Monday, November 22, 2010

Drop Side Cribs at Discount School Supply

Hello, my name is Michael Tsuchiura, and I am a Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist here at Discount School Supply. In QA it is our job to gather feedback from customers about the performance of our products and to channel that feedback to the appropriate department; our goal is always to improve our products and the way we present them to our customers. QA is also the department responsible for ensuring that the products we offer to our customers meet state and federal safety regulations.


One product undergoing changes to its applicable safety regulations is the drop-side crib. In June of this year the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) proposed new crib standards to address issues inherent in the design of all drop-side cribs; to date these remain only proposals. A finalized standard is expected in early 2011. Though the exact date and method for the CPSC to impose these regulations are still unknown as I write this post, Discount School Supply is taking a proactive approach.


It is anticipated that preschools and child care programs will soon be required to discontinue the use of drop-side cribs in favor of a safer alternative. In response to the need for a safer crib, DSS now offers a new “drop-gate” style crib from Angeles ®. This crib consists of four stationary sides to create a safer environment for children, while still providing the same easy access as a drop-side crib. This access is achieved by a 6-inch fold-down gate located high on the front panel. The Angeles drop-gate cribs meet or exceed all ASTM and CPSC standards and the federal flammability standards for mattresses found in 16 CFR 1632 & 16 CFR 1633. These cribs may be viewed on the Discount School Supply web site at wwww.DiscountSchoolSupply.com in three finishes: Product Code DC221 is a natural wood finish with two clear panels; DC222 is a natural wood finish with one clear and one mirrored panel; and DC226 is a white finish with two clear panels.


At this time, no one knows what will happen with drop-side cribs. We do offer our customers open communication and the promise to work hard to keep you updated. I hope you will continue to check back with us for updates as they become available. Our customer service department can also be reached at 800-627-2829, Monday through Friday from 6:00am until 5:00pm Pacific Time, to receive any crib inquiries, and we will have a representative respond to your inquiry within 48 hours. It has been an important year for cribs, and Discount School Supply is committed to making any necessary transition that may come as smooth as possible for our customers.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Common-Allergen-Free Products from Discount School Supply

Hi, my name is Allison Craig, and I have worked at Discount School Supply (DSS) for 15 years. While I wear many hats, my favorite job is being the Customer Product Advisor.

In that capacity, I have worked on creating and informing our customers about our Common-Allergen-Free Products list. First let me explain about the hyphenated name, “Common-Allergen-Free.” The products on this list address a number of sensitivities to the most common allergens. So, while individual products may each be free of different allergens, the sum of products on the list add up to a “Common-Allergen-Free” resource.

In the beginning of this project, I had no idea how extensive problem allergies have become in the US. In fact, 1 in 26 children has some type of allergy. I have answered questions about a child who has only one allergy and about another who has 40+ . I am proud to say we have had something for everyone! After many years of answering calls and emails from teachers, directors and parents searching for art materials free of the allergens that affect their children, I decided that DSS needed to offer a comprehensive list of these products on our website at http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/default.aspx?es=4589500000W.

This has been a very eye-opening experience for us, and it has become a passion of ours to spread the word on common-allergen-free products available through Discount School Supply. Are you looking for Wheat & Gluten-Free Dough?? Try our Colorations Wheat & Gluten-Free Dough (#COLORDO). Maybe you need egg-free tempera paint? Check out the BioColor regular & Fluorescent colors or perhaps our Colorations Simply Washable Tempera Paint. Maybe your child is allergic to Latex? We have a wide variety of art and outdoor play products to satisfy those needs as well, such as the Best Value Playground Balls(PGSET).

There are several ways to find the product that is just right for you. There is a link on our home page at http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/default.aspx?es=4589500000W to Common-Allergen-Free products where you will find separate lists for Gluten-Free, Dairy/Casein-Free, etc. Perhaps the child is allergic to many of the common allergens; if that is the case, you can search for a particular product. Within the overview section on the product page, you will a list of all of the common allergens not included in the product. If you have a child who has allergies not listed, I invite you to email me at acraig@discountschoolsupply.com. I will try to find products to match your child’s needs. It is our goal to serve every child at Discount School Supply, and the Common-Allergen-Free list is just one very important way that we do it. Happy Shopping!!!!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

NAEYC Wheel of Fun with Discount School Supply

Early childhood professionals from around the world are gathering this week in Anaheim, CA to discuss the challenges and everyday issues of working with young children and families.

On the NAEYC Expo floor, Booth #612, Discount School Supply is showcasing a wide array of early childhood educational materials and celebrating our 25th Anniversary! We understand how hard early childhood educators and professionals work, so conference attendees are encouraged to stop by our booth so we can show our appreciation!

Visitors can participate in some great activities at our "Make and Take" tables, spin the 25th Anniversary Wheel of Fun for amazing prizes, and enter a contest to win an entire set of new Angeles MyRider(tm) trikes and riders!

Watch as an excited participant wins big spinning the Wheel of Fun!