Chapter 7 - Mgmt of Inventory and Equipment_ND

8/11/2019 Chapter 7 - Mgmt of Inventory and Equipment_ND

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MANAGEMENT OF INVENTORYAND EQUIPMENT

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HHB3013 CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATIONS


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Establishing NeedsThere are three major areas to equip in a child carecenter. The Director must determine the type andamount of equipment needed for each one. Areas to be equipped are:

1. Childrens spaces, both indoors and outdoors 2. Adult spaces, including offices, waiting rooms,

conference rooms and lounge areas3. Service areas

Equipment refers not only to furniture but also toappliances, computers and other durable goods

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Copying machine is a worthwhile investment in termsof the time and money saved in duplicating items

The advantages are they pay for themselves overtimeby saving staff time and enable the center to producematerials for professional qualityStaff needs a place for meeting

Centers must provide a separate lounge for parentsand visitors. Must provide facilities for refreshment A shelf of toys and books for visiting children indicatesthat the center is sensitive to childrens needs

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Selection CriteriaUsefulness means:Does the specific piece of equipment meet the needs

of the center in a safe mannerHow well it meets the developmental needs of thechildren in the program? Whether or not the equipment can be put to multiple

uses by the children

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Developmental needs- The developmental levels,capabilities and age range of the children enrolled,influence what will purchasedInfants require special furnishing such as cribs,changing tables, and high chairsToddlers may need potty chairs

Children with disabilities may require modifiedequipment designed to meet a particular needs

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Versatility A piece of equipment that can be used inseveral ways is a bonus both financially and in terms ofenriching the learning environment for children.Example are hollow blocks that can be used to make apuppet stage or book shelf can be a room divider and astorage facilitySome equipment can be used both indoors andoutdoors. This is economical and provides a wider variety of learning experiences for children

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SafetyNo matter how versatile, attractive, durable, economicaland suitable a piece of equipment maybe, it must berejected if it is not safeSafety is maintained by staff members who make a point ofbeing constantly alert to the condition and thearrangement of the equipment that is placed in thelearning environment

Safety issue may be overlooked example the use of leadpaint in the playground equipmentHaving a trained inspector check a playground periodicallyfor lead and other hazards is a wise investment

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SuitabilitySome equipment must be provided in several sizes to meetthe needs of each userStereotypes- equipment must be chosen with theunderstanding that it may be used equally by all childrenClassroom materials should reflect many cultures anddepict a variety of roles being chosen by members of various cultures of both sexesFor example dolls of many races should be available . The play figures that are used as block accessories shouldinclude female postal workers and black doctors

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Special Needs- In determining the suitability ofequipment, you must consider children withdisabilitiesChildren who cannot walk, for example may needeasels and water tables that can be used while they sitin a chair or a wheelchair

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Ease of MaintenanceEase of maintenance should also be a consideration whenchoosing equipmentSinks, toilets and drinking fountains must be cleaned dailyand table tops must be washed several times each day andsimple to cleanThe surfaces should be smooth and all areas easy to reachSmall pieces that are hard to clean may cause problems andharbor dirts and germs

Outdoor equipment that must be repainted frequentlyshould be designed so that it can be sanded and paintedeasilyEquipment that will rust or rot easily should not bepurchased for outdoor used

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AttractivenessChild care center equipment should be well designedand aesthetically attractive

An attractive environment carries a message thatchildren, families and staff who enter the setting areappreciated that great care to make their environmentbeautiful

A material that is aesthetically appealing need not beexpensive

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Managing Equipment All equipment must be checked and inventoried ondelivery, and before it is stored or put into use

A maintenance plan should be set up to minimizerepair and replacement needs

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Checking and Inventorying

Equipment When equipment is received, it must be checkedagainst the order to ascertain that it corresponds withthe order (quantity, size and color)If discrepancies are found, the vendor must be notifiedimmediatelyIt is wise to keep original packing materials in case anyequipment needs to be returned

Equipment need to be label which is very helpful it issent for repairs When equipment is added or removed from the center,the inventory must be updated.

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Updated inventories will give a clear picture of what isavailable and help pinpoint type of equipment that areincurring a heavy damageThis information is useful in determining how muchand when to reorder and in making decisions aboutchanging vendors or brands of equipment ordered

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Maintaining and Storing Equipment As soon as equipment is placed in the center, the job ofmaintenance begins( need immediate treatment andperiodic coatings)Equipment used by children must be checked dailyand removed if it is in need of repairStorage equipment also is directly related to its

maintenanceIt is easy to return equipment after it has been used when each piece has a specific, clearly delineatedstorage space

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ExerciseThink about your previous experiences with children with disabilities (OKU).You are aware with theirspecial needs and are responsible for equipping anenvironment that is suitable for that child.

What special provisions have to be made for this groupof children that need a special needs?

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Chapter 7 - Mgmt of Inventory and Equipment_ND