What Equipment Do I Need to Start a Daycare?
In order to meet child care licensing standards and provide quality care to clients and their children, you need to stock your daycare with the right equipment. The amount and types of equipment you need depends on the number of children and the ages of children you plan to care for. Request a copy of your state's current licensing standards to help you identify equipment needs. The National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center provides an online listing of state child care agencies.
Other People Are Reading
-
Significance
-
Starting out with enough of the right kinds of equipment will help your transition into the daycare business go as smoothly as possible. It will also give you the tools you need to provide quality care. Your state's regulations will outline the equipment you're required to have prior to opening your business. However, you may find that there are items you need that state regulations don't address.
Types
-
Start-up equipment for a day care business includes furniture such as cots, cribs, crib mattresses, playpens, changing tables and high chairs. You also need safety equipment such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, outlet covers, playground fencing, a first aid kit, fire extinguishers, a lock box for medicine and hazardous substances, safety gates and cabinet locks, notes the National Network for Child Care. Other practical equipment needs include a potty chair, a sturdy step stool to help children reach the sink and a diaper pail.
-
Play Equipment
-
You need to invest in indoor and outdoor play equipment in order to meet the developmental needs of the children you plan to serve, as well as to meet standards outlined in your state's licensing requirements. Children need child-size furniture and appliances such as tables, chairs, play kitchens and floor pillows. The Child Care Center Design Guide, published by the U.S. General Services Administration, identifies riding toys, climbing structures, sand and water toys, slides, balance beams and outdoor seating as examples of outdoor equipment needs.
Factors
-
Your state may mandate a specific number of items such as cots, high chairs and cribs based on the number of children you will be licensed to keep. Requirements for smaller supplies such as toys, dress-up items, puzzles, balls, art supplies, books and educational toys may also be addressed in your state's regulations. Supplying your day care with an adequate supply of quality play items will help you run a successful child-focused business.
Considerations
-
Items such as boxes and baskets for toy storage, office supplies and filing boxes or cabinets are also important when starting your daycare. Any item that can help you keep your business organized, support healthy communication with clients, manage business-related stress or meet the social, emotional, physical and developmental needs of the children in your care is a good investment.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
