Furniture, fixtures and equipment considerations

Last updated on July 7, 2026

Designing program spaces with intention helps create environments that are safe, functional and responsive to the needs of school‑aged children. This web page provides guidance on furniture, fixtures and equipment that support developmentally appropriate school age care programs on school grounds. It outlines key considerations for designing and equipping dedicated, shared, and alternative spaces to ensure high‑quality programming and consistent, effective use of school facilities. The design considerations below highlight elements that contribute to welcoming, engaging environments that support the diverse ways children learn, play, and unwind. 

  • Furniture that fosters connection and helps build relationships 

  • A sense of place and belonging, where children feel welcomed and seen; spaces that connect with home and where families are visible 

  • Open‑ended materials that invite exploration, creativity, and curiosity 

  • Natural elements that engage the senses and support well‑being 

  • Attention to sound and noise levels to promote calm and focus 

  • Lighting that supports comfort, visibility, and mood 

  • Open spaces for movement and collaboration. 

  • Cozy or quiet areas for eating, reading or unwinding after a long school day 

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Furniture

Tables and chairs 

  • Child-sized tables and chairs for crafts, homework and meals 

  • A few adult-sized chairs for staff. 

Soft seating 

  • Couches, beanbags or floor cushions for reading and relaxing 

  • Carpets or floor mats  

Storage 

  • Lockable cupboards for supplies, medication, and staff belongings 

  • Open shelving or cubbies for children’s personal belongings 

  • Mobile storage units for easy room transitions if spaced is shared 

  • Cupboards near food prep area 

Multi-use Furniture 

  • Folding tables and chairs if the space is shared with the school 

  • Room dividers or partitions to define play zones 

 

Fixtures

Safety 

  • First aid station and kits 

  • Emergency evacuation kit 

  • Fire extinguisher that meets code 

  • Child-safe locks for cleaning supplies 

  • Ice packs 

Sanitation 

  • Access to toilets and handwashing sinks with soap and paper towel dispensers 

  • Food preparation area with sink 

  • Garbage, recycling and compost bins 

Signage 

  • Emergency exit plans, daily schedules, and program rules at child height 

Lighting and ventilation 

  • Adequate overhead lighting and windows with blinds or curtains if glare is an issue 

 

 Equipment and supplies

Creative and arts 

  • Craft supplies such as paper, markers, glue, scissors and paint 

  • Easels, drying racks and storage for art 

STEM and homework 

  • Basic school supplies such as pencils, rulers and calculators 

  • Board games, puzzles, LEGO, building sets and manipulatives 

  • Sensory tables or bins  

  • Water table 

Dramatic play 

  • Dress-up clothes, props, role-play items, kitchen items and dolls 

Reading and relaxation 

  • Age-appropriate books, magazines 

  • Quiet corner with cushions and rugs 

Physical play 

  • Sports equipment such as balls, skipping ropes and hula hoops 

  • Indoor active-play items such as foam blocks and balance boards 

  • Access to an outdoor playground or field 

Kitchen and snack Prep 

  • Fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster oven 

  • Child-safe cups, plates and cutlery 

  • Sealed food storage containers 

 Technology (optional) 

  • Bluetooth speaker for music and games 

  • Projector or TV for movie afternoons 

  • Digital microscope 

  • Cameras 

  • iPads 

 Administrative and staff needs 

  • Sign-in/out station that may be digital or paper based. 

  • Parent communication board 

  • Bulletin boards 

  • Staff office space and desk with lockable file storage 

  • Staff break area that may be shared with school 

  • Secure storage for sensitive records 

  • Laptop or desktop computer 

  • Colour printer and copier 

Outdoor and shared space considerations 

  • Access to school gym for active play during poor weather 

  • Rake for moving resilient surfacing under swings and climbers 

  • Planter boxes 

  • Access to school gardens 

  • Picnic tables 

  • Access to shade and weather protection 

  • Safe storage for outdoor equipment 

  • Nature-based play opportunities 

  • Clear supervision zones