What you must buy before opening a home-based daycare

What you must buy before opening a home-based daycare

Are you planning to open a home-based daycare? Here is a list of the things you will have to purchase. Note that this is a general list that must be adapted to your personal situation and needs. Please use it more like a list of suggestions, not obligations!

Furniture:

• Changing table
• High chair(s) and booster seat(s)
• Cubbyholes for cloakroom or a bench with shelves and hooks
• Naptime mattress(es) or small cot(s) for children 18 months and older
• Crib(s) or play yard(s) for children under 18 months
• Storage units for toys
• Book displays or storage units
• A table for meals, snacks, games, and crafts
• Small chairs
• A Ray-Lax chair or a chair that will be comfortable for you, the early childhood educator
• Storage unit for children's personal belongings and bedding
• Locked storage unit for cleaning and/or toxic products
• Locked medicine cabinet

Accessories and decorations:

• A shelf for storage over your changing table
• Curtains or blinds for windows
• Bulletin board or dry-erase board to display messages, your menu, etc.
• Changing table pad and mattress cover
• A few frames for displaying artwork, family pictures, etc.
• Rugs or mats
• Colourful cushions for your reading/relaxation area

Educational games and toys:

• Kitchen with accessories (dishes, plastic food items, pots and pans, etc.)
• A grocery cart with a cash register
• Arts & crafts material (paintbrushes, crayons, chalk, paper, cardboard, glue, scissors, etc.)
• Double-sided easel (for use with markers and chalk)
• Workbench with a variety of tools
• A wide selection of books
• Several board games and puzzles
• Dolls and accessories
• Musical instruments
• Figurines: people, insects, dinosaurs, etc.
• A garage with cars and trucks
• A doctor's kit
• Different types of blocks (Mega Bloks, wooden, etc.)

Other:

• A gate for your stairway (if necessary)
• Safety products (locks for drawers and cupboards, safe door handles, electrical outlet caps, etc.)
• Dishes, utensils, baby bottles, trainer cups, etc.
• Bibs and facecloths
• Stepping stool (for changing table and/or sink)
• Walking rope or multi-child stroller
• Potty or potty seat
• Laundry basket
• Diaper disposal system or garbage
• Recycling bin
• First aid kit

Extras (if needed or just for fun):

• Small refrigerator
• Microwave oven
• Filing cabinet or storage area for paperwork, contracts, accounting documents, etc.
• Television (if desired)

Good luck!

Annick Dufresne
Interior designer (Créations Addap)

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