Daycare setup is pivotal in the success and effectiveness of any childcare facility, whether it’s a non-residential daycare or a home daycare center. Creating your daycare layout is more than playful decorations and lots of toys. A well-designed setup involves strategy and planning to craft the perfect environment for learning and development. From choosing child-safe furniture to daycare decorating ideas to room layout, we’ve broken down the do’s and don’ts of designing your daycare setup.

Core Areas

Daycare classrooms can vary wildly from one to another, though most are made up of the same core areas. All daycare setup ideas should use these “zones” as the foundation for your layout.

Cubby Storage - where children keep their belongings, including backpacks, coats, etc. Situate near the entrance of the room in such a way that it will not be congested during busy pickup and drop-off times. Cubbies should have an open front and size appropriate for its intended users. Other daycare storage ideas, including coat hooks and shelving, can also be part of the cubby storage area.

Classroom & Teacher Storage - for supplies, equipment, toys, materials, books, and other daycare essentials. Keeping your daycare classroom clutter-free is not just for aesthetic purposes: it provides a safer environment for children, helps promote organizational and social skills, and reduces anxiety - for children and teachers. Most storage should be open faced and without doors to avoid finger entrapment and other injuries, except for teacher storage. Store medicines, cleaning supplies, and other unsafe items should be kept in lockable cabinets or storage units. 

Quiet Area - low-energy and low-traffic space. Whether it’s a nap area for toddlers or a study area for school-aged students, having a quiet area for children to retreat to helps a balanced environment. Provide ample “soft” materials like plushy carpeting, floor mats, pillows, bean bag chairs, etc. for children to recharge or focus on their homework.

Cubby Storage - where children keep their belongings, including backpacks, coats, etc. Situate near the entrance of the room in such a way that it will not be congested during busy pickup and drop-off times. Cubbies should have an open front and size appropriate for its intended users. Other daycare storage ideas, including coat hooks and shelving, can also be part of the cubby storage area.

Classroom & Teacher Storage - for supplies, equipment, toys, materials, books, and other daycare essentials. Keeping your daycare classroom clutter-free is not just for aesthetic purposes: it provides a safer environment for children, helps promote organizational and social skills, and reduces anxiety - for children and teachers. Most storage should be open faced and without doors to avoid finger entrapment and other injuries, except for teacher storage. Store medicines, cleaning supplies, and other unsafe items should be kept in lockable cabinets or storage units.

Quiet Area - low-energy and low-traffic space. Whether it’s a nap area for toddlers or a study area for school-aged students, having a quiet area for children to retreat to helps a balanced environment. Provide ample “soft” materials like plushy carpeting, floor mats, pillows, bean bag chairs, etc. for children to recharge or focus on their homework.