1. Subsidized or not: the first thing to understand
In Quebec there are two big worlds of childcare, and the difference is huge for your budget. A state-subsidized spot costs you a small daily rate set by the government — the same everywhere. A non-subsidized spot, in a private daycare, costs you full price — generally higher than the reduced contribution — but you recover part of it through a refundable tax credit from Revenu Québec. Subsidized spots are in high demand and there's often a waiting list, which is why everyone tells you to register as soon as your child is born. Note: you can no longer register before birth, and spots are assigned by your desired entry date, not the registration date.
| Criterion | Subsidized spot | Non-subsidized (private) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily cost | A low daily rate set by the government, the same everywhere | Full price, generally higher than the reduced contribution |
| How you save | Already low at source | A refundable tax credit recovers part of it |
| Availability | High demand, often a waiting list | Usually easier to find a spot |
| Register | As soon as your child is born (no pre-birth registration) | Directly with the daycare |
2. The three kinds of subsidized spots
A subsidized spot comes in three forms:
- The CPE (centre de la petite enfance) — a non-profit run by a parent board. The most sought-after option.
- The subsidized private daycare — a private daycare that has been granted subsidized spots by the state: same low rate, private setting.
- Subsidized home childcare (milieu familial) — a person who cares for a small group of children in their home, recognized and coordinated by a coordinating office (bureau coordonnateur). Often more flexible on hours.
All three give you the same reduced daily rate. Your choice depends mostly on what's available near you, not just preference.
3. What it really costs
For a subsidized spot you pay a base daily contribution set by the government. In 2026 this rate is $9.65 per day, and it's indexed every January 1 — always check the current amount on Québec.ca before budgeting. The rate covers up to 10 consecutive hours of care a day, snacks, one main meal or a breakfast, and educational materials.
For a non-subsidized spot you pay the daycare's full price, then claim the tax credit for childcare expenses on your Quebec tax return: the percentage refunded depends on your family income. Keep every receipt and the tax slip the daycare gives you. Use our daycare cost calculator to estimate what you'll actually pay based on your family income.
4. How to register: the government's single portal
Since fall 2025 there is one official window to search for and request a subsidized spot: the Childcare Registration Portal (Portail d'inscription aux services de garde) run by the Ministère de la Famille. It replaced the old La Place 0-5 service. You create a file for your child, select the facilities near you that interest you, and the system manages spot assignment by a uniform priority order.
Non-subsidized daycares are often contacted directly instead. For the portal, you need a Government Authentication Service account; also have your Retraite Québec client number and basic information about the child ready.
Your steps on the portal:
Your action list
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5. Frequently asked questions
Here are the questions new parents ask most about subsidized daycare in Quebec: who can register, what the rate covers, and the difference with kindergarten.
Do you need to be a permanent resident to get a subsidized spot?
Eligibility for the subsidized rate depends on your immigration situation and there are several categories. Don't assume you're excluded — many temporary residents qualify. Check the current eligibility rules on Québec.ca or ask the facility directly, because the rules are detailed and change.
Does the daily rate cover meals?
Yes. The subsidized daily contribution covers up to 10 consecutive hours of care (page in French; the English version does not mention it), snacks, one main meal or a breakfast, and educational materials. A subsidized service may charge separately only for certain extras, such as hours beyond 10, late pickup after closing time, outings or extra meals — and only with your written consent.
Daycare or kindergarten: what's the difference?
Daycare (CPE, subsidized or private) is for children before school age. Kindergarten (maternelle) is part of the public school system: a child is eligible if they are 5 years old on September 30 of the school year (4-year-old kindergarten, being phased in, takes children who are 4 on that date, in the schools that offer it). When your child reaches school age, registration shifts from the daycare portal to your local school — see our school-system guide.
6. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- Quebec family allowance — the financial help for families.
- Steps when a child is born — the paperwork around a birth.
- The Quebec school system — for when your child reaches school age.
- Daycare cost calculator — estimate your net contribution based on your family income.
7. Official sources
For official, up-to-date information, see these sites:
Author's Note: the golden rule of daycare in Quebec fits in one sentence — register early, keep your contact info current, and have a non-subsidized plan B while you wait. The perfect spot rarely comes on the first try, but a good spot comes much faster when your file is already in the system.
