Equipment and Materials for Child Care
Author/Source Unknown

GOAL:

The equipment and materials are sufficient in quantity and are suitable for the developmental level of the children enrolled. There is a variety of equipment and materials to allow for a wide range of abilities and patterns of growth.

FURNITURE:

There shall be a sufficient quantity of furniture in the center to accommodate the number of children to be enrolled. Furniture shall be safe, durable, child-sized and easily cleaned. It shall conform to all applicable safety regulations. Seating shall be provided for every child.

COTS AND CRIBS:

A cot shall be provided for each preschool child. A cot or a full sized crib shall be provided for each toddler. A crib shall be provided for each infant. There shall be one crib equipped with wheels for every five (5) children under 2 years. This crib shall be used for evacuation in the event of an emergency. Cribs and cots shall be washed and sanitized before reassignment to another child. There shall be at least two (2) feet of space between each cot or crib during nap time.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT:

All equipment and materials used in the center program shall be:

Safe;

Durable;

Appropriate for the age level of the children and stage of development;

Sufficient in quantity for the number of children enrolled;

Accessible to the children, promoting exploration.

Materials which require staff supervision shall be stored out of children's reach.


TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL MATERIALS:

Materials shall be provided for at least the following learning areas:

Art;

Blocks;

Books;

Dramatic play;

Science;

Music;

Manipulatives;

Large motor activity.

Materials shall represent a variety of racial, cultural, linguistic, and age attributes.

AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT:

Audio-visual equipment, when utilized, shall be appropriate for the age and developmental level of the children enrolled.

INFANT EQUIPMENT:

The infant area shall contain comfortable seating for staff, including at least one rocking chair. A bath tub or plastic basin for bathing children shall be available. The center shall insure that an adequate supply of clean diapers, bed linens and clothing changes are available. The center shall have a choke prevention gauge which can be used to determine if an object is large enough so as not to be swallowed by a child.

INFANT MATERIALS:

Materials shall be provided which stimulate infant development. A selection of the following types of play things shall be provided:

Blocks;

Busy boards;

Balls;

Cuddly toys;

Pull toys;

Sorting toys;

Kitchen toys;

Musical and auditory stimulation toys;

Nesting and stacking toys;

Rattles and squeeze toys;

Mirrors;

Books;

Mobiles and cradle gyms;

Climbing equipment;

Riding toys.

SAFETY:

All equipment and materials shall be kept clean and sanitary and shall be checked regularly to ensure freedom from hazards.

*Submitted by Sherry

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