Getting ready to move abroad with your family requires some time and planning. Here's a comprehensive guide on childcare in Quebec to help you navigate the essentials.
According to the Éducaloi website, there isn't a specific legal age for leaving a child unsupervised at home in Quebec. Nevertheless, it's recommended for parents who work or study to enroll their children in a daycare service. To simplify this process, the Quebec government has established a network of childcare services offering various resources.
Following the standard, children are eligible for kindergarten enrollment at the age of 5 by September 30 of the school year. However, some schools provide the option to begin at age 4, participating in a pre-kindergarten year. Consequently, parents have access to a childcare system catering to children aged 0 to 5.
The Ministère de la Famille du Québec recognizes four distinct systems: Centres de petite enfance (CPEs), subsidized daycare centers, unsubsidized daycare centers, and family daycare services. While the majority of available spaces are for full-time care, some daycare centers also provide part-time options. To find a spot in a recognized daycare center, you can search and register your child on the waiting list at laplace0-5.com.
Childcare rates in Quebec
In 2023, a childcare space in a CPE will cost $8.85 CAD per day per child. Subsidized daycare centers offer spaces at the same rates as CPEs.
Securing a spot at CPEs can be challenging, with extended waiting periods. Therefore, it's advisable to register well ahead of your departure for Canada and consider signing up with multiple daycare centers simultaneously. You might receive priority if your company or university has an agreement with a CPE.
Daycare centers without subsidies and family daycare services determine their own rates, usually hovering around $40 CAD per day. Nevertheless, you can take advantage of a tax credit for childcare expenses calculated on your family income. Ultimately, enrolling your child in a non-subsidized daycare center or family daycare service might not end up costing more than enrolling them in a CPE or subsidized daycare center, thanks to this tax credit. Additionally, under specific conditions, the tax credit can be reimbursed to you in monthly installments.
Childcare legislation in Quebec
In family daycare, your child receives care in a private residence from a childcare provider (RSG). For official recognition from the ministry, this individual must undergo specific training and adhere to the standards outlined in the law. An RSG is limited to caring for no more than nine children under the age of 9 and must have assistance from another adult if overseeing between six and nine children.
In a recognized daycare center or CPE, your child will receive care from educators with a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in childcare techniques or any other equivalent recognized by the Ministry of the Family.
Employees at CPEs, daycare centers, and family daycare services recognized by the ministry are required to undergo a minimum of 6 hours of first-aid training. Regular inspections are conducted at all daycare providers to verify compliance with ratio, safety, sanitation, and qualification standards.
School-age childcare in Quebec
In Canada, school-age childcare is provided to accommodate the schedules of kindergarten students and working parents. Moreover, considering occasional days off for children, many Quebec schools offer in-school childcare services.
These services attend to children before the school day begins in the morning, during lunchtime, and after school. Students enrolled in these programs can also utilize the time to work on their homework.
You might be required to pay a nominal daily fee for these services. Additional charges, like those for school lunches or other activities, may also apply. It's important to confirm the details with the service provider.
Other childcare solutions in Quebec
If you need occasional assistance, you can hire a babysitter. Typically, these are young individuals, usually girls aged 11 to 14, who earn between $5 and $10 per hour. Some have completed a one-day first-aid course known as the Babysitter's Course. If you prefer an older babysitter with a childcare diploma, the hourly rate will likely be higher. Finding a babysitter can be done by asking neighbors and colleagues or seeking recommendations on Facebook groups dedicated to babysitting or parental support.
Another option is to reach out to community organizations focused on children and families. Some of these organizations provide drop-in daycare services for a small fee, allowing you to leave your children for a few hours. The age range accepted varies among organizations. While not a long-term solution, it can be helpful for situations like attending a job interview or a medical appointment.
Useful links:
Association québécoise des CPE
Regroupement des CPE de l'île de Montréal (RCPEIM)
Répertoire des organismes communautaires pour la famille
Guichet unique d'accès aux places en services de garde reconnus (in French only)
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