When you are just starting out in your business, money is usually tight. Rest assured that we don't have to spend a lot of money to have more than enough supplies and activities for the children in our care. I have compiled a list of things I have picked up at my local "mart" store and/or grocery store (wherever is priced better) or dollar store. These are things that I use on a regular basis. I try not to buy anything that I can make, substitute or live without. I will try to categorize these the best I can and list what I use them for.

Another note: I did NOT buy all of this at one time. I pick up a thing or two each week and before I know it, I'm done and don't feel a big "hit" in the bank account.

FROM THE HOME STORAGE AISLES:

Baskets of all sizes--
-CD holder baskets make excellent manipulative holders
-Drawer organizer baskets are great for individual child use or for organizing scissors, glue sticks, etc.
-Toys stored in baskets on low bookshelves or floor space help organize and DE-clutter especially when the basket is labeled with a picture (either a real photo or a picture you cut from a catalog and mounted on a card)
-Laundry baskets are great for outdoor toys (note: I drill several small holes in the bottom ridges of outdoor basket so that water doesn't accumulate...just make sure that the holes aren't big enough for little fingers! This makes it much easier to wash toys and then sun-dry.)

Plastic containers with lids-- (Rubbermaid or Sterlite type)--
-I use the file-box type for book storage , for block storage, etc. They are also great for packing up themes and storing for future use. They stack really well in a garage or other storage area.
-I use the under bed-type containers on this aisle for sensory bins. They are typically large enough to let all 6 kids play at one time--if that's what's planned.
-Plastic shoe boxes are another good storage tool.

Multi-drawer units-- made by the same companies above have endless possibilities.
-I have used the large ones as cubbies.
-I use the small table top units for crayons, markers, pencils, etc. Great organization and when you want to put just one particular thing at a center you can just pull the drawer out and put it on the table.
-I have taken the large unit and put all my boxed puzzles in it, along with write and wipe activities and boards, chalk boards, lacing activities, and the sort.

Shelving units--either wall-mounted or freestanding (be sure to secure any freestanding units so that they cannot tip!)--
-Low bookcase units can be used for anything and everything imaginable...especially when there are photo-labeled baskets on each shelf.
-divided cubbies gives each child his own space--helps develop a sense of ownership

Utility or towel Hooks--
-give everyone a place to hang their belongings
-make a great place for hanging dramatic play clothes

FROM THE SCHOOL/OFFICE SUPPLY AISLES:

Card stock, contact paper or laminating supplies--
-Laminate everything for durability, wipe-ability
-For labeling storage with pictures
-For labeling everything with words for a print-rich environment
-For the occasional "worksheet" activity, use with dry-erase or washable markers for easy clean-up

File folders--
-for files (duh)
-for games
-for posters or books the kids can make themselves (or you can make)

Binders and Page protectors--
-for making books
-for organizing curriculum
-for reference materials
-for portfolios (for the children as well as the provider)

Colored paper clips--
-the large ones make good manipulatives (older children)

Bulletin board Magnets--
-great for displays as well as activities

Bingo markers in lots of colors and magnetic wands--
-great science activities
-magnet board activities

Bingo "dot" markers in all colors--
-art supply

Envelope labels

FROM THE HOUSEWARES AISLES:

Strainers, spatulas, spoons, scoops, measuring cups, funnels, scales--
-provide loads of possibilities in sensory areas, art areas, dramatic play, as well as science and math

Clothes pins and clothes line--
-for displaying art
-for circle time/activity use
-manipulative use

Plastic utensil holders--
-are great for keeping writing center neat
-science center storage

Plastic relish trays--
-awesome for sorting activities

Dishpans--
-see basket usage above
-use as a sensory tub
-doll bed
-pretend boats or cars (for the little ones, not for us)
-to soak our tired feet during nap time :-)

Metal cookie sheets and pizza pans--
-for working with magnets

Bowls, cups, muffin pans--
-art activities
-sorting

Clear plastic canisters--
--for storage...I use the spaghetti containers for pipe cleaners!


I hope this gives you some ideas. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but I tried to cover things that you probably have on hand or can pick up inexpensively and easily. Don't forget to have multiples of items and to ask people you know if they have items to donate. I wonder what other providers have used that are not on the list...please post your ideas. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.