Answering Questions About Furniture Safety

Answer 1

Parents will naturally want to ask questions about health and safety policies and procedures during their first visit to a child care facility, but may not think to ask about the furniture that the will children use each day. Yet unclean, damaged or structurally unsound furniture can be a real health hazard. When touring the property of any childcare school or facility, it's important to take a careful look at the furniture. An inspection of the play and study areas, as well as the bathrooms, will help parents decide if the facility meets their high standards.

Inspecting the Furniture

The furniture in a child care facility should be simple and sturdy, with surfaces that are easy to keep clean. Parents should be on the look out for any signs of wear or damage. Stains and spills left unattended are a red flag. Unclean furniture can easily spread bacteria that can make a child sick. While the furniture should be comfortable, parents should be wary of upholstered pieces. Not only are they harder to keep clean, they can harbor harmful allergens like dust mites. Children need furniture that is scaled to their size. Furniture that is too large or too small may lead to poor posture and poor physical development.

Staffing Concerns

Children are naturally curious and active. Given the opportunity to climb on furniture, they will do so. Parents should observe play periods to make sure that that children are always carefully monitored. It's important to ensure that the facility has rules in place for activities around furniture, and that those rules are followed.

When it comes to the furniture in child care facilities, it's reasonable for parents to set their expectations high. Demanding that the facility's furniture is clean, safe and sound will help ensure that when children are at child care facilities, they will get the same quality of care that they receive when they are at home.