I started my daycare a year ago, and I am working toward getting an accredited pre-k program started by next fall. I updated some of the furniture and toys in the past month, but I am worried that it doesn't say "pre-k." We live in a more upscale neighborhood in Maryland, so I am trying to stand out with a bit more style than a typical primary color daycare. But now I am worried that it might not be what parents are expecting. I really don't have room for a kitchen/housekeeping section. The table does double-duty as arts/crafts and meals. I have a couple of table-top easels that I can rotate in and out on a regular basis for kids. There are pretend clothes in the bins, and I have a lot of crafts/musical instruments/daily activities in the built-in cabinets. What do you guys think?

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I think it's beautiful! Not over done, and classy. I would put my child there! The basic, cutesy prek stuff isn't my style either.

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I love your space. Very clean. Seems kid friendly. However, in my area a "preschool" is going to be 100% kids. No adult tables, but small child size school tables and chairs. Parents here want "classroom work" and an image that supports that thought. I, personally, do NOT agree with that line of thinking.

I really like your space.

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I really like it, but I agree that lots of parents want a classroom for preschool. Centers, child-sized everything. You could advertise as a Waldorf, RIE, or other type of similar preschool--parents wanting these programs usually DONT want the classroom look!

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In a preschool I would definitely expect to see more kid-size furniture and a calendar wall, with words, numbers, a calendar, etc on it, for kids to see at all times.
However, it is a very nice space

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Thanks everyone!

Above the little couch are my kids' pictures that have been there since we moved here two years ago. I am trying to decide if I should put up a fabric covered framed corkboard or do individual colored frames with the corkboard in the center of each (saw it on pinterest!) in the lime, aqua, pink and yellow colors around the room. I haven't been able to find a calendar/pre-k style organizer for the wall that is more Pier 1 than Lakeshore Learning.

I also have my kids' pics in the top shelf of the built-ins so I am trying to decide what to put up there that showcases the pre-k/daycare but isn't a toy as it is too high up for the kiddos.

I've thought about replacing the kitchen table and chairs with a housekeeping section I saw at Pottery Barn Kids (but found on craigslist for much cheaper!) But it is also my meeting place with adults and where the older kids can do homework/puzzles, etc., without the toddlers grabbing at their stuff. I suppose if I successfully make the transition to full pre-k, I won't have to worry about that. I still have a dining room table where the older kids could go (we have a colonial home). I have one crib in there and then a pack-n-play/changing table tucked into the corner of the living room so it is easier for the babies to nap.

I am getting some custom containers (DivasIntuition on Etsy) for by the fireplace for blocks, etc., and for the land of nod table that have Velcro so little hands can't reach in unless invited.

I think I am just so tired of a long, dreary winter that I had to re-design and move things around with a brighter color palette.

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I like it as is. I really never cared for the primary colors look or the walls being "too busy." I think yours looks relaxing and inviting. Very nice! Wouldn't change a thing.

Laurel

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It depends on personal perspective and state rating scales. ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale; which is used in centers {FCCERS for home daycare}) encourages there to be a mix of both adult and child sized furnature to help both the teachers and parents to feel that they have a place in the environment. Some parents tend to avoid going into their child's classroom because they (subconciously) feel unwelcome due to the small furnature; like it's a "kids only" space rather than a neutral setting that is welcoming for all ages.

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Mine is a preschool. If you want, I could message you a link.

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so the only thing that I didnt see was books or manipulative area. do you have a reading area? or what about an area for puzzles?


the area looks very clean and inviting. I will say this much, there is a lot of white that I can see and in my experience anything white will get dirty fast with kids. I have a white wall that gets washed weekly and painted every quarter.

I think that you are off to a very good start, very cute.

I also wanted to edit to add, in my preschool training I was taught to make sure that every child can read their name on at least 5 different items. for example

cubby box
space at the table have a name tag for each child
pencil box
bathroom towels have name label
sticks with their names on them that they can grab from a jar to add to the helper board, weather person, line leader, etc
name on floor where they will sit for circle time
name on paper rack where they will put their art when done
back of the chair if you cant put it on the table

I was also taught to make it a text rich environment that everything in it should be labeled. this really helps to promote reading

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I think it looks lovely, and definitely reads professional.

I don't think there's a particular "look" that says "preschool." To me, what matters is what's happening there. What I would focus on is documentation of what the kids are doing there, what they're learning, what your philosophy is... People like my environment, but what gets them is seeing documentation of what we do there and why it's important. I hand them a notebook of the daily journals I send parents and as they flip through, they get a good sense of what we do and see its importance/seriousness/difference from babysitting/"preschool" if you want to put it that way. (If it were me, I'd replace the teacher-store posters of colors and things with beautiful documentation about what your kids are doing/learning/exploring.)

It sounds like you'd really like a kitchen set. I see a space where I'd tuck one: right at the far right end of your island. You could get a pretty white one that would blend in, or build a simple one (have you seen those nice ones people make from end tables and things on Pinterest?) My kitchen is small, but I fit in our nice small kitchen set (here) and it's worked very well there.

Good for you for going for a look you find aesthetically pleasing rather than the generic "preschool look."

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Nice! I love the colors and especially the wood floors. In your first pic, be sure to put your posters lower at children's eye level. Also for accreditation, make sure your materials are all labeled and use photos to help the kids learn where they go. I think you've got a lovely PreK program!

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I like it but to me, it still seems like a home daycare versus a preschool. I dont think that is a bad thing! No matter what you decide to do, it wont be what every parent is looking for. I have had people complain that I dont have enough toys and that my home is too bare because I am a minimalist in our living room area (not even the daycare space but whatever) so again, do what you want to do and find the parents that are a good fit with that. Not everyone wants the structured school sterile environment. I prefer something more homey myself!

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That would be great! Thanks!

I will definitely have to get some labels for the kiddos once the pre-k goes into effect. I may do it for some of my regulars now (only 2 as of this moment, plus my kids). Because I have 20 other kids enrolled on an occasional basis, it is a little hard to do that. I found some really great ones on Etsy (my go to shop for custom work that will really fit in with the decor - plus, it is good to support small businesses!

Great ideas, everyone! Thanks so much!

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http://www.potterybarnkids.com/produ...=PIPRecentView

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/produ...Marketing_Rule

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http://www.potterybarnkids.com/produ...=PIPRecentView

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/produ...Marketing_Rule

I am going to put a housekeeping section where this table is located. Which of these do you think would be better for a pre-k? All 3 pieces (pink version on craigslist for $375) or the one piece?

There is also this:

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/fuo/4433305523.html

That I was thinking of putting over there as well to be used as a dollhouse for the kids, and I would just get rid of the smaller dollhouses that I currently have.

Which piece/s do you think are the best and why?

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If you wanted opinions, I'd take the second one (the white all-in-one). Gender neutral, and no pieces for the kids to decide to move

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Gender neutral items

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I would take the white kitchen. I also wanted to mention that I got my younger dd a dollhouse bookcase this past Christmas from Kohl's for around $35 brand new. If I can still find it, I'll send you the link .

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. . . And apparently they don't sell the dollhouses anymore, at least not for the price I found:


It's going on Amazon now for $100 .
http://www.amazon.com/Teamson-Prince.../dp/B00GS6O9WK

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Thanks ladies!

I will go with the white kitchen and keep an eye out on craigslist for it so I don't have too pay full price. I liked that bookcase for my daughter's room (will watch for Christmas sales), but it definitely isn't gender neutral for the boys. I measured the wall and both of them will fit nicely against the wall. I have that strange step-down that was so popular in the late '60s and early '70s and all that does is entice kids to climb up the furniture! I would like to section things off like I see on all of the daycare pics, but I am not sure how to go about doing that without the room seeming smaller. I still have babies occasionally, and I need good sight lines.

Thanks for all the tips!

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Maybe you could DIY a dollhouse?
Ana White has free plans for one: http://ana-white.com/2009/12/plan-do...ck-off-of.html
Here's one made from an old dresser (it has storage, too!): http://www.just-in.com/recycledDresser/index.htm
This one's super simple (just made from a cube-style shelving unit): http://blog.landofnod.com/honest-to-...dollhouse.html

Good luck!
-Elizabeth

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What defines a pre school from home daycare is not just kid size furniture or primary color paint scheme, but the sense of moving from a home based business to school business located in your home. This is the spirit you must capture. This is why parents will pay more. And the staff qualifications are important too. Pre school should have someone with early childhood degree or at least some edu degree. People need to be able to distinguish how your spaces are used at a glance or else they will feel you are more home daycare than pre school. Otherwise design it as you like following the simple rule "does this look like a home based business or a business located in a private home".

Good luck.

big Lou

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I found the Pottery Barn dollhouse bookcase on CL for 75$... it's similar but a bit more plain and green trims...it is way more study that I was expecting
I love it!
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/produ...ouse-bookcase/

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You are so lucky!!! I have been trying to find that dollhouse bookcase everywhere! I love it because it can fit multiple kids at once. Even the "my loving family" majestic dollhouse isn't large enough for 3 girls to play with at once, and the boys won't go near it because of all the pink and purple.

Land of Nod makes a very similar version that is slightly smaller in scale, but also very high quality...with a high price tag of $400!

I took the advice of another posting and moved our kitchen table down to the "man cave." I sold the idea to my husband saying he could use it as his poker table.

I found this awesome Pottery Barn play desk on craigslist for $120, plus the cradle for $30 and the large rolling basket for $50. I am on a Land of Nod/Pottery Barn kick as I love the style and quality. But so expensive!!!

Does anyone else have this problem? I am really trying to go toward more wooden toys and open-ended toys...but they are a lot more expensive and harder to find on craigslist/yard sales. I know I have to put money back into my business to attract enough clients so I can pick and choose who I bring into my home/life. It is ALL so expensive though, that I am having to put the up front cost on my credit card and then pay it off through the next couple of months to make up for it.

I got the aqua version of the same rug I have in the larger playroom adjacent to this room, and a lime green chair to go with the desk so the colors play off each other. I can't do both the large dollhouse bookcase and the three-piece kitchen (assuming I can even find them on craigslist or ebay in the baltimore area.), so I really need to figure out the rest of the layout. I got the large rolling basket to put the housekeeping items (and so I can get into that cabinet easily). Between the basket and the desk, I have enough space for either the stove or the dollhouse. I am not sure that just having the all-in-one kitchenette instead of the 3 pieces will be enough play area for them all or if it will be one argument after another. I could also just get a good-sized wooden dollhouse and a wooden fire station to put on the toy organizers in the playroom area....

Ideas?

Oh, and I definitely agree with another post that a big part of having a preschool is having the right credentials. I do have a bachelor's degree in journalism (graphic design, writing, photography), but not in education. I have 95 hours toward my CDA, and I will be starting the lengthy and consuming accreditation process soon. Sigh. I started reading the certification book for family childcares and realized I did not have the setup or toys they outlined in the book...hence this journey!

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http://www.landofnod.com/dollhouse-bookcase/s503022

got the price wrong...$300!

http://www.landofnod.com/kids-all-ru...ion-aqua/f9736

Here is the rug I got...should be here by Wednesday evening so will post the updated pic then..

http://www.landofnod.com/lime-lookin...-chair/s247777

and the chair...

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