Home > Childcare Operations > Cleaning While Children Are Present – Safety Policy

Cleaning While Children Are Present – Safety Policy

Purpose

To ensure a safe, sanitary environment for children while preventing exposure to hazardous cleaning activities during operational hours.

Policy Statement

Cleaning activities must not take place in rooms occupied by children, except for general clean-up activities that are part of the daily routine and do not pose a health or safety risk.

Definition: General Cleaning

General cleaning refers to light, routine sanitation tasks necessary to maintain cleanliness without exposing children to hazards. These activities may be performed while children are present only when safety can be fully maintained.

Permitted Cleaning Activities (While Children Are Present)

The following activities are allowed when children are in the room:

  • Wiping tables and surfaces after meals or activities using child-safe, non-toxic products

  • Soaking toys in a container placed out of children’s reach (e.g., a tub on a countertop)

  • Sweeping floors when children are not walking in the immediate area

  • Spot-cleaning minor spills that do not create slipping hazards

Prohibited Cleaning Activities (While Children Are Present)

The following activities must not occur when children are in the room:

  • Use of hazardous, toxic, or strong chemical cleaners

  • Mopping floors or any cleaning that creates a wet or slippery surface

  • Spraying disinfectants, bleach solutions, or aerosols

  • Cleaning tasks that require equipment, cords, or tools accessible to children

  • Any cleaning that poses a risk of slipping, falling, inhalation, or contact injury

Required Procedure for Deep or Hazardous Cleaning

  • All deep cleaning, disinfecting, or use of hazardous materials must be completed:

    • After children have left the room, or

    • Before children arrive, or

    • In a separate, unoccupied area

  • Rooms must be fully dry, ventilated, and safe before children re-enter

Staff Responsibilities

  • Staff must continuously assess the environment for safety during any clean-up activity

  • If a cleaning task presents any potential risk, it must be postponed until children are not present

  • Directors and supervisors are responsible for ensuring staff compliance with this policy

Compliance

Failure to follow this policy may result in corrective action and may constitute a violation of health and safety regulations.