Choosing a childcare service

Childcare services offer a structured, stimulating environment that supports children's overall development. 

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Types of childcare services

Childcare services fall into two categories: 

1. Subsidized settings (CPE, Quebec's public early childhood centre, or regulated home-based childcare)
2. Non-subsidized settings (private or private subsidized daycare, home-based childcare)

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Subsidized settings

This type of setting is reassuring for parents because it follows strict standards:

• Application of the government program Accueillir la petite enfance (Welcoming Early Childhood) 
• Setting supervised by a coordinating office (bureau coordonnateur) and inspected once a year, unannounced
• Mandatory continuing education for the people in charge
• Criminal record and medical background checks
• Compliance with child-to-adult ratios
• Daily outdoor time
• Balanced meals in line with Canada's Food Guide
• Setting that can be adapted to welcome a child with special needs

Multi-age settings have several advantages:

• Younger children are stimulated by the example of the older ones
• Older children feel valued in a helper and role-model role
• Social skills and self-esteem develop
• The group is stable and the bond with the educator is stronger

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Private settings: subsidized and non-subsidized

In private subsidized childcare settings, staff are regulated in the same way as those in non-private settings. They must therefore also meet all the quality standards required to operate their facility.

As for private non-subsidized childcare settings (daycare or home-based childcare), major changes are under way at the ministry level. As of September 1, 2026, every private home-based childcare setting will be encouraged to be recognized by a coordinating office, so that it can become partly or fully subsidized.

Being recognized helps ensure consistent services and oversight, so that every child's well-being, health, safety and optimal development are protected.

What's more,  a recognized private home-based childcare setting will be able to offer parents a reduced rate. 

If a setting remains unrecognized as of September 1, 2026, it will only be allowed to take in 2 children and only the tax credit will be available. 

If you as a parent choose an unrecognized setting, keep in mind that the people in charge do not have the same legal obligations as those found in subsidized settings, which calls for extra vigilance on your part.

Before making a choice, it is a good idea to ask a number of questions about:  

• Their first aid training
• The menus (balanced)
• The daily routine (educational activities, outings, rest, etc.)
• Their experience and references
• Criminal records or complaints filed with the Ministère de la Famille (Quebec's family ministry)
• The child-to-educator ratio
• The safety of the premises
• Hygiene and the care given
• Etc.

The environment must be safe and structured, and the staff must inspire confidence. You can consult the complaints filed with the Ministère de la Famille.

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Practical tips for choosing a childcare setting

• Start looking several months before going back to work
• Define your needs and expectations
• Meet the educator without your child, to discuss the routine and get a feel for the relationship
• Trust your instincts and choose a setting aligned with your values
• Talk with parents who have been through this transition
• Ask all the important questions (schedule, number of days, routine, statutory holidays, etc.)
• Reserve a spot as soon as possible

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Going further

It is recommended that you start the process early to get a spot in a childcare service 

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To do so, visit the government website Portail d'inscription aux services de garde (the childcare registration portal, formerly La Place 0-5).

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References:

• Gouvernement du Québec. July 2026. Inscrire votre enfant dans un service de garde. https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/enfance/garderies-et-services-de-garde/portail-inscription/parents
• Gouvernement du Québec. July 2026. Obtenir et maintenir votre reconnaissance en tant que responsable d'un service de garde éducatif en milieu familial. https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/enfance/garderies-et-services-de-garde/reseau/developpement-reseau/obtenir-maintenir-reconnaissance-rsge

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