Faire ses impôts au Québec — deux déclarations, deux paliers de gouvernement.
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 — often several dozen dollars a day — 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 early as possible — even during pregnancy.
2. The three kinds of subsidized spots
A subsidized spot comes in three forms. A CPE (*centre de la petite enfance*) is a non-profit run by a parent board — the most sought-after option. A subsidized private daycare (*garderie subventionnée*) is a private daycare that has been granted subsidized spots by the state: same low rate, private setting. Subsidized home childcare (*milieu familial subventionné*) is a person who cares for a small group of children in their home, recognized and coordinated by a regional office — often more flexible on hours. All three give you the same reduced daily rate. Your choice depends 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 about $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 hours of care, meals 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.
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, have the parent's Social Insurance Number and basic information about the child ready.
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 hours of care, meals and educational materials. Some services may charge separately for extras like late pickup or special activities — ask before signing.
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 and starts the year the child turns 5 (and 4-year-old kindergarten exists in many areas). When your child reaches school age, registration shifts from the daycare portal to your local school — see our school-system guide.
6. Official sources
For official, up-to-date information, see these pages: the Ministère de la Famille's Childcare Registration Portal. The educational-childcare rates page on Québec.ca. And Revenu Québec's page on the tax credit for childcare expenses.
7. 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.
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.
