A comprehensive daycare supplies checklist includes health and safety equipment, cleaning essentials, age-appropriate furniture, diverse play materials, and childcare management software. Organizing these categories early ensures your childcare program meets licensing standards and provides a safe, engaging environment for children.
Childcare and Preschool Supply Checklist
Use this template to keep track of what you already have and what you still need for your program.
Why is a comprehensive supply list important?
Whether you run an in-home location or a large, multi-site business, staying stocked with the right items is essential for getting through the day smoothly. A well-planned supply list helps you budget effectively, maintain compliance with state regulations, and focus on what matters most: supporting child development.
To help you get started, we have compiled the essential items you need to outfit your new space, along with key focus areas to tackle before opening your doors.
What categories should be on your daycare supplies checklist?
When equipping your space, organize your shopping list into these five core categories to ensure you don't miss anything:
- Basic supplies: These are the essential items that your childcare program cannot function without. Think furniture, storage solutions, and hygiene products.
- Educational materials: As a childcare provider, you have a crucial role in facilitating early childhood development. Educational materials such as books, toys, and art supplies play a significant role in achieving this goal.
- Safety equipment: Child safety is of utmost importance in any childcare facility. Make sure you have all necessary fire safety equipment, first aid kits, and childproofing supplies.
- Administrative tools: To run your business efficiently, you need tools to help with tasks like billing, scheduling, and record keeping. Consider investing in management software to streamline these processes.
What health and safety supplies are required?
Keeping children safe is your highest priority. Your inventory must include functional safety equipment to meet legal requirements and handle emergencies.
Essential safety items include:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- First-aid kits and thermometers
- Safety gates and corner guards
- Electrical outlet covers and cabinet locks
- Door knob covers
In addition to daily safety items, assemble an emergency preparedness kit. These kits typically contain extra first-aid supplies, a file with emergency contact numbers, diapers, wipes, flashlights, non-perishable snacks, and drinking water. Always verify your local government's guidelines to ensure your list meets all specific legal requirements for your area.
What cleaning supplies does a childcare program need?
A consistent cleaning routine keeps families and staff healthy. You need a robust stock of supplies to sanitize surfaces, floors, and hands frequently throughout the day.
Your cleaning checklist should include:
- Hand sanitizer and liquid hand soap
- Disinfecting wipes and multi-purpose sprays
- Paper towels and sponges
- Broom, dustpan, mop, and vacuum
Because multiple children and adults touch surfaces constantly, you must develop a plan for sanitizing toys and furniture. Check your state’s Department of Health website for specific guidelines on daily cleaning compliance.
What furniture and equipment is essential?
When designing your classroom layout, consider the age groups you serve and your learning goals. You need appropriately sized furniture for play, feeding, and sleeping areas, as well as distinct seating for different age groups.
Key furniture and equipment investments include:
- Sleeping: Cribs, nap mats, or cots.
- Seating: High chairs, boosters, tables, chairs, and rocking chairs.
- Storage: Cubbies, shelves, and storage systems for play materials.
- General: Strollers, playpens, and diaper changing tables.
Which play materials support child development?
Children learn through exploration and play, so your childcare program needs open-ended materials that support physical, language, social-emotional, and cognitive development.
Common learning centers and materials include:
- Dramatic play: Play kitchens, dollhouses, dolls, props, and costumes.
- Building: Blocks, Magnatiles, and tools.
- Art and writing: Paint, brushes, craft materials, and writing tools.
- Sensory and science: Sandboxes, water tables, sensory bins, and puzzles.
- Quiet time: Books, felt boards, and listening headsets.
Budget tip: You can often find high-quality toys for your childcare program at secondhand stores or online marketplaces. Check sources like Goodwill, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, or specialized sites like Good Buy Gear and Toycycle to save on costs.
Why use childcare management software?
Childcare management software helps directors and owners automate administrative tasks like attendance tracking and billing, saving valuable hours each week.
Platforms like brightwheel streamline operations and improve engagement with families. For example, you can use the daily activity report feature to track events like naps, meals, and diaper changes. Families receive real-time updates on their mobile devices, which builds trust and keeps them connected to their child's day.
I would say that if you are a new program that you should definitely jump on brightwheel and just experience it. It’s tools that help make your life easier as the owner and director. There’s no reason not to, with the cost and the effectiveness, it’s 100% a yes for me.” Crystal D., Owner & Director at Lil’ Ranch Hands Family Childcare Home in Minco, OK
As I build my new program, the billing features are a game changer. I can easily invoice parents, and everything is automatically tracked—especially helpful come tax season.” Emily K., Owner of Emily Finzen Childcare in Lake Benton, MN
Experience Curriculum allows you to lean into creativity while following the curriculum. It’s all right there, it’s all prepared for you, and then you can lean into it.” Leinani G., Owner of Creative Minds Learning Academy in Bothell, WA
Brightwheel helps us in every way possible. From their onboarding and support team to the features that keep us organized, on track with planning, and communicating smoothly as a team to parents and each other. I couldn't imagine a better management system for our program." Harida H., Administrator at Play Pals Daycare in Maumee, OH
What else is needed to start a childcare program?
Beyond physical supplies, you must address several operational areas before opening:
- Licensing: Verify your state’s specific requirements for your program size to ensure compliance.
- Insurance: Secure proper coverage for your business and facility.
- Curriculum: Choose a curriculum that aligns with your state's early learning standards. Brightwheel's Experience Curriculum provides digital lessons and hands-on materials to help monitor child progress.
- Policies: Create a handbook outlining your rules, procedures, and care philosophy.
- Marketing: Develop a strategy to attract new families to your program.
Frequently asked questions
How do I budget for daycare supplies?
Start by categorizing items into "one-time purchases" (furniture) and "recurring costs" (wipes, art supplies). Research prices for big-ticket items first, then allocate a monthly budget for consumables based on your enrollment capacity.
How often should I replace childcare equipment?
Inspect furniture and safety equipment daily for wear and tear. Generally, replace cribs and car seats according to manufacturer expiration dates, and replace broken toys or worn nap mats immediately to maintain safety standards.
Can I ask families to contribute supplies?
Yes, many childcare programs provide a "wish list" to families for consumable items like tissues, wipes, or art materials. This can help offset operational costs while allowing families to support the program.
Wrapping up
Outfitting your new childcare program with the appropriate furniture, equipment, and supplies will enable you to run a safe, efficient, and high-quality program. Use a daycare supply list to stay organized and watch your new daycare business come to life.
