They can. My chicks this year went into the coop on their own the day after they were first moved in it, but the difference is mine are brooded outside in the run (and not strongly imprinted on me), and I have adult birds. The chicks will follow the adults' example if they're unsure of what to do.
It sounds like yours are looking to you to show them what to do, except of course you're not sleeping in the coop with them.
