Are Your Daycare’s Toys Age-Appropriate?
When purchasing children’s toys, a daycare must take into consideration the age-appropriateness of each toy. Safety, of course, is a big issue because some toys may be hazardous for younger children and daycares must constantly monitor for recalls. However, age appropriateness can also apply to interest, challenge and creativity. If the toy does not fit the age group that it is being used by, it could sit in the corner and gather dust.
The Safety Factor
One of the primary concerns for any daycare has to be the safety of the children. That’s why children’s toys are generally separated into different rooms designated for each age group. Even under close supervision, toys that are appropriate for a five year old may be a choking hazard for toddlers or infants.
Recalled Toys
Recalled toys are another hazard that a daycare must deal with. Often these toys are bought by parents or staff thinking they are perfectly safe. However, there are steps a daycare can take to minimize this danger. First, they need to purchase children’s toys from a known source such as a specialty store and avoid pre-owned toys. The centers should sign up for the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s free email notifications, which can then be passed along to parents.