We are a new daycare just opening and in doing my research we need alot of unexpected things. I am looking for coat racks, cubbies, play mats, chairs and things like that. If anyonw knows where I can get these things for little or no cost or if anyong would like to donate I would greatly appreciate it.
2006-11-13 09:44:42 · 10 answers · asked by mysticalady510 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Preschool
When I started my home daycare I needed a lot of unexpected supplies as well. I found quite a few things at yard sales, St. Vincent DePaul, Goodwill, Salvation Army (great place for cheap craft supplies as well), also don't forget dollar stores.
Since their children attend the daycare many parents are just happy to unload some of the items in the basements or attic. Parents are great for helping put together play areas by theme. Every so often I send home letters telling the parents that many of the children in the daycare have grown to love a certain theme (example: Thomas) and we are putting together a play area with that theme. They usually pitch in toys and things to go with the theme that they have laying around the house. The theme toys are great for switching things around in a daycare and giving kids something new to play with.
As for coat racks and such, I found a couple of stores going out of business and bought clothing racks from them. I also have found that the peg boards with the neat hooks make for great toy racks with a couple of L brackets and some more peg board. These are also easy paint to any color you wish. Also when it comes to shoe racks you will find some great cheap suppliers on the internet. If push comes to shove don't forget Ebay and second hand children's stores. You would be surprised what you can find in those two places. I also have below a couple of websites I used when I ordered supplies for my daycare. Maybe they will help. Good luck!
http://www.furniture-4kids.com/
http://www.childcaresupplycompany.com/
2006-11-13 10:02:56 · answer #1 · answered by still_happy2006 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to thrift stores and yard sales, put an ad in your local newpaper or swap sheet. Depending on the age of the kids (if they are older) they can make mats for craft time. My daughter made some in girl scouts. Go to a fabric store and get vinyl backed tabelclothes. Cut into sections that are as big as you want them. Fold each section in half. Stuff folded newspapers inside, or use squares of donated carpet padding. Use a hole punch to punch holes about every inch all the way around about a half inch from the edge. Depending on the age and abilities of the children, you can have them punch the holes, or you can help them. Use yarn or string to sew around. You may need to put a piece of tape on the end of your string to make it easier to insert through the holes. The kids can add beads to the string too.
2006-11-13 18:00:36 · answer #2 · answered by Kristin Pregnant with #4 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freecycle is a great website to browse for things people are giving away for free...or to post for things you are looking for. I got a couple of cute backpacks and a bunch of animal coat hangers for my class when I taught preschool.
The site is organized by city, so you will only be dealing with people close to you. Typically you will respond to a posting and then set up a time to pick up the item at the address the person will give you.
Other things I have gotten or given away on Freecycle:
A nice clothes dryer that just needed a $10 hose (got)
Lots of clothing (gave)
Sets of plastic drawers (got)
Cassette tapes (got)
Have fun with the site and best wishes with your daycare
2006-11-16 01:06:01 · answer #3 · answered by CN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try http://iloveschools.com
This is an exchange and donation type site that allows you to register your school and request your needs, if somone has it and wants to donate it you are contacted.
You could also try building a partner relationship by providing services or advertizing for them free or reduced cost.
One more suggestion is to contact a materials exchange or auction
2006-11-14 01:01:25 · answer #4 · answered by CAT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try asking from friends, neighbours and relatives for such items. Also try getting help from students if possible. A sale will be great help.
2006-11-14 03:13:53 · answer #5 · answered by janezz2005 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try looking at yard sales. Just make sure to inspect the items to see that they are in good shape before you buy them.
Good luck!
2006-11-13 17:46:56 · answer #6 · answered by startwinkle05 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check online on craigslist in your area, you can check the free section and place a free ad on free or wanted section, and list what items you need they also have a barter section there , and you might offer free child care in exchange for bigger items or handyman work,,,[child care could be a week or month, etc..depending what is being exchanged...
2006-11-13 22:10:33 · answer #7 · answered by churchonthewayseniors 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At my day care we looked at thrift stores yard sales also most of the stuff the company gaved me! So dont worry you will find Something!
BELIEVE ME! THATS TRUE!
HAPPY MARKING!
I QUIT MY CHILD CARE BECAUSE THEY DONT PAY YOU ALOT!
2006-11-13 19:32:29 · answer #8 · answered by TRUE GIRL! 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
r u crazy no cost wow
2006-11-13 18:29:14 · answer #9 · answered by haleym49254 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call your local infoline or go on the net to infoline.
2006-11-13 17:47:48 · answer #10 · answered by denise l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋