Global Major Cities Guide

Essential information about schools, childcare, and educational resources for families in Quebec City.

Quebec offers a variety of childcare options, which are regulated and subsidized by the provincial government. These include:

Centre de la Petite Enfance (CPE)
- Non-profit, government-subsidized daycare centers.
- Provide high-quality early childhood education for children aged 0-5.
- Staffed by qualified early childhood educators.
Subsidized Daycares
- Private daycare centers that receive government subsidies to offer reduced fees.
- Similar to CPEs but privately managed.
Non-Subsidized Daycares
- Private daycare centers that do not receive government subsidies.
- Fees are higher, but parents can claim a provincial tax credit to offset costs.
Home-Based Daycares (Garderies en Milieu Familial)
- Small-scale childcare services run by certified caregivers in their homes.
- Can be subsidized or non-subsidized.
Drop-In or Occasional Childcare
- For parents who need temporary or part-time childcare.
- Offered by some community centers or private providers.

Subsidized Childcare (CPEs and Subsidized Daycares):
- As of 2023, the base daily fee is $8.85 CAD per child.
- Additional fees may apply for meals or special activities.
Non-Subsidized Childcare:
- Fees range from $30 to $50 CAD per day, depending on the provider.
- Parents can claim a refundable tax credit for childcare expenses, which can cover up to 75% of the cost, depending on income.
Home-Based Daycares:
- Subsidized: Same as CPEs ($8.85 CAD/day).
- Non-Subsidized: Similar to private daycare fees.

Registering for Subsidized Childcare:
- Use the La Place 0-5 online platform (https://www.laplace0-5.com) to register your child for a spot in a CPE, subsidized daycare, or home-based daycare.
- Demand is high, so it’s recommended to register as early as possible, even during pregnancy.
Non-Subsidized Childcare:
- Contact the daycare directly to inquire about availability and enrollment procedures.
- No centralized registration system is used.
Required Documents:
- Proof of residency in Quebec (e.g., lease, utility bill).
- Child’s birth certificate.
- Parent’s identification.
- Proof of immigration status (if applicable).

Waitlists: Subsidized childcare spots are in high demand, and waitlists can be long. Consider non-subsidized options as a temporary solution.
Language: Most childcare services operate in French, as it is the official language of Quebec. Some private daycares may offer bilingual (French-English) programs.
Parental Leave: Quebec has generous parental leave policies, which may allow you to delay childcare enrollment if needed.

The education system in Quebec is divided into the following levels:

Preschool (Maternelle):
- Optional for children aged 4-5.
- Free in public schools.
Primary School (École Primaire):
- Mandatory for children aged 6-12.
- Grades 1-6.
Secondary School (École Secondaire):
- Mandatory for children aged 12-17.
- Grades 7-11.
Post-Secondary Education:
- CEGEP (Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel): A unique pre-university or technical college system in Quebec.
- University.

Public Schools:
- Free for residents of Quebec.
- Operate in French, with a few English-language schools available for eligible students (see below).
Private Schools:
- Offer enhanced programs or specialized curriculums.
- Tuition fees range from $3,000 to $10,000 CAD per year.
English-Language Schools:
- Access is restricted under Quebec’s Charter of the French Language (Bill 101).
- Only children with at least one parent who received the majority of their education in English in Canada are eligible.
International Schools:
- Offer programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB).
- Tuition fees are higher, typically starting at $10,000 CAD per year.

Public education is free for residents, including permanent residents and certain temporary residents.
Additional costs may include:
- School supplies: $100-$200 CAD per year.
- Extracurricular activities: Varies by school.

Public Schools:
- Contact your local school board (Commission Scolaire) to determine your designated school based on your address.
- Required documents:
  - Proof of residency.
  - Child’s birth certificate.
  - Parent’s identification.
  - Proof of immigration status (if applicable).
Private Schools:
- Contact the school directly for admission requirements and application deadlines.
- Some schools may require entrance exams or interviews.
Preschool (Maternelle):
- Enrollment is typically done through the local school board.
- Spaces for 4-year-old preschool programs may be limited.

Language: French is the primary language of instruction in public schools. If your child is not fluent in French, they may be placed in a welcome class (classe d’accueil) to help them learn the language.
School Boards: Quebec City is served by the Centre de services scolaire de la Capitale (French) and the Central Québec School Board (English).
Cultural Adjustment: Schools in Quebec emphasize cultural integration and may offer resources to help immigrant families adapt.

Immigration Quebec (Immigration Québec): Offers information and support for families settling in Quebec. Website: https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca
La Place 0-5: Centralized platform for childcare registration. Website: https://www.laplace0-5.com
Welcome Classes (Classes d’Accueil): Language support programs for children in public schools.
Community Organizations: Groups like the Maison Internationale de la Rive-Sud provide settlement services and support for newcomers.

If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Quebec City