Starting a daycare is the perfect way to turn your love of working with children into a thriving career. Some essential equipment and supplies are needed to start a successful daycare. While a daycare business can be built over time, there are some elements that you will need to have right away. If you have kids coming over as soon as you open your doors, there are a few essentials you’ll need for when they arrive.

• Smoke detectors
• carbon monoxide detectors
• fire extinguishers
• Lanterns or lanterns
• handheld radio
• outlet plugs
• cabinet locks
• First aid kits

Your first priority, especially when working with children, should always be safety. The developmental stages of young children are very different from those of a preschool-age child. Be sure to keep this in mind when purchasing your toys and equipment. Below is a basic list of equipment you will need for a daycare that has children up to toddler age.

Toys:

Your supply list wouldn’t be complete without TOYS. Toys and other educational materials are among the most important items when starting a daycare. Children always need something to do during the day. Be sure to look for toys that are appropriate for the ages you plan to have in your facility. You should also invest in items like books and learning toys to help children develop mentally. Start by looking for toys and educational materials from the following categories:

• Books
• Drama
• manipulators
• blocks
• sensory
• big engine

Furniture:

A substantial investment should be made in the furniture you choose for a nursery program. Some basic furniture needed:

• high chairs
• booster seats
• rocking chairs
• layers
• tables
• small chairs
• nap mats
• costs
• step stools
• training toilets

Younger or younger children will need a nap at some point during the day. For these children, you will need to purchase mats or cribs. You may want to buy more than you will need right away. By using cots instead of actual beds, you have more room for climbing equipment and other toys. Cribs must have removable sheets that are laundered weekly and must be labeled with the child’s name and used by the same child throughout the school year.

Outdoor equipment:

Weather permitting, your children should be able to play outside and enjoy the sun. Depending on the area, a fenced playground is required for safety. Playground equipment doesn’t need to be the best on the market, by no means, but it does need to be safe and age-appropriate. You’ll also want to make sure your playground equipment is set on a soft surface, such as rubber mulch or grass.

Before planning a list of even the basic equipment needed to operate your daycare, be sure to check your state’s minimum standards.