How to Find Furniture for Preschools
Depending upon the type of preschool you need to furnish will largely depend on the types of furniture you can incorporate into your school. Different areas have different codes and standards that the furniture has to meet in order to be placed into use in a daycare setting. Remember to follow all OSHA codes in order to meet national standards for preschool furnishings.
- Avoid older painted furniture that may contain lead based paint that is toxic to small children. If you really wish to use a particular piece of older painted furniture, be sure to remove all of the paint, and repaint the piece with a water based paint to seal it.
- Pass over furniture that is made with thin laminate, as the laminate is easy to tear and shred after just a short amount of time. When purchasing pieces, choose solid wood that will last.
- Call local schools, day cares, and churches to ask if they intend to discard or sell any of their furniture stock. You may be surprised just how many institutions upgrade their furnishings, especially private institutions.
- Perform Internet research on local and national companies that offer free shipping and even other supplies when you order large quantities from the company. For example, many companies offer to set the furniture up and deliver it when the cost exceeds a specified amount.
- Research online to find companies that specialize in supplying preschools, schools, and day cares with furniture that meets the federal Occupational Standards & Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for safety. Although some of the furniture offerings may not be as cost effective as purchasing used furnishings, you will have the peace of mind by providing a safe environment for your providers and students.