wording clearly states that a choice must be offered. This is also supported by the Legal Chancellor's position from the time when the Preschool Child Care Institution Act was in force, but the principles remain the same. Additionally, under the current regulation, the choice must also be offered to parents of children under three years old.

The explanatory note to the regulation also emphasizes flexibility and the need to discuss the duration of rest time with parents:

Young children need sleep and rest during the day. The older the child gets, the less daytime sleep and rest they need. Whether a child needs a nap or not is discussed with the parents, and the best choice is made in cooperation with the parents. /…/ Therefore, in summary, flexibility is crucial to offer each child the most suitable option—either a nap or quiet activity—taking into account the child's individuality.

"Quiet activity" in this context means the opportunity to be outside the bed—such as looking at books, quietly assembling puzzles, engaging in other light manual activities, etc.

Ministry of Education and Research