I am looking to start a new preschool in my area. I was wondering ..

Question

What exactly do I need to get started, such as learning materials. Thanks!

Answer 1

I had a similar thought, no offense meant by it... but if you are starting a preschool (in our area..preschool is 3-4 year olds) do you have experience?  Maybe you asked this basic question so that you get many an answer...to make sure you have everything accounted for.

* licensing is your first necessary thing.  It will give you a idea of what minimum requirements are necessary.

*www.discountschoolsupply.com or www.lakeshorelearning.com are two great school catalogs that I place an order every year.

* what curriculum are you going to use?  What materials you purchase, etc should directly correlate with your curriculum.  It is not necessary to purchase a curriculum, as that can be very expensive.  But you do want to sit down and get it all in writing.  This will help with your assessment of the children.  

* of course you'll need to have a computer and programs in which you can do your paperwork.

* Setting up the classroom.  I believe in "Centers" in a preschool.  Here are the ones I like to see.

* science/discovery

* games/manipulative

* library

* computer

* art/easel

* blocks/group time

* dramatic play

* fine motor/writing

* sensory

Of course you'll need child sized tables, chairs and shelving units.  Knowing how you are going to set up the classroom and what your goal is will help you with deciding what materials need to be purchased.  The following is a list of basic materials...how much you need will depend on the number you are licensed for.

* writing utensils- colored pencils, no sharpen crayons/pencil, stubby pencils/crayons, washable markers (fat/skinny), etc.

* variety of paper- 12x18 and 9x12 construction paper, manilla paper, computer paper, tracing paper, easel paper, etc.

* craft/art materials: tempera paint, fingerpaint, watercolors, water color pencils, liquid glue/glue sticks, scissors, free art materials, paint brushes, painting cups, paint smocks, sponges, do a dots, painting tools besides brushes, foam shapes, straws, stickers, googly eyes, yarn...the list goes on and on.  :-)

* science: magnify glasses, mirrors, color tubes, tools to work with, items to explore, theme related materials for exploration, etc.

* blocks/group time...wood blocks, foam blocks, block toys such as vehciles, farm sets, people, etc.  Calendar, weather board, job chart, name display, cd player, cd's etc.

* library- soft seating, flannel/magnet board, books on cassette/cd, board books, informational books, book displays, fiction books, alphabet/number books, puppets, etc.

* games/manipulatives- games such as memory, file folder games, manipulatives such as nuts and bolts, gingerbread people, wedgits, table blocks, etc (look through an early childhood catalog).

* fine motor/writing: various types of paper/writing tools, magnadoodle, puzzles, tactile alphabet and numbers, name cards, etc.

* dramatic play:  children definately benefit from more than a kitchen set...so consider that when purchasing items.  A clock, mirror, dress up clothes stand/tub, table/chairs, kitchen set, etc.  I have found that with the basic wooden kitchen sets you can turn around, flip on it's side and so on to make other theme related dramatic play sets such as a fire truck and so on.

* sensory tub and tools- I like to rotate my sensory materials but some programs say you must have sand and water at all times.

* computer- appropiate cd's and etc.  

* displays: make or purchase alphabet, number, shape, and other basic concept displays to be rotated frequently.

* musical instruments- music and movement materials such as scarves etc.

* large motor equipment.

* circle time rug, mat

* really nice to have a large dry erase board.

Hope that gets you started.

Answer 2

I would think you would need a license first and foremost.

Check for zoning regulations, too.

As for learning materials, it all depends on the age of the child.

Preschoolers learn by playing and hands on activities.  Have on hand age appropriate books and toys that foster fine motor skills.

Just curious.  If you are planning to start a preschool, I am assuming that you have a degree or at least experience working in one.  I don't understand why you wouldn't know the basics.

Answer 3

Begin by finding out the regulations in your state. Codes are the important first step. Plenty of inspections from health and fire inspectors.After the building passes then you will be deciding how you will run your classes. Will it be open ended age appropriate activities or very structured and academic. Plus there are many other ways you can go. Research and observing other schools could be a good tool to decide.