When choosing furniture for your daycare facility, the number one factor to keep in mind is safety. Providing full-time care for infants and children is a monumental task, one that should never be taken lightly. Toddlers and school-aged kids have a knack for doing things they are not supposed to, so it’s your job to create a safe, secure learning environment, though that’s easier said than done.
Striking the balance between a functional design and one that fosters creativity for children of all ages can indeed be quite the challenge, but with the help of a few simple guidelines, you should have no problem getting past this initial obstacle.
A word of advice for new or soon-to-be daycare owners, buy in bulk if you have the chance. This will save you a lot of money on upfront costs and reduce delivery delays. If you have a hard date set for opening the center or have already received space reservations from parents, do not wait to order.
What to Consider When Buying Daycare Furniture Spills and messes are practically a given in this industry, which is why choosing daycare furniture that is easy to clean is essential. Vinyl and plastic surfaces tend to work best with regards to wiping and sanitizing. Wooden tables and chairs can be used in some cases, but due to their higher susceptibility to damage, they should not comprise a bulk of your facility’s furniture layout.
Vinyl or plastic can be cleaned thoroughly in a fraction of the time, which is vitally important if you have limited staff members. It may seem like a minor consideration, but it can contribute markedly to the number of hours your employees (and you) work. In other words, work smarter, not harder!
This too may come off as a no-brainer, but always remember to buyfurniture that will benefit the children the most. Not only are smaller tables and chairs easier for little hands and feet to sit and work at, they are also safer. Furniture that is lower to the ground means fewer injuries.
There is a wide array of furniture items that every daycare facility should have to encourage fun, exercise and learning, such as water tables, drawing easels, tumbling mats and play kitchens. You can find all these and more at Classroom Essentials’ online furniture store.