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  1. #1
    Shy
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    Essentials for new daycare

    Hello!
    I am in the process of setting up my new home daycare. I have an idea of what is required but wanted some expertise on what you MUST have in the very beginning.
    I have strapped booster seats for the table, some toys and 2 pack & plays.
    I have a 10 month daughter and currently have 2x2year old boys registered to start in 3 weeks. My house is baby gate central and completely baby proofed but if there is anything that popped up in your situation that the average person wouldn't think about, please let me know. I am also curious what people use for toddler nap times. I'm not sure what parents expect from a home based day care.

  2. #2
    Euphoric !
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    For Safety
    * baby gates, cupboard locks, outlet covers
    * fire extinguisher, safety kits in play area and outside, carbon monoxide detector

    For Naptime
    * playpens for 2.5-ish year old and younger, fold away cots for 2.5 and up or if potty trained
    * spare blankets

    For Toys
    * assortment of toys for varying ages
    * blocks, dolls, kitchen play, cars, balls, little people, books are the most basic and what most kids will play with. This is what I started with and than bought more as I went along.
    * weather is nice so outdoor toys will be needed as well. Ride in/on's, play house, play structure, balls, chalk, bubbles, push toys, teeter totter

    For Feeding
    * I prefer a child sized table and chairs but if not, booster seats
    * lots of child friendly dishes, bibs, cutlery

    That's all I can think of for now

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  4. #3
    Expansive... babydom's Avatar
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    Wagon, or multiple stroller. Park toys, sand bucket etc. hooks by door for outdoor clothing.

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  6. #4
    Euphoric !
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    My first thought would be to start with your 10month old (likely not fully mobile) child and two 2yr old boys starting I would find a way to have your daughter sectioned off from the boys (not secluded but in a contained space) this will allow you to let them all play while you do meal prep etc without worry that 2 active busy toddler boys will trample her. Once they all get used to each other then thy can remain in the same area...but it will be a bit of an adjustment for all at first so sectioning her off will help wonders!!

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  8. #5
    Starting to feel at home...
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    LOTS of washcloths! I find I go through a ton of washcloths.
    scotch tape, I am forever taping books together again
    a good sturdy stool for hand washing in the bathroom
    I have kept every pair of splash pants my kids ever had (and a few extra I picked up at thrift stores) I always have at least a couple parents that "cant find them" shopping, or "forget" to bring them, so I always have the extras on hand. Also lots of spare mitts, in all kinds of sizes.
    Also, I don't bother with bibs , but if I do have a really young one I will put an old shirt overtop of their clothes when they eat the messy foods, spaghetti, soup, yogurt etc
    I have some toys that only come out for "special "play, different blocks, building toys, thomas set, race car set etc, that way on a rainy day, the kids don't get too bored with the same old.

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  10. #6
    Outgoing
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    Patience....patience and more patience....good luck, have fun

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  12. #7
    Shy
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    Thank you everyone. I definitely have all the safety stuff. Carbon detectors and fire extinguisher included. Meds are all in a lock box in our bedroom which is on a different floor. I have a small first aid kit up high in the playroom and a small ER room in the linen closet lol.
    I did some more research and decided to use crib mattresses for nap time for older kids. They are fairly cheap in comparison to other alternatives. I have also ordered high chairs from Ikea. A few people here have posted about them. I also have a dedicated kitchen table that I will use for the kids and the chairs have nice big seats for those that are too big for the highchairs. Will get boosters as needed.
    As for separating the older kids from my daughter, I'm not too worried. She's a little brute. I still have her "trapping devices" like her exersaucer and jolly jumper when I need to keep her stationary.
    I think I'll get some more washcloths!
    Its not so nice where I am! It snowed all day. Our backyard is a mess due to having to put in weeping tile last fall. Once the snow is gone, ground is thawed and mud has dried we are landscaping the whole thing so we will deal with out side then.

    I'm just worried the toys I have are not going to keep the kids entertained?? I guess only time will tell!

  13. #8
    Euphoric !
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    It should entertain them for a good month or so as most will be new to them and they're playing with new friends. As time goes on you can buy new things. You're starting at a good time because yard sales are starting!! You will find out their interests and can go from there

    Also stock up on art supplies...most kids love art time!

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  15. #9
    Euphoric !
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    Quote Originally Posted by kdubw View Post
    I'm just worried the toys I have are not going to keep the kids entertained?? I guess only time will tell!
    You not actually need a lot of toys for day care but it is about keeping kids entertained. If children left to free-play, even with you, for long period of time, you dayhome could be in huge toy store but they will get bored.

    I find changing up activities frequently is more important than volume of toys. - I have small house and so we have limited toys but we have variety and don't spend much time on free play.

    I also suggest having key action to indicate activity about to change. Here we tidy away prior activity before moving on to next thing plus all children given chance to use washroom between activities so that is a big clue for even the smallest child.

    Here. I have children come around 8am. We have free play until all here so no more than 30 mins. Toys get put away. Then we get ready for snack, children use washroom, wash hand and then eat. Then we go out for couple hours. Come back for lunch. children use washroom, wash hand and then eat. Little ones nap, bigger kids do their numbers and letters and worksheets. When everyone up, short time for free play before afternoon snack. Lots of different things, busy day, no time to get bored. This also reduces time for tantrums, sulks, arguments.

    If spending lot of time with free play, the need for more variety of toys is greater.

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  17. #10
    Euphoric !
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    Agree with Suzie!!

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