Outdoor Furniture

Portable sinks are a must to keep everyone safe and clean in the daycare center. Portable sinks can look like conventional sinks attached to the wall with a cabinet. The cabinet can hold paper towels, soap, and other supplies. Remember to use a safety latch since most cabinets are close to the ground. Other portable sinks are made of the same material that PVC pipes are made out of and do not have cabinets. These sinks are similar to those found in laundry rooms. The best places for portable sinks are by changing tables and tables where food will be served. Children must have a way to clean their hands in order to prevent germs and other bacteria from traveling from one child to another. Studies have shown that proper hand washing decreases the spreading of germs and bacteria. It is necessary for daycare centers to instruct children to properly wash their hands before and after using the restroom. Employees should also be instructed to wash their hands after changing a soiled diaper. Portable sinks are vital for each individual in the daycare center.

Classroom furniture has changed to fit the needs of every student. There are now designs that cater to toddlers. For example, there are chairs that are not only low but have wide seats. They also have chairs that don’t slide around or tip over. Tables following the same suit and are necessary for writing or coloring activities. The famous kidney table is vital for feeding times where the teacher sits in the inner part of the “kidney” while the children sit around him or her on the outer part of the “kidney.” Although stools may sound dangerous for children, there are new styles of stools that have guardrails and handles for easy climbing or maneuvering. Manufacturers now make small sofas that look like sofas for adults. These are great for reading or movie time. They also allow children to sit together comfortably for longer periods of time. Colorful carpets decorated with the alphabet, shapes, and colors are also a good option for sitting. They can be placed strategically around the room for lessons or music time. Having classroom furniture such as these are inviting and comfortable for children in all daycare centers.

When one thinks of recess, he or she pictures children running, sliding down slides, or climbing. Today daycare centers are filled with many kinds of outdoor equipment that not only aid in the conditioning of fine and gross motor skills, but also aid in the conditioning of mental and social skills. Daycare centers now have small houses to play “house” in along with kitchenettes. They use these manipulative to learn how to take turns and learn responsibilities while at play. Now swings and play sets have accessories attached to them that stimulate the imagination such as plastic telescopes, wheels, or tic-tac-toe games. Accessories such as these have allowed children to socialize and interact more while playing rather than a game of "Tag" or "Simon Says." Children also learn how to react to certain situations and can engage in more creative conversations. Since they are outside, they can be loud and more expressive. They can play out characters in a book or movie. They can also have a good laugh to relieve stress. Luckily, there are playgrounds available such as these in daycare centers across the country to help our children be more social and to form more bonds with each other.