This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a daycare.
Our business plan for a daycare will help you build a profitable project
Opening a daycare is rewarding, but figuring out what equipment you need can feel overwhelming.
The tricky part is knowing exactly what to buy without going broke or missing something crucial for child safety and development.
Every daycare has different needs, and equipment costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not careful about planning.
Complete Daycare Equipment List
Opening a successful daycare requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your daycare up and running safely and efficiently.
Safety & Security Equipment
- Security cameras - Monitor all areas for child safety and staff protection
- Door locks and access control - Prevents unauthorized entry and child wandering
- Safety gates - Controls access between different age group areas
- Cabinet locks - Secures cleaning supplies and dangerous items
- Outlet covers - Prevents electrical accidents with curious children
- Corner guards - Protects children from sharp furniture edges
- First aid kit - Essential for treating minor injuries quickly
- Fire extinguisher - Required safety equipment for emergency situations
- Smoke detectors - Early warning system for fire safety
- Emergency evacuation supplies - Includes cribs on wheels and evacuation signs
Furniture & Seating
- Child-sized tables - Appropriate height for meals and activities
- Child-sized chairs - Comfortable seating for various age groups
- High chairs - Safe feeding equipment for infants and toddlers
- Booster seats - Helps transition children to regular chairs
- Cribs and toddler beds - Safe sleeping arrangements for different ages
- Changing tables - Hygienic diaper changing with safety straps
- Storage cubbies - Individual spaces for children's belongings
- Bookshelves - Age-appropriate height for easy access to books
- Play kitchen furniture - Encourages imaginative play and social skills
- Soft seating areas - Comfortable spaces for reading and quiet time
Educational Materials
- Age-appropriate books - Builds literacy skills and vocabulary
- Puzzles and games - Develops problem-solving and fine motor skills
- Art supplies - Crayons, markers, paper for creative expression
- Building blocks - Enhances spatial reasoning and creativity
- Musical instruments - Supports auditory development and rhythm
- Educational posters - Alphabet, numbers, and learning charts
- Sensory play materials - Sand, water tables, and tactile toys
- Dramatic play costumes - Encourages imagination and role-playing
- Science exploration tools - Magnifying glasses and nature specimens
- Math manipulatives - Counting bears, shapes, and sorting materials
Kitchen & Food Service
- Refrigerator - Stores perishable foods and snacks safely
- Warming oven - Keeps food at safe serving temperatures
- Microwave - Heats bottles and individual food portions
- Dishwasher - Sanitizes dishes and utensils efficiently
- Food preparation surfaces - Stainless steel for hygiene compliance
- Child-safe dishes - Unbreakable plates, cups, and utensils
- Bottle sterilizer - Ensures infant feeding equipment cleanliness
- Food storage containers - Keeps ingredients fresh and organized
- Serving utensils - Appropriate sizes for portioning meals
- Cleaning supplies - Food-safe sanitizers and washing equipment
Hygiene & Health
- Diaper changing supplies - Diapers, wipes, and disposal system
- Hand washing stations - Child-height sinks with soap dispensers
- Sanitizing supplies - Disinfectants approved for childcare use
- Thermometers - Digital models for checking illness symptoms
- Disposable gloves - Food handling and diaper changing protection
- Paper towels - Hygienic hand drying and cleaning
- Tissues - Available throughout facility for runny noses
- Biohazard containers - Safe disposal of bodily fluids
- Laundry facilities - Washing machine and dryer for linens
- Personal care items - Toothbrushes, cups for dental hygiene
Outdoor Play Equipment
- Playground structures - Age-appropriate climbing and sliding equipment
- Swings - Various types for different developmental stages
- Sandboxes - Covered areas for sensory play experiences
- Riding toys - Tricycles, scooters for gross motor development
- Sports equipment - Balls, hoops for physical activity
- Garden tools - Child-sized equipment for nature exploration
- Shade structures - Protection from sun during outdoor time
- Fencing - Secure perimeter for safe outdoor play
- Outdoor storage - Weather-resistant containers for equipment
- Water play equipment - Sprinklers and water tables for summer
Administrative Equipment
- Computer system - Record keeping and communication with parents
- Printer/scanner - Documents, reports, and emergency forms
- Filing cabinets - Secure storage for confidential records
- Phone system - Multi-line capability for parent communication
- Intercom system - Communication between different areas
- Time clock - Staff attendance and payroll tracking
- Office supplies - Forms, pens, and administrative materials
- Parent communication board - Daily updates and announcements
- Cash register - Fee collection and financial tracking
- Safe or lockbox - Secure storage for money and documents
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Vacuum cleaner - Daily cleaning of carpeted areas
- Mop and bucket - Sanitizing hard floor surfaces
- Cleaning carts - Mobile stations for efficient cleaning
- Trash receptacles - Various sizes with tight-fitting lids
- Recycling bins - Teaching environmental responsibility
- Maintenance tools - Basic repair equipment and supplies
- Cleaning chemicals - Child-safe sanitizers and detergents
- Protective equipment - Gloves and masks for cleaning staff
- Storage closets - Organized space for cleaning supplies
- Air purifiers - Maintains healthy indoor air quality
Our financial plan for a daycare will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most daycare owners spend between $15,000 and $75,000 on equipment, depending on their size and capacity. You really can't go below $10,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic safety equipment, furniture, and educational materials just to operate legally and effectively.
- Small Home Daycare
A small home daycare serving up to 8 children needs around $10,000-$25,000, and most of that budget goes toward safety equipment, child-sized furniture, and educational materials.
- Medium-Sized Daycare Center
A medium-sized daycare serving 25-50 children typically runs $25,000-$50,000, with more specialized equipment like commercial kitchen appliances and playground structures.
- Large Daycare Facility
A large daycare facility serving 75+ children can easily hit $50,000-$75,000, especially when you add things like comprehensive security systems and extensive outdoor play equipment.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Home Daycare ($10,000 - $25,000)
Small daycares focus on essential equipment that meets licensing requirements while creating a safe, nurturing environment. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on features you won't use right away.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Equipment | Basic security system, safety gates, cabinet locks, outlet covers, first aid kit, fire extinguisher | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Furniture | Child-sized tables and chairs, 4 cribs, changing table, storage cubbies, basic bookshelves | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Educational Materials | Age-appropriate books, basic puzzles, art supplies, building blocks, educational posters | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment | Compact refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, child-safe dishes, bottle sterilizer | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Hygiene Supplies | Diaper changing supplies, hand washing station, sanitizing supplies, basic cleaning equipment | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Outdoor Equipment | Small playground set, riding toys, outdoor storage, basic fencing for play area | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Administrative | Basic computer setup, printer, filing cabinet, phone system, office supplies | $1,500 - $3,000 |
Medium-Sized Daycare Center ($25,000 - $50,000)
Medium daycares need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle diverse age groups and higher enrollment. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to provide comprehensive care and education.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Safety & Security | Comprehensive security camera system, electronic door locks, multiple safety gates, emergency supplies | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Furniture & Fixtures | Multiple sets of tables and chairs, 8-12 cribs, high chairs, changing tables, extensive storage systems | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Educational Resources | Comprehensive book library, varied puzzles and games, complete art center, sensory play materials | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Kitchen & Food Service | Commercial refrigerator, warming oven, large dishwasher, food prep equipment, serving supplies | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Health & Hygiene | Multiple hand washing stations, commercial laundry equipment, sanitizing systems, health monitoring tools | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Outdoor Facilities | Age-appropriate playground structures, multiple swings, sandbox, variety of riding toys and sports equipment | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Technology & Admin | Multi-computer setup, network system, advanced communication tools, comprehensive filing systems | $3,000 - $6,000 |
Large Daycare Facility ($50,000 - $75,000)
Large daycare facilities operate with institutional-grade equipment and comprehensive systems. The focus shifts to maximizing efficiency, safety, and the ability to provide specialized care for different age groups simultaneously.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Security | Professional security system with monitoring, biometric access control, emergency communication systems | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Commercial Furniture | Institutional-grade furniture for multiple age groups, specialized infant equipment, modular storage systems | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| Educational Centers | Specialized learning centers, extensive library, technology integration, STEM learning materials | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Commercial Kitchen | Full commercial kitchen equipment, food service warmers, industrial dishwasher, food storage systems | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Health & Safety Systems | Medical monitoring equipment, advanced hygiene systems, commercial laundry facility, air quality control | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Outdoor Complex | Multi-age playground structures, sports courts, garden areas, shade structures, comprehensive safety surfacing | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Technology Infrastructure | Network infrastructure, parent communication systems, administrative software, backup systems | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Specialized Equipment | Infant care equipment, therapy tools, transportation equipment, emergency preparedness supplies | $5,000 - $10,000 |