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10 Best Supplies For Daycares 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Colorations Simply Tempera Paint, 11 Gallon Set In Vibrant Colors, Matte Finish, Classroom Supplies, Non Toxic, School, Craft, Art Supply Set, Stock Up On Bulk Paints For School

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,437
Safety Standards
Age Appropriateness

Most important from
430 reviews

Safety Standards
Colorations tempera paint is non-toxic, washable, and covers well.
Age Appropriateness
Perfect for preschool.

The Colorations Simply Tempera Paint, 11 Gallon Set offers a vibrant and versatile option for daycare art projects. With 11 different colors in gallon-sized containers, it provides ample supply for large groups of children, making it ideal for daycare settings. The non-toxic formula ensures safety for all ages, which is a crucial consideration for daycare supplies.

The matte finish is particularly suitable for various craft projects, allowing children to explore their creativity on paper, cardboard, and papier mache. Additionally, the paint is easy to apply using brushes or sponges and dries to a durable finish, which adds to its educational value by encouraging hands-on artistic activities.

The bulk size may pose challenges in terms of storage and organization, requiring adequate space to keep the containers tidy. Also, while the paint is durable once dry, the ease of cleaning off surfaces like tables and floors after use might be a concern. This tempera paint set is a strong candidate for daycares looking to stock up on safe and engaging art supplies, promoting creativity while adhering to safety standards.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,437
Safety Standards
Age Appropriateness

Most important from
430 reviews

Safety Standards
Colorations tempera paint is non-toxic, washable, and covers well.
Age Appropriateness
Perfect for preschool.
#2

Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad (9 x 12 inches) - 50 Sheets, 3-Pack - FSC Certified

Rating
9.6
Durability
Age Appropriateness
Educational Value

Most important from
18870 reviews

Durability
The paper is thick and of very good quality, perfect for kids to draw and paint on.
Age Appropriateness
The size is just right for young artists, making it easy and enjoyable to use.
Educational Value
Children love using these pads, showing strong engagement and creativity.

The Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad set offers three pads with 50 sheets each of heavy-weight, watercolor-finish paper, making it well-suited for young children to explore creativity through drawing, painting, or coloring. Its pages are designed to tear out easily without much damage, which is helpful in a busy daycare setting. The paper’s thickness supports various mediums like crayons, markers, pencils, and paints, adding educational value by encouraging different artistic techniques. Being FSC-certified, the product also reflects environmentally responsible sourcing, which might appeal to daycares focused on sustainability.

Although the pads don’t come with built-in storage or organization features, their standard size (9 x 12 inches) makes them easy to stack or store with other supplies. One drawback is that the paper itself requires additional effort to clean up after use since it’s not washable, so caregivers need to plan for workspace cleaning separately. While the drawing pads are appropriate for a wide age range starting from about 3 years old, they don’t include any safety-specific elements like non-toxic coating, so supervision during use is advisable.

This set provides a practical, simple choice for daycares wanting to offer screen-free, hands-on creative activities without complicated cleanup or storage needs.

Rating
9.6
Durability
Age Appropriateness
Educational Value

Most important from
18870 reviews

Durability
The paper is thick and of very good quality, perfect for kids to draw and paint on.
Age Appropriateness
The size is just right for young artists, making it easy and enjoyable to use.
Educational Value
Children love using these pads, showing strong engagement and creativity.
#3

ECR4Kids Stackable Kiddie Cot, Ready-To-Assemble, Toddler Size, Classroom Furniture, Blue, 6-Pack

Rating
9.4
Safety Standards
Durability
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
1108 reviews

Safety Standards
Highly recommended for their safety and practicality.
Durability
The quality is exceptional, making them both sturdy and durable.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to assemble and clean, these cots are a fantastic addition to any daycare.
Storage and Organization
Lightweight and easy to stack, these cots are perfect for any daycare setup.

The ECR4Kids Stackable Kiddie Cot is designed to provide a comfortable and safe nap environment for toddlers in daycare centers and homes. Safety is a priority with these cots; they are GREENGUARD [GOLD] Certified for low chemical emissions and CPSIA compliant, ensuring a safe environment for young children. The rounded edges and tightly fitting mesh help keep small fingers and toes protected, which is essential in a busy daycare setting.

The cots are built to last, featuring powder-coated steel poles, durable plastic corners, and heavy-duty, stretch-resistant fabric that can withstand daily use in early childhood facilities. This durability means less frequent replacements and long-term cost savings. In terms of storage, these cots are a great space-saving solution. They can be stacked up to 20 high, making them easy to store and freeing up valuable classroom space when not in use.

Cleaning is straightforward; the polyester fabric can simply be wiped clean with a dry cloth, which is practical for maintaining hygiene standards in a daycare. However, one downside is that these cots require assembly, which might be a bit challenging for some users. Moreover, adult supervision is always necessary to ensure safety when children are using the cots. Despite these minor drawbacks, the ECR4Kids Stackable Kiddie Cot is highly rated for its durability, safety, and practical design, making it an excellent choice for daycares looking for reliable sleeping solutions for toddlers.

Rating
9.4
Safety Standards
Durability
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
1108 reviews

Safety Standards
Highly recommended for their safety and practicality.
Durability
The quality is exceptional, making them both sturdy and durable.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to assemble and clean, these cots are a fantastic addition to any daycare.
Storage and Organization
Lightweight and easy to stack, these cots are perfect for any daycare setup.

Buying Guide for the Best Supplies For Daycares

Choosing the right supplies for a daycare is crucial to ensure a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for children. When selecting supplies, it's important to consider the age range of the children, the activities they will be engaged in, and the overall safety and durability of the products. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking supplies for a daycare.
Safety StandardsSafety standards refer to the regulations and guidelines that ensure products are safe for use by children. This is important because children are more vulnerable to hazards such as choking, poisoning, and injuries. Look for products that meet recognized safety standards, such as those set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or other relevant authorities. For example, toys should be free of small parts that can be swallowed, and furniture should be stable and free of sharp edges. Always prioritize safety to protect the well-being of the children in your care.
Age AppropriatenessAge appropriateness means selecting supplies that are suitable for the developmental stage of the children in your daycare. This is important because children of different ages have varying needs and abilities. For infants, choose soft, non-toxic toys and equipment that support sensory exploration and motor skills development. For toddlers, look for interactive and educational toys that encourage problem-solving and creativity. For preschoolers, consider supplies that promote social interaction, learning, and physical activity. Matching supplies to the age group ensures that children are engaged and learning safely.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well a product can withstand wear and tear over time. This is important in a daycare setting where supplies are used frequently and by multiple children. Durable products are cost-effective in the long run because they do not need to be replaced as often. When evaluating durability, consider the materials used and the construction of the product. For example, wooden toys and furniture are often more durable than plastic ones. Choose supplies that can handle rough play and frequent use to ensure they last longer and provide value.
Educational ValueEducational value refers to the potential of a product to support learning and development. This is important because daycare is not just about supervision but also about fostering growth and development. Look for supplies that encourage cognitive, social, and physical development. For example, puzzles and building blocks can enhance problem-solving skills, while art supplies can foster creativity. Books and educational games can support language development and literacy. Choose supplies that provide opportunities for learning and exploration to enrich the daycare experience.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning refers to how simple it is to keep a product clean and sanitary. This is important in a daycare setting to prevent the spread of germs and maintain a healthy environment. Look for supplies that are easy to wipe down, machine washable, or have removable and washable covers. For example, plastic toys and furniture are often easier to clean than fabric ones. Consider the cleaning requirements and choose supplies that can be easily sanitized to ensure a hygienic space for the children.
Storage and OrganizationStorage and organization refer to how easily supplies can be stored and kept tidy. This is important to maintain an orderly and safe environment in the daycare. Look for supplies that come with storage solutions or are easy to store. For example, stackable bins, shelves, and cubbies can help keep toys and materials organized. Consider the space available in your daycare and choose supplies that can be neatly stored away when not in use to keep the area clutter-free and safe.

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