Whether you're starting a daycare or looking to update your toy options, having the right daycare supplies is crucial to providing a nurturing environment for children and building trust with parents. From art supplies to furniture to emergency supplies, a daycare requires a wide range of items to support creativity, education, and the overall well-being of children. However, the scope of products needed for a successful daycare can be overwhelming, so we compiled a comprehensive daycare supplies list to aid in your search.
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The most crucial part of setting up your daycare is finding the right daycare furniture. While having standard chairs and tables is necessary for parents and employees, you also need different child-sized furniture and storage solutions for various daily activities. In addition to having the right furniture, check that you have the correct number of chairs, mats, cribs, and cubbies to accommodate all the children in your facility.
Below is a list of basic daycare furniture needed in your establishment. If you primarily serve babies and toddlers, stock up on nursery furniture.
- Cribs
- Napping mats or cots
- Kids' tables and chairs
- Changing tables
- Booster seats and highchairs
- Step stools
- Toy storage
- Cubbies
Daycare toys are probably at the top of your shopping list, but the number of options available makes choosing the best toys overwhelming. In addition to price and popularity considerations, toys must be age appropriate and safe to use. Consider the age group you primarily serve and their physical and mental needs. Young children might need more fine motor and gross movement toys, while older children need toys that allow them to stretch their imaginations and burn off energy. Additionally, provide a wide range of options so everyone can find something to enjoy.
You can divide daycare toys into two categories: outdoor toys and indoor toys.
Outdoor Toys
Outdoor toys typically engage children physically, providing opportunities to run around and burn energy. These toys are sturdy and able to withstand rough surfaces, weather, and vigorous play. If your daycare does not have a designated outdoor space for play, consider fencing off a large, empty area on your property. If you frequently take children to a public outdoor space, label all toys with the name of your daycare to ensure they get returned if found. Finally, conveniently store your outdoor toys in a shed or other storage space.
Below is a list of outdoor toys to keep in your daycare.
- Chalk
- Sports equipment, such as hoops, balls, nets, and gloves
- Riding toys, such as wagons, bicycles, scooters, and cars
- Helmets
- Play parachute
- Balls and ball pumps
- Hula hoops and jump ropes
- Sand toys, such as shovels, buckets, and sand molds
- Outdoor playset
Indoor Toys
When the weather prevents you from taking children outside, an extensive collection of indoor toys will keep children entertained all day long. These toys are typically more intellectual, encouraging kids to use their minds and imaginations to explore and play. Items like costumes, dolls, indoor playsets, and accessories allow children to pretend and express themselves. Be sure to disinfect items, especially in the winter, and have organized storage for the toys.
Below is a list of indoor toys for children in your daycare.
- Puzzles
- Blocks
- Board games and cards
- Indoor playsets, such as dollhouses, kitchens, and tents
- Playdough and putty
- Stuffed animals and dolls
- Costumes and make-believe toys
- Children's musical instruments
While daycare is not school, keeping educational materials for children offers additional enrichment that sets your daycare apart. Books, math workbooks, and science experiments allow children to learn and grow. However, toys can also provide educational and enrichment opportunities for young kids, such as sorting and counting toys to teach shapes and numbers.
Below is a list of educational materials for your daycare.
- Books
- Posters and play rugs
- Whiteboards and markers
- Early education workbooks
- Number cubes and rods
- Counting tools
- Science kit
- Lined paper for letters
- Sorting toys
Art Supplies
Having a variety of art supplies available for children is crucial to the success of your daycare. Not only does art provide entertainment and educational opportunities, but it also gives children something tangible to show their parents at the end of the day. Offer organized art activities, such as coloring a specific worksheet, or offer the opportunity to use art supplies during free time.
Below is a list of necessary art supplies to stock up on for your daycare.
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- Markers
- Paper
- Coloring books
- Paintbrushes and paint
- Child scissors and glue
- Stickers
- Smocks or paint shirts
- Modeling clay
- Easels
Keeping your facility clean reduces illness outbreaks and provides a positive impression to parents, so keep plenty of cleaning supplies on hand. Items such as vacuum cleaners and mops keep your establishment sparkling, while disinfectant sprays and wipes reduce harmful bacteria to keep children healthy. Since children tend to be messy, institute a regular cleaning and disinfecting schedule to keep everything sanitized. Use the correct chemicals to clean, sanitize, and disinfect your daycare.
Below is a list of vital cleaning supplies to keep your daycare spotless and germ-free.
- Vacuum
- Mop and bucket
- Broom and dustpan
- Dish soap
- Multi-surface cleaners and sanitizers
- Sponges and cleaning clothes
- Disinfectant sprays and wipes
- Trash cans and bags
- Recycling cans
Restroom Supplies
Depending on the age group of your daycare, restroom supplies will vary. Toilet paper and hand soap are obvious restroom necessities, but you might also need various potty training supplies. This includes items like a training toilet or potty seat, extra wipes, and training pants. Consider adding stools to restrooms so children can easily reach the sink. Furthermore, stock up on restroom cleaner and sanitizer to keep everything clean.
Below is a list of restroom supplies for your daycare.
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper, paper towel, and soap dispensers
- Restroom cleaning and sanitizing chemicals
- Potty training supplies
Daycares handle meals differently depending on their policies and capacities, but you still need basic kitchen supplies to accommodate hungry children. If parents pack lunches and snacks for their kids, provide extra utensils, plates, and cups. A refrigerator allows them to store their food until it's time to eat, and a microwave helps prepare it. If your needs are more extensive, you can invest in a stove, oven, dishwasher, and pots and pans for a complete kitchen.
Below is a list of essential kitchen supplies for your daycare. Additionally, stock up on extra snacks and water for children.
- Plastic cups and sippy cups
- Eating utensils
- Plastic bowls and plates
- Water pitcher or cooler
- Cooking utensils
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Trash cans and bags
- Food storage containers
Prepare for emergencies or encourage daily protection using safety supplies. While a first aid kit and carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are evident safety necessities, more obscure items like electrical outlet covers are just as vital to keeping children safe while attending daycare. Some children take daily medications, so be sure to have labeled, secure medicine storage containers on hand. In addition to these safety supplies, create an evacuation plan and keep an updated emergency contact list handy.
Below are a few vital safety supplies to help prevent or handle emergencies.
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguishers
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Smoke detectors
- Electrical outlet covers
- Emergency signs
- Hand sanitizer
- Disposable gloves
- Medicine storage containers
While some parents will send childcare supplies with their children, stock up on some childcare necessities to ensure you can meet the needs of the kids in your daycare. Child-proofing your daycare increases safety and prevents accidents, while diapers and wipes keep children clean and healthy. This list varies depending on age group, so make adjustments as needed.
Below is a list of childcare supplies for children ranging from infancy to elementary school.
- Diapers and training pants
- Wipes
- Strollers
- Child-proof locks and safety gates
- Baby bottles and formula
- Blankets and pillows
- Playpen
Technology plays a crucial role in a daycare setting, providing opportunities for child development, entertainment, and organization methods for administrative details. Electronic records allow for effortless data collection, automating processes like check-in and check-out. Additionally, you can increase your marketing and exposure by creating a website and social media accounts. Items like a computer, printer, and extra batteries are vital to accomplish this goal.
While there are questions regarding the role of technology in child development, you can also provide access to technology to children if you choose. Items like SMART Boards are extremely helpful in teaching concepts. Consider the age group, number of children, and specific needs before obtaining items to ensure it's beneficial to their daily development.
Below is a list of daycare technology necessities.
- Computer or laptop
- Smartphone and tablet
- Printer
- Speakers
- Daycare management software
- Extra batteries and chargers
As you begin setting up your daycare, download our complete list of items needed to start a daycare. This daycare supplies list includes care items, like cleaning and childcare supplies, as well as toys and furniture. Customize the list depending on the age group of children and your establishment's specific needs.
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