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Registering your child in childcare services (day care)
In Québec, it is against the law to leave children under the age of
12 unsupervised. However, parents who work or study often find it difficult
to reconcile work and family. To assist these parents, the Québec government
has created a network of childcare services that offers various resources.
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The Québec Day Care Centre Network |
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Ressources |
Age group |
Number of children accomo-
dated |
Attendance |
Lenght of Stay |
Charac-
teristics |
| Centres
de la petite enfance (childcare centers) |
From birth to
age 5
Occasionally, school-age children |
At least 7 |
Can vary, full
or part-time |
48 consecutive
hours |
Educational
program * |
| Services
de garde en milieu familial (home childcare services) |
From birth to
age 12 |
Maximum of 9 |
Can vary, full
or part-time |
Possibility
of providing service for more than 24 hours |
Educational
program * |
| Garderies
(day care centres) |
From birth to
age 12 |
At least 7 |
Can vary, full
or part-time |
24 consecutive
hours |
Educational
program * |
| The
services listed below are not currently governed by law. |
| Jardins
d'enfants (nursery schools) |
From age 2 to
age 5 |
Stable groups
of at least 7 |
Morning or afternoon,
on a regular basis |
Maximum of 4
hours |
Educational
program * |
| Haltes-garderies
(stop over centres) |
From birth to
age 12 |
At least 7 |
Can vary, occasional
use |
24 consecutive
hours |
Educational
activities optional |
| *
Program adapted to the child's age and the time spent on site with
the ultimate goal of enhancing overall development.
All of these services, except for those in private residences (home child
care), are provided on premises specifically equipped for day care purposes.
The centres de la petite enfance coordinate and monitor home child care
services. |
Childcare centres and day cares must hold a permit from the Ministère
de la Famille, des Aînés et de la Condition féminine and
respect the laws that govern them. Most regulated childcare services offer
spaces at a reduced price. Some families can receive a refund for a portion
of their childcare expenses or be totally exempt. For more information, contact
the childcare service you have chosen or the Ministère.
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PRACTICAL ADVICE |
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- To find out about childcare centres and day cares holding a permit,
consult the directory childcare
establishment locator.
- Apply for admission as soon as possible to make sure that your child
has a place in a childcare centre or day care.
- Be sure to meet with the childcare staff before making your choice.
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Childcare services in the schools
Kindergarten and elementary school schedules rarely coincide with those of
working parents. In addition, school holidays, such as pedagogical days, sometimes
fall on workdays. Most schools offer childcare services at the school before
classes start in the morning, at lunchtime and after school.
Children who attend these services after school can use the time to do their
homework.
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PRACTICAL ADVICE |
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As a parent, you may ask your governing board to set
up a childcare service in your school, provided you can demonstrate a
need for it.
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Parents who send their children to the school childcare service for a minimum
of two and a half hours a day for at least three days a week pay minimal daily
fees. However, other costs such as fees for meals eaten at school or special
activities organized by the childcare service may be added. Contact your school
or school board to find out which schools provide these services.
Useful links
- Ministère de la Famille, des Aînés et de la Condition
féminine:
- Day
care (Québec Portal - Services for citizens)
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