Summary of Ontario’s Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA / O. Reg. 137/15) for guidance only — ratios may reduce to two-thirds of these numbers during the first and last 1.5 hours of the day and during rest periods (infant rooms always stay 1:3), and a minimum of 2 staff is required whenever 6 or more children are present. Staff qualification rules (RECE) also apply, and regulations change. Always confirm with your licensing program advisor.
Behind the numbers
Full ratio tables, group-size rules and the nap-time reduction are in our Ontario daycare ratios & group sizes guide. Planning a new centre? See how to start a daycare in Ontario, then run the profitability calculator to see what a staffing change does to your bottom line.
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Start free — no card needed → See the live demoFrequently asked questions
- What is the infant ratio in Ontario?
- Under the CCEYA (O. Reg. 137/15), infant rooms (children under 18 months) run at 1 staff to 3 children, with a maximum group size of 10. The infant ratio is never reduced — it stays 1:3 even during arrival/departure windows and rest periods.
- What is the preschool ratio in Ontario?
- Preschool (30 months to 6 years) runs at 1 staff to 8 children, with a maximum group size of 24. So 16 preschoolers need at least 2 qualified educators present, and you cannot exceed 24 children in a single preschool group.
- Can daycare ratios be reduced during nap time in Ontario?
- Yes — except for infants, the CCEYA permits ratios to drop to two-thirds of the standard number during rest periods and during the first and last 1.5 hours of the operating day. Infant rooms always stay at 1:3, and a minimum of 2 staff is required whenever 6 or more children are present.