Lack of sleep regulations in Canada’s licensed child-care facilities puts children’s health at risk

Although national guidelines for children’s sleep are clear, only two jurisdictions in Canada have regulations that specify the amount of sleep/rest per day in licensed child-care facilities. (Shutterstock)

In 2023, more than half of Canadian children (up to five years old) were in child care and more than 25 per cent of young children were on a wait list. Many children are in child care for several hours per day and multiple days per week. Parents control children’s nighttime sleep but rely on early learning and child-care providers to help children safely meet sleep needs during the day.

But what direction are Canadian licensed childcare facilities receiving from government statutes and regulations about young children’s sleep? Evidence indicates no guidance from statutes, and inconsistent and lacking sleep regulations for licensed child care in Canada, resulting in neglect of children’s sleep needs.