How to Set Up Your Home for Child Care

Home child-care workers provide a safe and nurturing environment for children during the early years. When setting up your home daycare, it's important to child-proof the home and create purposeful activity centers. These activity centers will help you entertain and stimulate children throughout the day.

Instructions

1. Safety proof the home. Put child-proof latches on all cupboards and protect electrical outlets with outlet covers. Move items, such as detergents, bleach and other chemical agents, to high cabinets (preferably locked). Items that could pose a hazard to small children such as sharp objects and chokeables, should be placed out of reach. Fire extinguishers should be placed throughout the home.

2. Create a messy play area. The kitchen works nicely for a messy play area. Purchase creative supplies such as paints, shaving cream, rolling pins and spoons to experiment and create crafts. You may need to buy drop-cloths to protect the floor.

3. Create an area for active play. If you live in a rainy climate, this will likely be an indoor area with plenty of space to move around and play games. Purchase jump ropes, scarves and music for dancing activities. For the outdoors, you can buy playground equipment (such as slides and swings), balls and other outdoor toys.

4. Set up a quiet play area. In this area, children can read, play puzzles or stack blocks. This will also be a nice place for children to wind down before a resting period. Also, make sure there's a place for children who still take naps, equipped with cribs and nap mats.

5. Create an eating area. Iowa State University recommends purchasing child-size tables and chairs. If you plan on caring for infants, purchase high chairs and infant seats. You may also want to have a plastic cover under the eating area to protect the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• When assembling activity areas, don't put out all of the toys. Stashing toys away and adding new toys to the mix will ensure children don't get bored.

• Don't forget to check with your state on set-up requirements. Each state has specific requirements for home day cares. When getting licensed, most states require an inspection.

References

• Iowa State University: Setting up your Day Care Home
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Child Care Workers