Ontario Daycare Room Setup Guide: What to Buy First by Age Group

DRAFT. Part of the Ontario daycare resource hub. How to lay out and equip each room — and what to buy first when budget is tight.

Infant room (under 18 months)

Priorities: individual cribs, a commercial changing station with stairs, secure bedding storage. Shop cribs, changing tables, floor mattresses.

Toddler room (18–30 months)

Priorities: low durable tables, contained/stackable seating, open-access storage, rest mats. Shop toddler room furniture and table & chair sets.

Preschool room (30 months+)

Priorities: taller activity tables, learning stations, play kitchens, shelving. Shop activity tables and learning toys.

Shared essentials

Daycare-grade flooring, handwashing access, and a lockable medical cabinet. Size everything to your group-size caps.

Buy-first order on a tight budget

1. Sleep/rest (cribs, mats) — required for licensing
2. Tables & seating
3. Storage
4. Learning/play extras

Prefer it delivered and installed? Delivery & installation.

📋 Download the Ontario Daycare Startup Checklist (PDF)