Most pre schools have an hour or two of naptime/quiet time right after lunch.How does your preschool handle a child who doesnt want to sleep ? Do they allow reading / coloring activity if the child is not sleepy or do they expect them to lie down quietly on the mat ?
I find it unreasonble to expect the kids to just stare blankly when they are not sleepy.
It feels unacceptable as a parent if your child is not sleeping and is not allowed to do quiet activities. Typically a preschooler needs 8-10 hours of rest time in 24 hour cycle. Even if your child does not need that many hours of sleep, they do need the time to unwind. I think in the long run it benefit of the child. Typically after 45 minutes it would be ok to pick a book and do silent reading.
Some schools do have a no nap class for pre schoolers.
It is believed that most of the kids around the age of 4.5-5 yrs will out grow naps in the afternoon.In my preschool class, we have 2 hrs of nap time and the kids who can’t fall asleep can read a book laying down on their beds. We do not allow any other silent activities, as 3-4 children around the table coloring are not going to be silent.