Daycare Cleaning Rates in Ontario (2026)
Daycare and childcare centre cleaning in Ontario is priced monthly on a recurring contract basis. The rates below reflect professional, CCEYA-compliant cleaning companies operating in the GTA and broader Ontario market — not volunteer arrangements or standard commercial cleaning services that do not carry child-specific compliance credentials.
| Facility Type | Size | Typical Monthly Rate | Service Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small daycare / home-based centre Under 30 children, single floor |
Under 2,000 sq ft | $400 – $650 | Daily or 5x/week |
| Medium childcare centre 30–80 children, multiple rooms |
2,000 – 5,000 sq ft | $800 – $1,400 | Daily |
| Large facility / licensed centre 80–150+ children, full facility |
5,000+ sq ft | $1,500 – $3,000+ | Daily + spot cleans |
| School-based or multi-site operator Volume pricing applies |
Multiple sites | Custom (volume discount) | Per-site schedule |
A CCEYA-compliant daycare cleaning contract includes: daily sanitization of all child-contact surfaces, mouthing toy disinfection, eating area cleaning before and after every meal, diaper changing station disinfection, nap room cleaning, washrooms, entrance and lobby, floor care, and written Ministry of Education compliance logs with Health Canada DIN numbers for every product used. Deep cleaning for licensing inspections is typically an additional service.
Why Daycare Cleaning Costs More Than Standard Commercial Cleaning
A 3,000 sq ft office and a 3,000 sq ft daycare will not be priced the same by any professional cleaning company. The difference is real and entirely driven by what CCEYA-compliant childcare cleaning actually requires.
1. Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) — Mandatory Under CCEYA
Ontario's Child Care and Early Years Act requires that all individuals with unsupervised access to children in a licensed childcare setting hold current Vulnerable Sector Screening. For a cleaning company, this means every staff member who enters a licensed daycare must have VSS on file — not just the team lead, every cleaner. VSS applications, renewals, and the administrative overhead of maintaining current records for all staff adds cost that a standard commercial cleaning company does not carry. A cleaning company that cannot provide VSS documentation on request is not CCEYA compliant, and using them puts your operator's licence at risk.
2. Health Canada-Registered, Child-Safe Disinfectants
Every disinfectant used in a licensed Ontario daycare must carry a Health Canada Drug Identification Number (DIN) and be safe for use around children — hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and safe for surfaces that infants and toddlers mouth and touch. These products cost significantly more than standard commercial cleaning chemicals. A CCEYA-compliant cleaning company maintains a documented DIN list for every product in your facility — this list is reviewed by Ministry of Education inspectors and must be available on request at all times.
3. Ministry of Education Compliance Documentation
Licensed Ontario daycares operate under continuous Ministry of Education oversight. Inspectors assess cleaning frequency, product compliance, staff credentials, and documentation logs. A professional daycare cleaning company provides written logs after every service that include: date and time, areas cleaned, products used with DIN numbers, and staff VSS confirmation. This documentation infrastructure costs more to maintain than a standard commercial cleaning invoice — but it is what protects your licence.
4. Mouthing Toy Sanitization and Zone-Specific Protocols
Childcare cleaning cannot apply the same protocol to every surface. Toys that infants mouth require sanitization between every group use — not just at the end of the day. Diaper stations require disinfection after every change. Nap mats require cleaning after every rest. Eating surfaces require sanitization before and after every meal. This zone-specific frequency is entirely different from office cleaning where a desk is wiped once per evening, and the time required per square foot is higher as a result.
What Gets Cleaned — Zone by Zone
Understanding the cleaning scope helps you evaluate any proposal you receive. A contract that lumps everything into "daily cleaning" without specifying zone frequency is not specific enough to verify CCEYA compliance.
Mouthing Toys & High-Touch Surfaces
All toys accessible to infants and toddlers sanitized with Health Canada DIN-registered disinfectant. Door handles, light switches, cubbies, and chair rails disinfected. Written log entry after every service.
Before every group use / daily minimumKitchen & Eating Areas
Tables and chairs sanitized before and after every meal service. Food preparation surfaces cleaned and disinfected. Highchairs cleaned after every use. Floors swept and sanitized after meals. Sink and faucet disinfection.
Before and after every meal serviceDiaper Changing Stations
Full disinfection of changing surface, straps, and surrounding area with Health Canada-registered hospital-grade disinfectant. Waste disposal area cleaned. Disinfectant log entry maintained. No exceptions.
After every diaper changeNap Rooms
Nap mats and cots cleaned after every rest period. Floors vacuumed and sanitized. Blankets and linens handled per Ministry protocol. Ventilation checked for dust accumulation.
After every rest periodWashrooms
Full fixture disinfection, floor sanitization, supply restocking, mirror and surface cleaning. Child-height fixtures given priority. Odour control treatment. Log entry maintained.
Multiple times daily / after each use peakClassrooms & Play Areas
Floor vacuuming and sanitization, shelf and storage surface cleaning, art area disinfection, window sill wiping. All child-reachable surfaces disinfected with child-safe products daily.
Daily — end of each sessionCCEYA Compliance — What It Means for Cleaning Contracts
The Child Care and Early Years Act sets the compliance framework for every licensed childcare operator in Ontario. From a cleaning perspective, the key requirements that must be reflected in any professional cleaning contract are:
Vulnerable Sector Screening for all cleaning staff
Every cleaner entering a licensed daycare must hold current VSS — not just a team leader. Ask for documentation before signing any contract, and confirm how renewals are tracked.
Health Canada DIN-registered products only
Every disinfectant must carry a Health Canada DIN. Your cleaning company should provide a complete product list with DIN numbers for your Ministry of Education file. If they cannot, they are not compliant.
Written cleaning logs after every service
Ministry inspectors assess your cleaning documentation. Logs must include: date and time, areas cleaned, products used with DIN numbers, and staff identity. Verbal confirmation or monthly invoices are not sufficient.
Zone-specific frequency documented
Cleaning frequency for high-risk zones — diaper stations, mouthing toys, eating areas — must be specifically documented and match Ministry of Education standards. A general "daily cleaning" description is not specific enough for compliance purposes.
Outbreak response protocol on file
Your cleaning company should have a documented outbreak response protocol for RSV, norovirus, influenza, and hand-foot-mouth disease — the most common outbreak pathogens in Ontario daycare settings. They should be able to mobilize within 24 hours with hospital-grade Health Canada-registered disinfectants.
Using a cleaning company that cannot document VSS for all staff, cannot provide a Health Canada DIN product list, or cannot produce written cleaning logs is a direct compliance risk under CCEYA. Ministry of Education inspectors routinely review cleaning documentation during licensing inspections. A finding that your cleaning program does not meet CCEYA standards can result in compliance orders, licence conditions, or revocation proceedings. The cost of proper CCEYA-compliant cleaning is small compared to the risk of a Ministry order.
Outbreak Cleaning — What It Costs and When You Need It
Outbreak cleaning is a separate service from routine daycare cleaning and is typically quoted on a per-incident basis rather than included in a monthly contract. Ontario daycare operators should have an outbreak response agreement in place before they need it — not after an RSV or norovirus event begins.
Common Daycare Outbreak Pathogens in Ontario
- Norovirus — requires hospital-grade disinfectants with specific contact times; standard cleaning products are not effective
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) — survives on surfaces for several hours; all hard surfaces and toys require disinfection
- Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) — highly contagious; requires disinfection of all child-contact surfaces throughout the facility
- Influenza — airborne and contact transmission; full facility disinfection recommended after confirmed cases
- Pinworm / lice — require specific protocols for upholstered surfaces, nap mats, and fabric items
Emergency outbreak cleaning for a 2,000–5,000 sq ft Ontario daycare typically costs $600–$1,500 per incident using hospital-grade Health Canada-registered disinfectants, depending on facility size and pathogen requirements. This cost is separate from your monthly cleaning contract and should be budgeted as an operational contingency.
What Affects the Price — Factors That Push Costs Up or Down
Factors That Increase Cost
- Infant room with diaper changing stations
- Multiple age groups requiring zone-specific protocols
- Commercial kitchen on-site (hot meals program)
- Outdoor playground requiring periodic disinfection
- Multi-floor facility with elevator
- Outbreak history requiring enhanced protocols
- Strict public health authority requirements (Peel Region)
- Before/after school program adding evening cleaning scope
- Ministry licensing inspection requiring deep clean prep
- Same-day emergency cleaning requests
Factors That Reduce Cost
- Single age group (e.g. school-age only, no infants)
- No kitchen — cold meals or catered food only
- 5 days/week schedule (no weekend cleaning)
- New facility with easy-to-clean surfaces
- Multi-site volume discount
- Annual contract commitment
- Suburban location with easy access
- Smaller licensed capacity (under 30 children)
Daycare Cleaning Costs by GTA Region (2026)
Pricing across the GTA is largely consistent for daycare cleaning, with minor variation based on the specific public health authority requirements, facility density in the area, and access logistics for after-hours cleaning crews.
| Region / City | Public Health Authority | Small Centre | Medium Centre | Notable Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Toronto Public Health | $420 – $680 | $850 – $1,500 | High density of licensed centres. DineSafe-style documentation standard. |
| Markham | York Region Public Health | $400 – $650 | $800 – $1,400 | Fast-growing childcare market. York Region PHU standards. |
| Vaughan | York Region Public Health | $400 – $650 | $800 – $1,400 | Growing licensed daycare density in Woodbridge and Maple. |
| Brampton | Peel Region Public Health | $400 – $660 | $820 – $1,450 | Peel Region PHU standards. Large South Asian community childcare sector. |
| Mississauga | Peel Region Public Health | $400 – $660 | $820 – $1,450 | Peel Region PHU. High-density licensed centres in Square One corridor. |
| Aurora / Newmarket | York Region Public Health | $395 – $630 | $790 – $1,350 | Lower density. Standard York Region rates. Good response times from Markham-based companies. |
| North York / Scarborough | Toronto Public Health | $410 – $660 | $830 – $1,450 | High-density urban childcare market. Standard Toronto Public Health documentation requirements. |
What to Verify Before Hiring a Daycare Cleaning Company
Daycare cleaning is one context where the lowest price should be an immediate red flag rather than a selling point. A cleaning company that undercuts the market significantly is almost certainly not carrying the VSS documentation, child-safe product costs, and compliance infrastructure that CCEYA requires. Before signing any contract for daycare cleaning in Ontario, verify the following:
- VSS documentation for all staff — ask to see certificates, not just a verbal confirmation. Confirm how renewals are tracked and what happens when a staff member's VSS lapses.
- Full DIN product list — every cleaning and disinfecting product used in your facility should be listed with its Health Canada Drug Identification Number. If the company cannot provide this list, they cannot document it for your Ministry inspector.
- Sample cleaning log — ask to see a sample of the cleaning documentation they provide after every service. It should include date, time, areas cleaned, products used, and staff identification.
- Outbreak response protocol — ask for their written protocol for RSV, norovirus, and hand-foot-mouth outbreaks. A professional company should have this documented and be able to share it.
- References from other Ontario daycare operators — ask for 2–3 references from licensed childcare facilities they currently service. Speak to the directors, not just read testimonials.
- Liability insurance and WSIB clearance — $5M liability insurance minimum. Current WSIB clearance certificate provided before work begins and renewable annually.
Ministry of Education licensing inspections are unannounced. An inspector can arrive on any operating day and request your cleaning documentation on the spot. Having a cleaning company that provides written logs after every service — not monthly invoices — means you are always ready, not just prepared when you expect an inspector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cleaning cost in Ontario?
Daycare cleaning in Ontario starts at $400/month for small childcare centres under 2,000 sq ft. Medium centres (2,000–5,000 sq ft) typically run $800–$1,400/month. Large licensed facilities start at $1,500/month. These rates include daily child-safe disinfection, toy sanitization, eating area cleaning, diaper station service, washrooms, and Ministry of Education compliance documentation logs. Final pricing confirmed after a free on-site walkthrough.
What is CCEYA and why does it matter for daycare cleaning?
CCEYA — the Child Care and Early Years Act — is Ontario's legislation governing all licensed childcare operations. For cleaning, the key CCEYA requirements are: all cleaning staff must hold current Vulnerable Sector Screening, all products must be Health Canada DIN-registered and child-safe, and written cleaning logs must be maintained for Ministry of Education inspections. Using a cleaning company that is not CCEYA compliant is a direct risk to your operator's licence.
Do daycare cleaning staff need Vulnerable Sector Screening?
Yes. Under CCEYA, all individuals with unsupervised access to a licensed childcare setting must hold current Vulnerable Sector Screening. The industry best practice — and the only truly compliant approach — is VSS for all cleaning staff regardless of shift timing. Ask any prospective cleaning company for VSS documentation for all staff before signing. If they cannot provide it, do not use them for a licensed daycare.
What cleaning products are safe for Ontario daycares?
All disinfectants used in licensed Ontario daycares should carry a Health Canada Drug Identification Number (DIN) and be certified safe for use around children — hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and safe for mouthed surfaces. Hospital-grade disinfectants (higher DIN concentration) are required for outbreak response. Your cleaning company should provide a complete DIN product list for your Ministry file. Standard commercial cleaning products without DIN numbers are not compliant for use in licensed childcare settings.
How often should a daycare be professionally cleaned?
Licensed Ontario daycares require daily professional cleaning. Mouthing toys must be sanitized before every group use. Eating areas must be cleaned before and after every meal. Diaper stations must be disinfected after every change. Nap rooms must be cleaned after every rest period. Washrooms require multiple daily cleanings. A full facility deep clean is recommended monthly and before every Ministry of Education inspection.
Is daycare cleaning more expensive than office cleaning?
Yes — typically 20–40% more than comparable office cleaning. The premium reflects VSS costs for all staff, Health Canada-registered child-safe disinfectants, zone-specific cleaning frequency (not just end-of-day cleaning), Ministry compliance documentation, and outbreak response protocols. A cleaning company that prices daycare cleaning the same as office cleaning is almost certainly not carrying the required CCEYA compliance overhead.
Get a Daycare Cleaning Quote for Your GTA Childcare Centre
Zusashi Maintenance has served GTA childcare facilities since 2007. CCEYA compliant, VSS-screened staff, Health Canada DIN-registered products. Free on-site assessment, written Ministry documentation after every service. WSIB compliant, $5M insured. No long-term contracts.