Are you a new or expecting parent? Finding childcare services for your child is definitely one of your priorities. Here’s what you need to know.
Your options
Educational childcare services accept children from birth until they start kindergarten. They must, among other things, offer a healthy and safe environment.
There are three types of childcare services:
1) Childcare centres (CPE) – Subsidized
CPEs are licensed by the Ministère de la Famille. A CPE can have more than one facility. Each facility can accommodate up to 100 children.
2) Private day care centres – Subsidized or unsubsidized
Like CPEs, day care centres are licensed by the Ministère de la Famille. A person can have up to five subsidized day care centres. There is no limit for unsubsidized day care centres. Each facility can accommodate up to 100 children.
3) Home childcare services – Subsidized or unsubsidized
Home childcare services are managed by self-employed workers who offer childcare services in a private residence. The number of children permitted is never higher than nine.
Most home childcare services are recognized by a home educational childcare coordinating office. Those that are not recognized can still, under certain conditions, provide care for children. Beginning September 1, 2026, however, this will no longer be possible for people who wish to care for more than two children.
A childcare service is subsidized when it receives financing from the Ministère de la Famille. The amount paid to it is based on the number of positions filled, that is, the number of children it cares for.
Please go to Quebec.ca or read this explanatory document to learn more about each type of childcare service.
How much does it cost?
Eligible parents can take advantage of the reduced contribution. This is a fixed, advantageous rate for having their child cared for at a subsidized childcare service. In 2025, it is $9.35 per day. The rate increases slightly on January 1 each year.
To be eligible for this contribution, you must complete the eligibility application form and submit it to your childcare service. For more details about this form, please read this information leaflet.
Not eligible? The rate for having your child cared for at a subsidized childcare service will be higher.
Please note that unsubsidized day care centres and home childcare services set their own rates. The reduced contribution is not offered.
No matter which childcare service you use, financial support may be granted to you. Take the time to find out about it.
Registration on the Portal
The Childcare Services Registration Portal was launched on November 3, 2025. It is designed to assign places in childcare centres (CPE) and subsidized day care centres based on the desired childcare start date.
You can register your child on the Portal as soon as they are born or adopted, but not before.
This Portal replaces La Place 0-5. The files of children born or adopted before October 16, 2025, have been transferred to the new platform. For children born or adopted after that date, however, re-registration is required.
Questions? Call 1-855-336-8568 or write to renseignements@mfa.gouv.qc.ca.
Problems?
To make a complaint about a home childcare service, please contact its coordinating office.
To make a complaint about a childcare centre (CPE), a day care centre or a coordinating office, please contact the Ministère de la Famille.
Complaints about the Ministère can be addressed to the Protecteur du citoyen.
