Guidelines for Arranging Rooms for Preschoolers

Place heads of cribs and doll beds against a wall. In rooms for babies, crawlers, and ones, place waste container out of reach of the children.(A paper bag taped to a table or on the wall is a good container.) Adult size rocking chairs and tables should be in departments for babies and crawlers only. All furnishings should be movable for cleaning purposes. All storage cabinets should be hung from a wall. Do not “jam” furnishings into corners. Leave room on each side. If a two or three year room is too crowded, take out chairs and tables. Usually two tables are sufficient, and enough chairs to go with these. One chair for every child enrolled is not necessary. Place coat rack near the door, or just outside. Cover electrical outlets with safety covers if they are reachable by the children. Protective covering is necessary for heat outlets if within child’s reach. Provide a stepstool beside toilet if fixtures are adult size. Place “busy noise” activities together – blocks, homeliving, etc. Place quiet activities together – books, puzzles, etc. Do not block passageways. Provide open space away from traffic for blocks. Place easel away from books and near the restroom; have a dishpan and towels nearby if restroom isn’t near. Place nature area near window. Have a well- lighted area for books. Put homeliving or another attractive activity where it can be seen from the door. A puzzle rack may be placed on the floor. Fasten a mirror to a wall away from traffic. Find the best arrangement and leave it. Remember that space is the most important provision you can make for a preschooler.

Made possible by the generous Cooperative Missions gifts of Virginia Baptist Churches affiliated with the

Baptist General Association of Virginia.

www.vbmb.org

For more information contact Diane Smith, Children’s Ministry Strategist, Emerging Leaders Team 800.ALL.BGAV Ext. 2256, diane.smith@vbmb.org

Recommended Equipment for Preschool Department Rooms

Made possible by the generous Cooperative Missions gifts of Virginia Baptist Churches affiliated with the

Baptist General Association of Virginia.

www.vbmb.org

For more information contact Diane Smith, Children’s Ministry Strategist, Emerging Leaders Team 800.ALL.BGAV Ext. 2256, diane.smith@vbmb.org