Safety Standards for Preschool Furniture in Accordance with the Regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training

Safety Standards for Preschool Furniture in Accordance with the Regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training

08-09-2025

Discover the mandatory preschool furniture safety standards set by the Ministry of Education and Training – from tables and chairs to cabinets and materials – all designed to protect children’s health and holistic development.

The proper selection, arrangement, and use of standard-compliant student desks and chairs not only help children maintain correct posture and prevent spinal or vision problems but also minimize the risk of accidents. For preschool principals, understanding and correctly applying these safety standards is a crucial step in building a friendly and absolutely safe learning environment for children.

1. The Importance of Safety Standards in Preschool Furniture

1.1 Safety as the Foundation of Early Childhood Education

At the preschool age, children’s physical development and motor skills are not yet fully matured, which makes them highly vulnerable to accidents if the environment is not designed with safety in mind. From desks and chairs to storage cabinets, bookshelves, flooring, and lighting, every element must strictly adhere to safety standards.

The Importance of Safety Standards in Preschool Furniture.

The Importance of Safety Standards in Preschool Furniture.

A safe environment not only allows children to confidently explore and learn but also provides parents with peace of mind when entrusting their children to the school.

1.2 The Relationship Between Student Furniture and Children’s Health

Student desks and chairs are items that children use daily for long periods of time. If the furniture does not meet the required standards in terms of size or material, children may suffer from back strain, spinal deformities, or face potential injuries from accidental collisions. Therefore, compliance with the safety standards issued by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) is mandatory for all preschools.

2. General Regulations on Safety Standards for Preschool Children

2.1 Standards for the Dimensions of Student Desks and Chairs

According to MOET regulations, preschool furniture must be designed in accordance with the height and body proportions of children at different ages. Specifically:

  • Desk height: 40–52 cm depending on the age group (3–6 years old).
  • Chair height: 22–30 cm.
  • Seat-to-desk height ratio: Approximately 0.55–0.60, ensuring that children sit comfortably and maintain proper posture.

2.2 Materials and Durability

Preschool desks and chairs must be made from safe materials that do not contain harmful chemicals (such as lead or excessive levels of formaldehyde). All surfaces should have rounded edges, be smoothly finished, and free from splinters or sharp corners. The frames of chairs and desks are commonly made of natural wood, melamine-coated engineered wood, or powder-coated steel to prevent rust, ensuring both durability and safety.

General Regulations on Safety Standards for Preschool Children.

General Regulations on Safety Standards for Preschool Children. 

2.3 Stability and Load-Bearing Capacity

Desks and chairs must be sturdy, free from wobbling, and capable of withstanding adequate weight to prevent tipping over when children lean on them or move around. This requirement is especially important, as preschool children are highly active and often move frequently in the classroom.

3. Safety and Health Standards in the Use of Preschool Furniture

3.1 Design Safety

  • Rounded edges: To prevent scratches or injuries when children come into contact.
  • Smooth surfaces: Free from roughness, with no exposed screws or bolts.
  • Pinch-free mechanisms: Folding or opening structures (if any) must be designed to avoid the risk of children’s fingers getting caught.

3.2 Environmental Safety

  • Paints and adhesives: Must be free from lead and toxic odors.
  • Easy cleaning: Furniture should have stain-resistant surfaces that are easy to wipe, ensuring daily hygiene.

3.3 Ensuring Proper Learning Posture

Standard-compliant desks and chairs help children maintain an upright back, keep their eyes at a distance of 25–30 cm from notebooks, and rest their feet comfortably on the floor. This not only supports musculoskeletal health but also helps protect children’s eyesight.

Safety and Health Standards in the Use of Preschool Furniture.Safety and Health Standards in the Use of Preschool Furniture.

4. Arrangement of Student Desks and Chairs in Preschool Classrooms

4.1 Principles of Arrangement

Desks and chairs should be arranged to create wide aisles, ensuring sufficient lighting for all seating positions. Other activity areas (learning corners, play corners, creative corners) should be separated while still allowing convenient movement.

4.2 Safe Distance

The distance between desks and chairs should range from 40–60 cm, enabling children to move easily and allowing teachers to observe and assist effectively.

4.3 Space Optimization

In classrooms with limited space, stackable or foldable desks and chairs can be used when not in use. This not only saves space but also makes the classroom more flexible for various activities.

Arrangement of Desks and Chairs in Preschool Classrooms.

Arrangement of Desks and Chairs in Preschool Classrooms.

5. Benefits of Investing in MOET-Standard Preschool Furniture

5.1 Protecting Children’s Long-Term Health

Standard-compliant desks and chairs help children maintain correct posture, reducing the risk of spinal deformities, nearsightedness, and musculoskeletal problems.

5.2 Reducing Classroom Accidents

Safe designs minimize the risks of bumps, finger entrapment, or falls, ensuring an absolutely safe learning environment.

5.3 Enhancing the School’s Reputation and Image

When facilities meet safety standards, parents gain trust and appreciate the quality of education provided. This is also a key factor in helping schools attract more enrollments.

6. Recommendations for Principals When Selecting Preschool Furniture

6.1 Choosing Reputable Suppliers

Schools should select manufacturers with certified quality standards and products tested for child safety.

6.2 Prioritizing Flexible Designs

Furniture models with adjustable heights or foldable features enable schools to easily modify classroom layouts.

6.3 Combining Aesthetic Elements

Beyond safety, bright colors and engaging shapes also help stimulate children’s interest in learning.

Ensuring safety standards in preschool furniture is not only a requirement of the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) but also a responsibility of every principal in safeguarding children’s health and holistic development. Among all furniture, desks and chairs play a central role, directly affecting posture and eyesight while also impacting overall safety during learning and play.

Investing in standard-compliant desks, chairs, and furniture not only provides long-term health benefits for children but also contributes to building a professional and reputable image for the school. A safe, well-organized, and child-friendly learning environment forms the foundation for preschoolers to develop comprehensively and confidently prepare for the next stages of their educational journey.

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