Daycare
In Québec it is against the law to leave children aged 12 and under without supervision. To help parents balance their work and family responsibilities, the Québec government has set up a system of daycare services. The cost to parents is offset by state subsidies – some families pay only a part of the cost, and some none at all.
Parents can choose from various types of daycare provided for children aged 0 to 4 (under 5 on September 30). School daycare services are also provided in schools for children aged 12 and under.
All daycare centres recognized by the government provide an educational program matched to the age of the children.
Public and private daycare
The Québec government recognizes three types of subsidized daycare services, available to parents at a cost of $7 per child per day. They are: childcare centres, day care centres, and home childcare providers.
A childcare centre permit may be issued only to a non-profit legal person or a cooperative. A day care centre permit may be issued to a natural or legal person running a for-profit business, or to a non-profit organization. The holder of a day care centre permit must provide day care in a single facility. Home childcare is a paid service provided by an individual in a private residence. For the childcare to be subsidized, the person must be recognized as a home childcare provider by a coordinating office.
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