How To Start A Quality Daycare

! Poisonous plants are out of reach.
! Stairs are well lighted and secure underfoot.
! Chemicals, medicines and other dangerous items are behind safety locks.
! Toys are stored on shelves to avoid injury from falling lids on toy boxes.
All play materials, furniture, shelving, outdoor equipment -- everything with which children will
come into contact -- should be checked every few days for loose parts or any safety hazard. Broken
toys and missing pieces discourage play and should be fixed, put away or discarded. A doll with a
missing limb could be tenderly cared for, and perhaps bandaged or fitted with a pretend artificial
limb during hospital play. If beyond repair, some broken equipment can be dissected by the children
to see what is inside before it is thrown away.
Sometimes parents are willing to build and repair equipment to keep costs down. Or a parent can be
given a discount for helping with these tasks. Occasionally one or more parents may be willing to
build shelves, a backyard climber or a child-size picnic table.
Be aware that, while garage sales are often a source of first-rate toys and equipment at bargain
prices, older model cribs and other items may not meet current safety standards.
Equipment and Materials
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.