Preschool Enrollment is on the Rise
After a decline during the Covid-19 pandemic, preschool enrollment numbers are steadily increasing.
According to the 2022 Current Population Survey, the number of 3- and 4-year-old children enrolled in preschool in 2022 was at 53.3%, a 13.0 percentage point increase from two years prior (40.0%). The survey looked at both federally funded and private U.S. preschools. Current enrollment numbers are similar to those from 2019, just before the pandemic. As reported by the United States Census Bureau, preschool enrollment was at its lowest point since 2005 during the pandemic.
With an increase in preschool enrollment comes the need for more preschool furniture and supplies. The global preschool furniture market was valued at $160 million in 2022, according to the Transparency Market Research Inc. That number is expected to reach $263.2 million by 2031. Growth will likely be seen across a variety of categories.
Preschool Activity Tables
The activity table is the hub of most preschool classrooms. Children develop more than reading and math skills at the activity table; there they also learn to collaborate with classmates, problem solve, interact with teachers, explore, create, imagine and more.
Activity tables come in many shapes to fit classroom needs. Traditional shapes like squares and rectangles allow tables to easily be pushed together to form learning pods based on the lesson. Horseshoe- and kidney-shaped activity tables are also very popular in preschool classrooms because they allow the teacher to sit in the middle of the students and provide eye contact and one-on-one instruction with each student.
Children also enjoy whiteboard activity tables where they can doodle, practice writing letters, play games and more right on the surface of the table.
Preschool Seating
When considering seating for your preschool, it is important to find chairs that are the right height. Oversized chairs that are meant for older students can make preschool students feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed. Our preschool chairs come in sizes as small as a 10" seat height.
While traditional classroom chairs are still commonly used in preschools, soft seating is has become increasingly popular. The soft seating often consists of a heavy-duty foam core covered with colorful viny upholstery that is easy to wipe clean. A mix of soft seating and traditional classroom chairs allows children to choose the best seating option for them on a particular day.
Preschool Rugs
A colorful classroom rug is an inexpensive and easy way to brighten any classroom. The rugs offer a comfy place to sit during floor time and help absorb noises so students can better concentrate. Classroom rugs come in hundreds of shapes, colors, themes and sizes to fit any space.
Preschool Activity and Play Equipment
While forming the building blocks of learning is important during the preschool years, children also benefit greatly from free play. Provide blocks, puzzles, obstacles, exploration tables, climbers and other activity and play equipment that helps kids stretch their legs as well as their minds and imaginations.
Preschool Storage
Teachers know that a successful classroom is an organized classroom. Preschool is an age when little ones are starting to learn to do things independently so it is important to provide storage equipment like cubbies and lockers that kids can access with ease. All preschool storage should have safety features like rounded edges and anchoring systems.
Our Sales Team is Here to Help
As preschool enrollment grows, so does the demand for quality preschool furniture. Our knowledgeable sales team can assist you as you shop for the furniture and equipment that is right for your young students. Give us a call today at (877) 839-3330.