Monday, September 6th, 2010
Day Care Search
City: 
 
Untitled Document

Day Care Equipment and Materials Checklist

The equipment and materials you will need depend on the ages of the children you care for. Here is a list of ideal equipment and materials for a center serving a wide age range of children:

Child-size tables and chairs, booster seats, high chairs and infant seats. Tables can be used for eating and for a variety of children's activities.
Cribs, beds, cots, all with protective mattress pads covered with plastic that can be stored under the beds; blankets and sheets for each child. If you use your family's beds, lay the children's bedding on top of the made-up bed.
Diapering area (preferably near a faucet) that can be easily sanitized after each use; nearby childproof, sanitary storage for used diapers; step stools for sink and toilet.
Space -- to crawl, toddle, run, climb and to be alone (but still in view).
Outdoor play space (sand, hard surface for wheeled toys, swings, climber, garden) or a nearby park. A covered porch or carport is ideal for rainy days.
Art materials, such as meat trays, egg cartons, computer paper; washable surfaces for messy activities.
Water and sand to scoop and pour into plastic dishpans or a larger trough or water table; old throw rugs or other absorbent floor covering.
Large and small, simple and complicated toys, including building materials such as wooden and plastic blocks.
Good children's books and a quiet, cuddly place to read them.
Paperback books can be covered with clean adhesive plastic to protect and strengthen them.
Games, puzzles, dolls, vehicles (child powered rather than battery powered).
Make-believe props, clothes and costumes for dressing up and pretending.
Record player, tape recorder and radio; number, alphabet and color charts or cards; canister for crayons, pencils and other miscellaneous art materials.
A fabric carrier for young babies and a backpack carrier for babies who can sit up. Many babies love swings and bouncing chairs.
For older children, a private place with props and equipment that children can rearrange as they choose. School-age children will also need a place to keep their things from school and perhaps a place to do their homework.

For suggestions on specific toys for different age groups, call the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) at 202-232-8777 or 800-424-2460 or write to NAEYC, 1834 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009-5786.
Untitled Document

Copyright 2004 DayCareTalk.com. All Rights Reserved.
USE OF THIS SITE SIGNIFIES ACCEPTANCE OF USER AGREEMENT: DayCareTalk.com does not provide advice, recommendations, or qualification certification of any day care provider listed in our directory. Day care provider information listed in our directory is self-reported and DayCareTalk.com does not guarantee the validity of the information in the day care directory, nor do we claim any listed day care provider is properly licensed. You are advised to perform the necessary research in choosing a day care provider including verifying all information listed in our directory by contacting your state licensing department. DayCareTalk.com disclaims any and all liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of its web site properties. Use of this site signifies your acceptance of DayCareTalk.com full User Agreement