Just In Time for a Nap

June 17th, 2009

After a long day outside or even an afternoon snack, children will undoubtedly retreat to our most natural of habits, sleeping. Nap time, while only fifteen to twenty minutes long, can affect a child well into the night. It is important to support this habit rather than fighting against it. During quiet time, rest mats can give kids a couple of options. First, the obvious use is for a nap. But, by providing a rest mat, those who choose not to sleep now have a confined area to sit/lay rather than resorting to roaming around the room. Something often usually neglected, a personal rest mat will instill a sense of ownership in children. This supports proper growing behavior. There are a number of ways you can go when choosing the mat for your daycare, but keep these elements in mind. Look for polyurethane foam to support little bodies with comfort and if wanting to spring for a little color, bright blues, yellows, and reds are very common. Be sure to check the surface coating, accidents do happen and a PVC surface makes clean up and sanitization virtually effortless.

Advantages of Portable Sinks

March 13th, 2009

Since young children typically do not have symptoms of sickness early or until they have been sick for a day or two, washing their hands regularly is necessary as a preventive measure. A portable sink comes in handy since it is relatively inexpensive. Also if it becomes a priority for pre schools, the investment can be used as a tax deduction and parents of small children would be overjoyed to cut down on the number of colds that their children have to catch. The day cares would also benefit because their staff would be healthier too. Young pre-school children often do not care whether they get messy or not. In fact, in some cases they tend to enjoy it this makes it possible for bacteria and germs to spread from one kid to another. Over recess some can get so messy such that when they get back to class, the teacher may find some students dirtier than what it is acceptable there fore necessitating the use of a portable sink, whereby the teacher can formulate a line as the students come back into class giving each one a chance to wash their hands and maintain a higher level of hygiene. This prevents the spread of germs and helps the kids to remain clean, less distracted, it also helps the teacher to help them wash for the recommended 20 seconds up to the elbow. The use of portable sinks in classrooms is also economical since it’s a great way of regulating the use of water by the pre-school kids. By placing these portable sinks near the kids work stations, the teacher can regulate the amount of water used in the cleanup process, rather than the children using as much water as they want. This reduces greatly the water bills paid by the school. If adopted it could be a way for pre schools and day cares to differentiate themselves from their competition which makes it a win- win situation for all players involved.

Portable Sinks Make Clean Up Easy

March 13th, 2009

Parents will tell you that cleanliness and hygiene are of the utmost importance at the day care facility where their children are being cared for during the better part of the day. Children are prone to infections very easily, and if one child comes to day care with an illness, it can be spread throughout the school quickly. Hand washing is imperative as the first line of defense. Having portable sinks placed in the actual classroom are an excellent way to make hand washing easy and assessable throughout the day. For teachers, trying to coordinate a calm and organized line of young children for a trip to the bathroom is a great task that takes up valuable time. Having a portable sink inside the classroom would cut down on numerous trips to the bathroom for hand washing and clean up. Portable sinks are so convenient when a teacher is trying to keep a room full of toddlers clean and tidy. When a portable sink is readily available, the children are able to wash their hands more often and, in turn, maintain a higher level of hygiene.

Buying Soft Play Equipment for your Day Care

March 13th, 2009

When buying toys and play equipment for your day care, it is important that you buy items that are age appropriate for the children you will be watching. If you will be buying toys and equipment for infants there are several things to consider. Of course, you will want equipment that is high in quality so that you get the most for your money. Equipment that is educational is important as well because the parents will be reassured that their child’s mind is being stimulated in your care.

And finally, you will want items that will be fun for the children. Educational toys are toys that are fun for the baby, but also that encourage mental and physical development. Toys that are made of soft material are a good buy when you are buying for babies. Soft toys and play equipment allow the baby to play freely without the danger of sharp edges hurting the baby. Babies love soft toys with bright colors.

Many soft play equipment have bright designs and colorful prints that attract the child and keep their attention. Many toys, such as stuffed trucks and cars will give the child the opportunity to play safely while teaching the baby colors and shapes. These toys also help the young children begin to identify everyday objects.