Childcare
Childcare is available in every neighbourhood of Québec City. There are a few different types: childcare centres (also called CPEs), subsidized day care centres, private day care centres, and home childcare services.
There is currently a shortage of day care centre spots, so it may be difficult to find a place for your child, especially if they are an infant (aged 6–18 months).
Cost of childcare
Some spots in childcare centres and day care centres are partially financed by the Government of Québec. These spots cost $9.65 per day. To be eligible for this reduced rate as an international student, you must have an attestation letter or Québec Acceptance Certificate for your studies and be receiving a Government of Québec scholarship. Visit the Educational childcare rates page on the Government of Québec website to see which immigration statuses are eligible.
Private day care centres and home childcare services generally charge $40 to $90 per day. However, parents may be eligible for tax credits that reduce the actual cost.
The Québec Ministry of Finance has a calculator to help you determine the net cost of childcare and weigh all of your options.
You can learn more about day care centres and childcare centres on the Government of Québec website.
Finding childcare
To join the waitlists for subsidized childcare in a childcare centre, day care centre, or some home childcare centres, visit the provincial government’s Childcare Services Registration Portal. This is where you will find the waitlists for the childcare centres on campus (CPE la Petite Cité and CPE Centre Jour).
Private day care centres and home childcare services may use the Registration Portal or their own waitlists, even if they offer subsidized spots. It is therefore a good idea to contact them directly to find out whether they have spots available and how their waitlist works.
The Registration Portal has a map to help you find a childcare centre, day care centre, or home childcare service near you.
Drop-in day care centres
If you need occasional childcare or are waiting for a spot in a childcare program, the AELIÉS drop-in day care centre in the Alphonse-Marie-Parent building (Wing D, room 1718) can help. It is available to parents who are Université Laval students. Its caring team gives parents a break by caring for their children in a supportive environment.
Hours: Flexible, 5 days a week
Schedule: Three windows per day (7:45 AM to 12:15 PM, 12:15 to 4:30 PM, and 4:30 to 8:45 PM)
For more information: direction@hgaelies.com
There are also community drop-in day care centres throughout the city. Visit the Association des haltes-garderies communautaires du Québec website (available in French only) for more information.
In-school childcare
Preschool and elementary school children’s schedules rarely line up with their parents’ work or school schedules. For example, schoolchildren sometimes have weekdays off. Most schools offer on-site childcare services that will take care of children before and after school, as well as at lunch. Students in after-school programs can use the time to study or do homework.
There are fees for in-school childcare. Check with your child’s school or reach out to your school board or school service centre to find out which schools offer this type of childcare.