Understanding Québec’s Subsidized Childcare System: What Immigrants Need to Know

Québec offers one of the most generous subsidized childcare (services de garde subventionnés) systems in North America. Since the late 1990s it has provided large networks of government-funded daycare spaces (notably Centres de la petite enfance, or CPE) charging a low parental contribution (contribution parentale) of only about $9–10 per child per day. In 2025 the standard rate is $9.35 per day. This “$10-a-day” program (originally $5, then $7, then indexed upward) has enabled unprecedented numbers of mothers (and parents generally) to work or study; Québec’s female labour-force participation is now about 86%. For immigrant and newcomer families in Montréal (and elsewhere in Québec), accessing these subsidized services can be a major boon, but the rules and application process may differ by immigration status. This guide explains how Québec’s child-care program works, who qualifies (including special rules for refugees and students), how to register in Montréal (La Place 0-5), and what alternatives exist while waiting for a spot.

Key French Terms in Québec Childcare

• Centre de la petite enfance (CPE) – A public/non-profit daycare centre. CPEs have government funding and offer places subventionnées.

• Garderie subventionnée – A private or community daycare that receives government subsidies. These also charge the same low daily fee ($9–10).

• Garderie non subventionnée – A private daycare with little/no subsidy (fees can be $25–$60/day).

• Service de garde éducatif à l’enfance (SGEE) – Québec’s law and system governing all licensed daycares and educators.

• Contribution réduite (ou contribution parentale) – The $9–10 daily fee parents pay at a subsidized spot.

• Milieu familial (garderie en milieu familial) – A licensed home-based daycare (often in the educator’s home) that may be subsidized.

• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – Québec’s study permit certificate. Only CAQ holders meeting certain conditions qualify for subsidy.

• Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) – The provincial selection certificate for skilled immigrants or refugees. A CSQ typically means you have permanent residency or are about to.

• Demandeur d’asile (refugee claimant) vs personne protégée – A claimant is waiting for refugee status; a protected person has been recognized as a refugee or is granted protected status. Only the latter (with CSQ) currently qualify for subsidies.

• CLSC (Centre local de services communautaires) – Local community health centre (not directly for daycare, but immigrant families often interface through CLSCs for guidance).

• Unité d’accueil (welcome class) – French-language integration classes for school-age children; not childcare but relevant to immigrant families settling in.

By understanding these terms and rules, immigrant parents can navigate Québec’s system and maximize their children’s chances of getting subsidized daycare.

Overview of Québec’s Childcare Network

Québec’s network of services de garde éducatifs is extensive. In Montréal alone there are roughly 1,130 subsidized centres (about 370 CPEs and 760 garderies subventionnées) offering around 69,000 total spaces. (About 9,600 of those spots are for infants under 18 months.) Across the province, tens of thousands of families use these services daily. The system is publicly funded by the Québec Ministry of the Family and is designed as part of Québec’s social policy to promote women’s workforce participation, early childhood education, and child well-being.

All subsidized daycare services in Québec must follow the Loi sur les services de garde éducatifs à l’enfance. By regulation they are required to provide a safe and educational environment, qualified staff, and a daily educational program (including French and English language exposure). Importantly, each child gets one meal and two snacks per day when in care. Services generally operate up to ten hours per day. For example, an official Entente de service de garde subventionné states that a child may be cared for a “continuous period of up to 10 hours per day,” and must be provided “a meal and two snacks” during that period. This all-inclusive care (meals/snacks included) is provided for the standard contribution of only about $9–10 per day – a striking bargain compared to unsubsidized daycare elsewhere.

However, spaces are limited and in high demand. Québec’s government estimates over 32,000 children are on waiting lists for subsidized daycare spots (as of 2024). In practice, newborns and infants often wait 2+ years for a spot at a CPE. For this reason, parents are strongly advised to register early (even before their baby is born) and sign up at as many centres as possible. (See “How to Apply” below.) Even so, having a plan B is important: many families first use temporary or community-based childcare until a subsidized place frees up.

Eligibility for Subsidized Childcare

One key question for immigrant families is who is eligible for the subsidized $9–10/day rate. The rules, set by Québec’s Règlement sur la contribution réduite (the Reduced Contribution Regulation), specify which parents qualify. In general, any parent “residing in Québec” meeting one of the following conditions can get the reduced contribution:

• The parent is a Canadian citizen.

• The parent is a permanent resident (résident permanent).

• The parent is “primarily in Québec for work” and holds a Québec work permit, or is otherwise exempt from needing a work permit (e.g. certain NAFTA or intra-company transfers).

• The parent is a foreign student with a CAQ and is receiving a scholarship from the Québec government under its policy for students. (In practice this is rare: only international students funded by Québec (for example, certain awards or exchanges) qualify – other foreign students are not eligible.)

• The parent is recognized as a refugee or protected person in Canada (as per the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) and holds the proper Québec provincial selection certificate (CSQ). This covers convention refugees who have been approved.

• The parent has certain temporary permits under IRPA section 24 (which provides humanitarian status to those with a Québec CSQ).

• The parent is authorized to apply for permanent residence (for example, having a Québec CSQ in hand) and also holds that CSQ.

In short: permanent residents, new citizens, most workers with Québec permits, and recognized refugees/protected persons qualify. By contrast, purely temporary visitors (e.g. tourists), foreign students without a Québec scholarship, and refugee claimants waiting for status are generally excluded under the current rules. (Even a parent with a valid work permit loses access to the subsidy if they applied for refugee status: this was the issue in a recent court case.)

It is important to recognize this distinction:

• Permanent residents and citizens should have no problem qualifying. If you (or your partner) are PR or citizen and living in Québec, you meet a main eligibility criterion. In Montréal, the daycare system assumes these families in its planning. All you need is to provide proof of status (PR card or citizenship certificate) when registering.

• Temporary workers holding a Québec work permit (e.g. skilled worker permits, exchange-worker permits, etc.) also qualify. The daycare subsidy is intended to support working parents. If you came on a work visa and are settling here with children, you should be able to join the La Place 0-5 registry under “parent working in Québec.”

• Foreign students are usually not eligible, unless they meet the special condition of having a Québec government scholarship. In other words, most international students with children cannot get the subsidized rate unless they are on a Québec-funded scholarship. This restriction can be surprising: an international student who finds a daycare spot must pay full private rates (unless the CPE or garderie has a program for students, which is rare).

• Refugee claimants (asylum seekers): These are persons who have arrived in Canada and applied for refugee status but have not yet been accepted. Under the current Regulation, asylum seekers with work permits were excludedfrom the $9/day subsidy. Until very recently, a person in the middle of a refugee claim did not qualify to pay the reduced contribution. Instead, in practice they were told to pay full private rates or leave their children with relatives. (Courts have ruled this exclusion discriminatory, see below.)

• Recognized refugees/protected persons: Once someone’s refugee claim is accepted (or they are granted protected status), and they receive the Québec CSQ and permanent residence, they join the eligible group. At that point they can apply for the reduced-rate daycare.

Example: A permanent resident family from India who settles in Montréal in 2025 can immediately add their two-year-old to the La Place 0-5 registry and pay the standard $9.35/day whenever a spot is offered. A couple of recent citizens from France do the same. In contrast, a couple from Nigeria who arrived as asylum seekers and have work permits must currently wait until their claims are accepted (or a court decision) before they can officially pay $9. An international student from India with a CAQ, whose bachelor’s degree was paid by his home country, would not qualify for the subsidy (and would pay the usual private fee).

This eligibility framework means immigrant parents should review their own status carefully. In some cases, one parent may qualify even if the other doesn’t. As long as one parent fits a qualifying category, the child is eligible. (E.g. if one spouse is a citizen and the other is an international student, the child still qualifies via the citizen spouse.)

Application Process (Montreal and Québec)

Registration via La Place 0-5 (Montréal)

In the Montréal region, the main way to apply for any subsidized daycare spot (CPE or subsidized garderie) is through La Place 0-5, the unified online registry. La Place 0-5 is a province-run portal where parents create an account and register their child for the waiting lists of subsidized centres. It is literally the only point of access to register for CPEs and subsidized daycare spots in Québec. Parents should register as early as possible, even before the child is born, because the system uses the original registration date to prioritize waitlists.

On La Place 0-5, you enter your address and search for nearby CPEs or daycare centers. You can then apply (add your child to the waiting list) for as many centres as you like – in fact, it’s recommended to apply to all that you would consider. Each registration carries its original date, and a child’s position on a centre’s wait list depends on the initial registration date, the child’s age, and that centre’s own admission priorities. (Some centres give siblings priority; others have special considerations for low-income families, but all use the registration date as a base ranking.) When a spot becomes available that matches your child’s age, the centre will contact the parent whose name is next on the list.

Steps to register on La Place 0-5:

1. Create an account at LaPlace0-5.com (there are English and French versions). You will need the child’s date of birth and basic info about parents (names, status).

2. Search and select centres. Enter your postal code and filter for “subsidized daycare” or “CPE”. View the map or list of all CPEs and participating garderies in your area.

3. Apply to waitlists. Click each centre you are interested in and add your child to its list. You can do dozens (or even the 50-centre maximum recommended by experienced parents).

4. Confirm and note your file number. La Place 0-5 will assign you a permanent file number for your child. Keep it safe; you will need it when filling forms with individual daycares later.

5. Check email or portal messages. Centres will contact you via phone or email when a spot may be available. Otherwise, log in periodically to see if there are updates or requirements.

It can take years to get a call, especially for infants. Meanwhile, keep any temporary childcare arrangements as needed (see “While You Wait” below).

Importantly, once registered, your child’s rank is locked in by the original date. If you move to a new borough or city, you should add your child to the new centres’ lists, but your existing seniority is preserved.

Other Regions of Québec

Outside Montréal, most regions have a similar “single access” system, though names vary. For example, the Québec City region uses the provincial portal, and some CISSS/CISSA networks have local registries. In practice, parents should contact their local municipal or regional family coordinator (bureau coordonnateur). They will guide you to the right registration tool. Some regions may still allow paper or in-person applications at a CLSC (community health office).

Regardless of platform, the basic principles are the same:

• Identify which subsidized centres (public CPEs or subventionné garderies) are in your area. Québec’s Ministry website has a “Childcare Establishment Locator” and interactive maps to help parents find all licensed providers.

• Register early for all that you want. Even if you plan to use only one, adding multiple waitlists improves chances of an earlier placement.

• Provide all required documents: typically the child’s birth certificate, proof of address, and proof of parental status (PR card, work permit, CSQ, etc.). Keep these documents updated in the system as needed.

Cost and Parental Contribution

The contribution réduite (parental fee) for each child is very low. Québec fixes it by regulation annually. From January 1, 2024 it was $9.10 per day, and it increased to $9.35 per day in 2025. This nominal rate covers up to ten hours of care per day. Payment is typically collected monthly by the daycare centre on behalf of the Ministère.

Because the contribution is so low, virtually no other fees are charged. By law the centre must include at least one meal and two snacks in a day’s care. In some cases a centre may ask for a small additional fee if a child attends extra hours beyond 10 hours, or for optional outings, or for extra items (like hygiene products). But basic care (up to 10 hours, meals included) is entirely covered by that $9.35. (In French, these extra fees are called frais supplémentaires, and parents can always refuse them; the standard rule is that the subsidy covers the full entitlement.)

If a family’s income is very low (for example, parents on social assistance), Québec has sometimes made exceptions. However, according to the official Règlement, even welfare recipients pay the same $9.35 (it is not automatically free). (Historically, rates varied by income, but since 2015 Québec has had one flat fee for all eligible families.)

Services and Hours

Most subsidized daycares open early morning and go into the evening on weekdays – often roughly 7 am to 6 pm. Children can stay up to 10 hours continuous per day if needed. Schedules may vary by centre: some start at 7 am, others 8 am; some may close earlier on Fridays. (Always ask each centre about its hours.)

Children usually stay with the same group of peers and educators all day. Centres must have certified early childhood educators on staff (éducateurs / éducatrices en service de garde) and follow an educational program (including age-appropriate French, socialization, etc.). In general, a child’s routine will include circles, playtime, songs and activities, plus outdoor time. Transition into kindergarten (la maternelle) is also part of the focus. Immigrant parents often value that subsidized CPEs are French-immersion environments, which can help children learn French before school.

While Waiting: Temporary Childcare Options

Given the long waits, many newcomer families cannot rely on the subsidized system immediately. Québec has some alternative options:

• Community Daycares and Drop-in Centres: Many non-profit organizations run daycare programs at modest fees. For example, settlement agencies, immigrant women’s centres, or multicultural organizations may offer garderies communautaires (community daycares) or occasional halte-garderies (drop-in daycare). These often charge based on income or per hour, and sometimes offer spaces for free or very cheaply to newcomer families. (See listing of some Montreal community daycares in the Appendix or local guides.) As one immigrant support guide notes, “if you need a daycare while on the waiting list, you can contact any community daycare… They offer reduced rates”. This can be a good interim solution.

• Private (Unsubsidized) Daycare: There are many private daycares (garderies non subventionnées) in Québec. These can charge $30–$50+ per day. This is costly, but some families choose it if they need full-time care immediately. Some private centres also use the provincial licensing (and may accept “regular rates” from all families including those without access to subsidies).

• Family or In-home Care: Many families initially rely on relatives, friends or neighbors (if available) to care for infants. Québec does allow paying an adult caregiver in-home, but if done informally it can be unregulated (and the fees must be fair-market if it’s a family member). Some parents hire regulated home daycare providers (milieu familial reconnu) who have official licences. These may be subsidized or not, depending on their arrangement with government (some operate like private daycares in a home setting).

• French-class Childcare Reimbursement: The Québec government offers childcare reimbursements for immigrant parents attending certain French-language integration courses. For example, newcomers in full-time francisation programs can apply for a subsidy of $9 per child for class-related childcare. (These programs are part of the “Learn French in Québec” initiative.) While this is a specific case, it shows that if a parent can enroll in a government French class, the cost of daycare during class time may be partly covered.

Finally, if you are on welfare (social assistance), be aware that you might already have some childcare help through social services (this varies by region). But generally, welfare recipients still pay the $9 fee in a subsidized centre. They also receive the usual federal and provincial family benefits (see below). It’s best to ask a social worker for any local assistance programs.

Immigrant Categories: What They Need to Know

Recent Immigrants (New Permanent Residents/Citizens)

Who they are: Individuals or families who have recently arrived in Canada as permanent residents (PR) or new citizens, under Québec’s skilled worker, family reunification, or Quebec Experience programs.

Childcare status: These newcomers are fully eligible for Québec’s subsidized daycare. Once your PR arrives or citizenship is granted, you can immediately use La Place 0-5 to seek spots. Québec treats PRs and citizens the same. The process is straightforward: register your child (with your PR card info), and pay the standard fee once your child attends.

Tips for this group: Take advantage of Québec’s family benefits! Almost all immigrant parents (even PR newcomers) qualify for the federal Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Québec’s Quebec Family Allowance (Allocations familiales), which pay monthly to low/moderate-income families with children. These money transfers help cover all child costs. Also look into Québec’s refundable tax credits (e.g. for childcare expenses after deducting the $9 subsidy).

When registering for daycare, know that all eligible PR children are treated equally on waitlists. If you have an older child already attending a centre, your younger kids often get a sibling priority (ask each centre). If you have siblings in the system, always mention it.

Refugee Claimants (Asylum Seekers)

Who they are: People who have fled their home country and made a legal refugee claim at the Canadian border or via Immigration. They are awaiting a decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board. They may hold temporary visitor status or special permits while their claim is processed, and often are advised to get a work permit to support themselves.

Current situation: This is the most complicated case. Since 2018, Québec’s official policy has been to exclude asylum-seeker families from subsidized daycare unless they already have recognized refugee/protected status. In practical terms, that means even if an asylum-seeker mother gets a valid Québec work permit, her child is not allowed the $9 daycare – the parents would have to pay full price or find free options. This rule was challenged in court (see below), but as of mid-2025 the final legal outcome is pending.

In 2022 a Québec judge and later a Court of Appeal both ruled that the exclusion of asylum seekers was discriminatory. The Court of Appeal stated that allowing work-permit asylum-seeker parents to not access childcare while other parents can was a form of gender discrimination (since it mostly affects women). That judgment ordered the government to allow those families onto the subsidized program. The Québec government appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada, and that case (Attorney General of Québec v. Kanyinda) was heard in May 2025. As of July 2025, the Supreme Court has not yet issued its decision.

What to do now: For now, asylum-seeker families in Québec should continue registering on La Place 0-5 as usual. A provincial coalition (Comité Accès Garderie) assures that “families in asylum will maintain the right to benefit from subsidized daycare, at least until the Supreme Court’s final decision”. In practice, this means asylum-seeker children are allowed to join waiting lists like any other working parent’s child, but without any special priority. It is wise to register immediately once you have (or even while waiting for) a work permit. If you only have family or visitor status without a work permit, centres may refuse to register you.

If the Supreme Court upholds the appeals court, then all the registration efforts will pay off: asylum-seeker children will move up the lists. If not, unfortunately the status quo remains (no subsidized spot). In that case, asylum-seeker parents must rely on alternatives: community centres, private arrangements, or helpers.

Voices from the community: Several refugee families have described how devastating it is to lack affordable childcare. A Haitian father, Damas Porcena, told journalists he felt “liberated” and “very, very happy” at the prospect of his children getting into daycare – his wife said “I’m going to be able to go to school” once a spot opened up. Before that decision, parents were “not free to move, to work, to see people” because they had to have their child in tow at all times. Another asylum-seeker mother, Ileana, from Nicaragua, described feeling “discouraged” and “isolated” staying home with her baby: “we say to ourselves, ‘I won’t be able to connect with anyone’… You stay isolated at home, you can’t even volunteer… We can’t because we don’t have access to daycare”. These stories highlight why this issue is critical: subsidized daycare is more than just low cost, it is seen by many newcomers as a key to integration and the ability to work or study.

Action steps for asylum seekers:

• Immediately get a Québec work permit if possible; then register for daycare.

• Contact settlement organizations (TCRI, Comité Accès Garderie, etc.) for legal updates and support. They can help submit applications and follow up with the daycare office on your status.

• Use community drop-in daycares (many immigrant/refugee NGOs run them, sometimes at reduced fees) until a place opens. For example, groups like the Maison des Parents, Carrefour des Femmes, or Centre d’Appui aux Communautés Immigrantes have child programs (see Montreal resource lists).

• Stay informed: the Supreme Court decision is expected later in 2025. If it rules favorably, more asylum-seeker children will get places.

Recognized Refugees and Protected Persons

Who they are: People whose asylum claims have been accepted, or who have been granted permanent residency on humanitarian or protected grounds. They have a Québec CSQ or the federal recognition.

Childcare status: These parents are treated like permanent residents for daycare purposes. Once you have protected status and the CSQ, you meet the eligibility conditions. That means your child can enroll at $9.35/day in any subsidized spot. If this has just occurred, you should register your children as soon as possible and claim the reduced fee.

In other words, once recognized, these families have the same access as any PR or citizen family. The government expects them to contribute to Québec’s workforce, so the childcare benefit applies fully.

Tip: If you are a newly recognized refugee, make sure to quickly update your documents (get your CSQ or PR card). You will need to show these to daycare providers. Also check if you are eligible for any special integration services (like financial aid, training, or job programs) now that you have status. The subsidized daycare will greatly help you work or study.

How Much Does It Cost? Financial Considerations

As noted, the daily cost for the parent of a subsidized spot is $9.35 per child (2025). This is paid monthly, typically through post-dated checks or automatic debit to the daycare. There is also the one-time registration fee (usually $10) that most centres charge. Because the fee is so low, it is sometimes described as “quasi-free” childcare.

For immigrant families on a tight budget, note these additional supports:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB): All families in Canada with low or modest incomes receive the CCB, a tax-free monthly payment per child. Newcomers automatically get this if they file taxes. It helps cover general child expenses (food, clothing, etc.) and can indirectly free up funds for things like before/after care, camp, or emergencies if waiting for daycare.

• Québec Family Allowance: Québec provides its own child benefit for resident families, more generous than in some other provinces. This is also income-tested and can be substantial for low-income newcomers.

• Child Care Expense Tax Credits (CCETC): As a parent, you file tax credits for any childcare costs beyond the $9 subsidy. Even though $9/day is small, if you pay extra fees or use private care, the tax credit can reimburse some cost.

• Financial Aid for Students: If one parent is going to university/college full-time, note that Québec has a tax credit for childcare expenses while studying.

• Access Funds or Subsidies: Some community groups have small emergency funds to help pay a few weeks of care. Check with local newcomer centres or churches.

Lastly, keep records. Save all receipts and contracts (entente de service). If your immigration papers change (e.g. you become a PR, or your permit changes), inform the daycare centre. The daycare provider will in turn adjust whether you pay $9 or the full fee.

Tips for Navigating the System

• Register Early: Enter your newborn into La Place 0-5 as soon as you have a due date or birth date. Your registration date is your seniority on all waitlists.

• Apply Widely: Don’t rely on one centre. Apply to as many subsidized CPEs and daycare centers as possible. You can mix CPEs and private (subsidized) garderies. In Montréal, you can register at up to 50 places. More lists = higher chance of an earlier call.

• Include outlying centres: Some parents get lucky spots outside their immediate neighborhood. If you have a car or can arrange transportation, consider registering a bit farther away. For example, not all Montréal parents insist the daycare be in their same borough.

• Siblings Priority: If you already have a child in one CPE, typically your younger child will get priority at that same centre when space arises. Always mention siblings when applying.

• Confirmation & Renewal: Every year or so, La Place 0-5 will ask you to confirm your information. Make sure to log in and “renew” your child’s file so it doesn’t lapse.

• Be Flexible: Know the peak times for available spots. Many children start CPE in late summer (for September), so spots often open mid-year or summer. Infants who are over 12 months sometimes get places faster because some centres license more spots for older kids.

• Maintain Backups: Even after you register, arrange childcare just in case. Community options and part-time care can bridge the gap. The longer you have your name on a list, the more likely you’ll eventually get a call.

Costs vs Benefits: The Big Picture

Although waiting can be hard, getting a subsidized spot is a huge benefit. Think of it as part of the settlement support: low-cost daycare frees you to earn income and meet people. As the LaConverse story on refugee claimants put it, subsidized daycare opened “doors” for parents. A common refrain from newcomers is that even though they love their children, being bound at home without childcare is isolating and prevents them from integration – “we get discouraged,” as one mother said. Conversely, those who have a spot often speak gratefully of the stability it provides.

Example Data for Context

• Québec’s daycare program in numbers: At its peak (mid-2010s), Québec had over 500,000 children in its daycare network, with 200,000 in fully subsidized places. In Montréal today there are about 69,000 subsidized spaces.

• Waiting lists: Roughly 32,000 children are waiting across Québec. Montréal, as the largest city, likely has about half of those. While waiting, families often use informal care or pay privately.

• Usage by immigrants: Immigrant families disproportionately rely on CPEs. For example, surveys show that immigrant mothers in Québec are even more likely to take up these subsidized spaces than native-born mothers, because they often lack family support networks.

Help and Resources

• La Place 0-5 (Québec Childcare Registry): www.laplace0-5.com. Official portal for Montréal-area daycare registrations.

• Ministère de la Famille (Québec Family Ministry): Their website (Québec.ca/famille) has info on the program, eligibility, and a “Childcare Locator” tool. They publish lists of CPEs and rules (e.g. the “Entente de services”).

• Immigrant Support Organizations: Groups like the Table de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes (TCRI) or Collectif Bienvenue provide guides in multiple languages, and can help asylum-seeker families. The Comité Accès Garderie is a provincial coalition specifically focusing on immigrant/refugee access to daycare.

• Municipal Family Services: Many cities (Montréal, Québec City, Laval, etc.) have family resource centers or borough offices with social workers who assist with childcare planning. In Montréal, the CIUSSS de Montréal (the integrated health and social services network) often fields calls on “garbage” or “garantie d’accès aux places” for childcare.

• Translations and French Terms: Many official forms and sites are in French. It may help to know key terms (see above) or to ask a bilingual friend to assist. The La Place 0-5 site and forms will be in French/English.

• Legal Aid for Refugee Cases: The law firms and advocacy groups involved (like LEAF or the Canadian Council for Refugees) publish plain-language fact sheets on the asylum-childcare cases. These can help claimants understand their rights.

Recent Developments and News

• In 2024-2025, Québec’s Subsidized Childcare Program remains under review. The government periodically announces plans to create new spots (e.g. announcing funds to build more CPEs), but at the same time waiting lists have grown. Critics note the lists seem to lengthen despite new spending.

• The biggest recent issue is the asylum-seeker case. In February 2024, Québec’s Court of Appeal confirmed that the policy excluding refugee claimants was discriminatory. This meant for a time that work-permit asylum-seekers should be allowed to join the program. However, the Québec government appealed this decision to the Supreme Court. In May 2025 the Supreme Court heard arguments, and a decision is expected by late 2025. Until then, stay tuned to reputable news or community bulletins.

• Montréal itself has also looked at ways to increase daycare access. For instance, city-run family centers or “haltes-garderies” have been opened in some boroughs. If Montréal is your home, check your borough’s family services site for any new community childcare programs.

Summary of Key Points

• Québec’s subsidized daycare lets families pay only $9–10 per day for high-quality childcare. It covers up to 10 hours/day with meals and snacks included.

• Eligibility depends on immigration status: Citizens, permanent residents, Quebec workers (with permit), and recognized refugees qualify. International students without scholarships generally do not. Asylum-seeker (refugee claimant) families are currently excluded by regulation, but courts have ruled that may be illegal (Supreme Court decision pending).

• To apply in Montréal, use La Place 0-5: register before birth, apply to many CPEs/daycares, and watch for calls. In other cities, contact the local childcare access office.

• Expect long waits, especially for infants. Use backup options: community centers, temporary care, family help, or part-time paid caregivers if needed.

• Refugee families say subsidized daycare can be life-changing. A successful appellation even had one father exclaim “we feel liberated…my wife said, ‘I’m going to be able to go to school’” when their child gained access. Keep records of your efforts and status updates – it will strengthen your case if a dispute arises.

By understanding the rules, planning ahead, and using available resources, immigrant parents in Québec can make the most of the subsidized childcare system. It offers tremendous benefits: affordable early education, support for parental employment or studies, and a daily French-speaking environment for young children. With perseverance (and perhaps some legal advocacy for asylum cases), this program can help immigrant families integrate and thrive in Québec society.