Quebec’s daycare subsidy program, commonly known as the $10 a day daycare, has been a game-changer for parents across the province. Introduced to make childcare more affordable, this program allows families to access licensed daycares at a highly subsidized rate, drastically reducing the financial burden on households.
In 2025, the program continues to help parents balance work, education, and family responsibilities. Understanding how it works, who is eligible, and how to apply ensures families can take full advantage of this benefit.
The daycare subsidy allows parents to pay a standardized daily fee for children attending licensed daycare centers:
Daily Fee: CAD 10 per child (fees for special situations may vary slightly).
Age Range: Typically available for children aged 0–5 years before entering kindergarten.
Types of Daycare: Applies to licensed daycare centers, family daycare providers, and early childhood centers approved by Quebec authorities.
Additional Costs: Some daycares may charge extra for meals or specific activities, but the core childcare cost remains highly subsidized.
The program is funded and managed by the Ministère de la Famille, aiming to make quality childcare accessible to all families regardless of income.
Not all children are automatically eligible. Key requirements include:
Residency: The child and parent(s) must reside in Quebec.
Age: Children must be under school age (0–5 years).
Enrollment in Licensed Daycare: Only approved daycares participating in the program qualify for the subsidy.
Parental Responsibility: At least one parent must be actively caring for the child or working/studying.
Families with multiple children may receive multiple subsidies, but fees may increase slightly for the second child depending on family income and daycare policies.
Parents can follow these steps to apply for the $10 a day daycare program:
Select a Licensed Daycare:
Use the government’s online daycare search tool to find participating centers near your home or workplace.
Consider waitlists and registration deadlines, as popular centers fill quickly.
Gather Required Documents:
Child’s birth certificate or proof of age.
Proof of Quebec residency (e.g., utility bills or lease agreement).
Parent’s identification and proof of income if required.
Submit Application:
Apply directly through the daycare center or the provincial childcare portal.
Some daycares may assist with the registration process.
Confirm Enrollment and Fees:
Once accepted, parents pay the standardized daily fee and can access the subsidy immediately.
Keep documentation for records and any future updates.
The program offers several advantages for families:
Affordability: Drastically reduces childcare costs, allowing parents to work or study without financial strain.
Access to Quality Care: Licensed daycares meet provincial safety and educational standards.
Support for Families: Helps families with multiple children or low-income households save significantly.
Consistency: Daily subsidy ensures predictable childcare costs, making family budgeting easier.
Register Early: Popular daycares often have long waitlists, so apply as soon as possible.
Explore Multiple Options: Compare nearby centers for fees, hours, and programs.
Check Income-Based Adjustments: While $10 is standard, some families may qualify for additional subsidies.
Maintain Records: Keep copies of all documents, application confirmations, and receipts.
Stay Informed: Monitor updates from the Ministère de la Famille, as rules and eligibility can change.
While the $10 a day program covers many families, there are other childcare options:
Family Daycare: Smaller home-based daycare providers approved by Quebec can also participate in the subsidy program.
After-School Programs: Older children may have access to subsidized after-school care programs.
Special Needs Support: Some daycares offer additional assistance for children with special needs, sometimes covered under provincial funding.
Despite its benefits, parents may face some challenges:
Waitlists: High demand can make it difficult to secure a spot at preferred centers.
Limited Availability in Certain Areas: Rural regions may have fewer participating daycares.
Extra Costs: Meals, activities, or extended hours may incur additional fees.
Eligibility Changes: Families moving or changing residency status may need to update applications.
Planning ahead and exploring multiple options can help overcome these challenges.
Quebec’s $10 a day daycare program remains one of the most effective childcare initiatives in Canada, providing affordable and quality care for children. By understanding eligibility, applying early, and staying informed about program updates, parents can make the most of this opportunity in 2025.
For families, this program is not just a financial relief—it also supports children’s development, early learning, and social growth, ensuring a positive start to their educational journey.
Discover the top 10 vegetarian foods to naturally boost collagen and stay young. Learn how plant-bas
Arab states press Trump at UN to help stop Gaza war, seek peace role.
Ukraine reopens diplomatic ties with Syria after years, Zelenskyy says.
Over 1,000 Indonesians fall ill from poisoned school meals across regions.
