Sleeping at Daycare

Maybe you should look into a home daycare where they can make some special arrangments for your daughter. We had the opposite happen in that my daughter couldn't sleep at the home daycare but when we put her into a larger group setting she slept fine. Go figure. Your daughter is going to need her naps for several years to come. She should be in a place with people that will help her get the sleep she needs.

Jenn,

We went through the same thing with our daughter when she started daycare. She was six months old when she started and had already been a great sleeper at home. Then daycare started and we were into the thirty minute nap nightmare. After trying several different routines for two naps at daycare they suggested giving her only one nap after lunch. She did great with the switch. Seh was back to sleeping at least two hours and our evenings at home were much more relaxing. I know it seems early to give up the first nap, but if your child is only sleeping a total of an hour anyway, why not try to get a consecutive hour or more? It worked for us and we have a healthy, happy 20 month old.

try using the Baby Whisperer's EASY method for a schedule, and the Happiest Baby on the Block 5 s's method. Those two combined will make cio not be a needed thing (at that age)
EASY - when the baby wakes up it Eats. After you feed it, then it has Activity - bouncy seat, tummy time, sitting up and playing with toys, swing, exersaucer, etc. When the baby gets fussy check the B's - boredom, butt or burp. If it's none of those then off to Sleep. Don't wait for the baby to do more than get the tiniest bit fussy, then see what is causing the fusses - if it's just that they needed their diaper change do that, but if it's not the activity is boring, the butt is dirty or they have to burp, then put them down. This may happen after as short as 45 minutes, don't freak, it really means they are tired.
Now, to get them to sleep use the 5 s's. Swaddle the baby, hold the baby on their side and sway as they suck on something (paci, your knuckle or their finger/thumb) and make a shush noise. This will calm your baby. When the baby is calm, but not asleep yet, keeping them swaddled lay them in the bed. I like to pat them instead of sway after a minute or two cause you can still pat after they are put down but you can't sway, so pat the baby and continue patting gradually decreasing it as you put them in the bed. Also continue the shushing as you put them down, again gradually getting quieter.
If you do these two you will find a well rested, easily managed baby in no time.

I am sure she will adjust to the noise there soon. My kids always nap better at home than at daycare. You might want to consider just having one nap a day. Maybe they can feed her lunch at 11:00-11:30 and then put her down. She would be transitioning to 1 nap a day soon as it is. Also, see if they will give her a crib in the corner or one that is not directly next to another baby. Keep a special lovey or blanket in the crib for her to sleep with.

Jenn,
I would get more information about her day at daycare. What is the room like when she sleeps and what is it like when she refuses to sleep? The structure and organization of the classroom can make a difference (I work in child care). Many children in day care will adjust to the noise, but maybe their doing something that she finds too interesting to sleep through and she doesn't want to miss out. I would talk with the teacher and maybe even the director about it. :-)

Maybe your baby would do better with an in home daycare where there is less of a distraction and maybe a quieter place to sleep. Or possilby look into getting a nanny to come to your home everyday.
In home daycare is less expensive and children seem to adjust better and stay healthier. you can find one by calling DCFS and asking for a list of licensed providers in your neighborhood.
If she has been there since August I am not sure she will adjust or change. She needs her sleep and maybe she needs a new daycare.

Good Luck!
J.