24 secrets of daycare teachers—steal their tricks!

Most daycares have the luxury of child-level hooks and cubbies, which makes it easier for kids to clean up after themselves. You can replicate this with labelled baskets (most daycares attach pictures of the contents to each bin to make it easier for kids). Put them everywhere: at the front door, in the kitchen, in the TV room and, of course, in the playroom, if you have one. Label hooks, and put a mat down for shoes. “Even a young toddler will get the idea,” says VanGerwen. “They’re learning to take responsibility for their own belongings and building the foundation for organizing their brain.”