Daycare and Education

(Cleveland, Hanley, Salamanca Cardona, Manuel, et al., 2021; Collectif Bienvenue, 2023c; MIFIMinistère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (du Québec) , 2023; Ministère de la Famille, 2023b, 2023a; Ministère des Finances, 2023; Naître et grandir, 2019; Place 0-5, 2022; Ville de Sherbrooke, 2023a)

In Québec, daycare centres are available for children aged 0–5. Daycare centres can be full-time or part-time. The maximum number of children per early childhood educator is a ratio that varies depending on the age of the children and type of daycare centre. Different daycare centres also have different hours. Contact the daycare centre directly to find out more. 

The people who work with the children are generally early childhood educators.

Here are the different types of daycare centres:

Finding a daycare space can be difficult and time-consuming, depending on where you live. Start looking for a daycare centre as soon as possible. Your host organization or sponsorship group can help you find a daycare space.

La Place 0–5 is a platform where you can register your child and reserve a space in a recognized daycare centre in Québec.

As soon as you arrive and/or are expecting a child, register on the La Place 0–5 website and get on the waitlists for daycare centres you are interested in.  

In addition to registering with La Place 0–5, you can contact daycare centres directly. 

To find their contact information:

(Collectif Bienvenue, 2023c; Gouvernement du Québec, 2023u; Jobin-Théberge & Bombardier, 2020b; Le centre de réfugiés, s. d.; MIFIMinistère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (du Québec) , 2023; Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec, s. d.; Qualifications Québec, 2020b; Ville de Sherbrooke, 2023b)

In Québec, education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16. The vast majority start kindergarten at age five and then attend elementary and secondary school. Public school is free, although fees for supervision, materials and transportation may apply.

Elementary and secondary education is only available to children up to the age of 18 (or 21 for students with disabilities). To find out what options are available after the age of 18, see Studying after the age of 18, Vocational training and Adult general education.

(Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys, 2023; TCRITable de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes , 2014a)

Your host organization or sponsorship group can help you register your child in school.

You have the right to register your child in school even if you have not yet received your Refugee Protection Claimant Document and only have your Acknowledgement of Claim. Some schools may not be used to registering children who are refugee claimants. Don’t hesitate to ask a counsellor to help you with registration.

1. It is recommended that you move into permanent accommodation (rather than temporary accommodation) before registering your child in school. Otherwise, they may have to change schools after moving.
2. If you need help with this process, see Academic support.
3. Contact the CSSCentre de services scolaires nearest your permanent accommodation.
4. The CSSCentre de services scolaires will invite you to a meeting to get to know you better and evaluate your child’s level of French, if needed. See Meeting with the CSS.
5. The CSSCentre de services scolaires will assign you to a public school that is tuition-free. Your child may be sent to a school further from home if they need special services (French courses, learning support services, etc.).
6. The CSSCentre de services scolaires will ask you for various documents to register your child in school. 
   • If you do not have your child’s birth certificate, you must make a sworn declaration explaining your situation. See Academic support for resources that can help and Certified translations in the Read This Information First section for the directory of commissioners for oaths.
   • If you have your child’s birth certificate, the birth certificate must be translated into French or English. In many CSSs, the confirmation of permanent residency for the parents and child can replace the birth certificate if this is not in English or French. See 8. Certified translations in the Read This Information First section.
7. After registration, your child will be invited to visit the school. You will be told how the school works and given a list of school supplies to buy.
8. Once your child is registered in a school, you must renew their registration every year, usually in February. Renewal is done directly with your child’s school. If your child is finishing elementary school and must register in secondary school, pay attention to the registration period. It often takes place early, up to a year before your child starts secondary school.

The goal of this meeting is for the CSSCentre de services scolaires to get to know you and your child better and to help you understand the Québec school system. You will discuss your child’s background (immigration and academic experience) and overall development (health, interests). You can bring documents (school report cards, health records, etc.) and ask questions.

If necessary, your child’s level of French will be evaluated. This evaluation is not a performance test; it is designed to measure their level of French and their knowledge of various subjects. This helps determine what support your child needs and which school can provide this support.

If your child speaks limited French, they may be placed temporarily in a welcome class, or in a regular class with additional support to learn French.

(TCRITable de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes , 2014b)

Generally, the school calendar is as follows:

Refer to your child’s school calendar for the exact dates.

Schools are normally open from Monday to Friday. As indicated in the school calendar, schools are sometimes closed on a Monday or Friday for statutory holidays or pedagogical days.

Although public schools are free, some costs apply. The school will inform you about these costs.

If you are facing financial insecurity, see Academic support. There are resources that can help you work out an arrangement, if needed. For example, if you are receiving social assistance, social and family support programs are available to help you cover the above-mentioned costs.

Don’t hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions or information to share. There are many ways for you to contact the school: 

• School secretary
• Your child’s agenda (particularly for teachers)
• Phone (for example, if your child is running late or will be absent)
• Email
• The school’s online portal
• A meeting with the teacher (in the fall, most schools organize a meeting between teachers and parents to discuss their children’s progress at school).

You can also schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher at any time, if needed.

It is important to keep your contact details up to date with your child’s school so they can get in touch with you easily.

(Collectif Bienvenue, 2023c; Jobin-Théberge & Bombardier, 2020b; TCRITable de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes , 2021)

(211, s. d.; Le centre de réfugiés, 2022; Ministère de la famille, 2020)

You can ask community organizations for help if you or your child needs assistance with daycare or school, for example if you need help registering your child in school, if you are worried about their development, if you have trouble communicating with the school, etc. 

At some community organizations, counsellors (sometimes called ICCs) who specialize in academic support or early childhood can help you with various processes.

(Gouvernement du Québec, 2023g; TCRITable de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes , 2014a, 2014b)

If your child is having serious issues at school, it may be wise to have them evaluated by a specialist (speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, etc.). This evaluation could give them access to specialized services that meet their needs. 

You can get help from:

• Your child’s teacher or educator
• The school counsellor from your host organization 
• A community or early childhood counsellor (ex., an ICC) 
• A CLSCLocal community service centre counsellor 
• A community organization
• A PRAIDAProgramme régional d’accueil et d’intégration des demandeurs d’asile (English: Regional Program for the Settlement and Integration of Refugee Claimants) social worker
• A doctor
• A private clinic

(Gouvernement du Québec, 2023g; TCRITable de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes , 2014a, 2014b)

Special needs can be physical, psychosocial, intellectual or learning difficulties and may require specific support.

For students with special needs, a variety of services can generally be offered: specialized classes and schools, adapted transportation, adapted programs of study, learning resources, etc. 

Contact the school staff or CLSCLocal community service centre to find out which services may be available.

(Centre de formation professionnelle Marie-Rollet, 2023; Centre de services scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke, 2022; Centre de services scolaire des Grandes-Seigneuries, 2020a, 2020b; Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys, s. d.; Jobin-Théberge & Bombardier, 2020a; MIFIMinistère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (du Québec) , 2023; Qualifications Québec, 2020b; Ville de Sherbrooke, 2023b)

Generally, from the age of 15, students can choose to pursue vocational training. This is practical training that takes place on the job or in a workshop. You can gain technical skills that will accelerate your entry into the job market. Some vocational training leads to semiskilled trades.

This training is also available to adults, and you can start at any time. Check the admission requirements of the program that interests you.

Courses are tuition-free when offered by public institutions.

If you want to pursue vocational training and are over 18 years of age, see Studying after the age of 18.

(Jobin-Théberge & Bombardier, 2020a; MIFIMinistère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (du Québec) , 2023; Ministère de l’Éducation, 2023; Qualifications Québec, 2020b; Ville de Sherbrooke, 2023b)

Elementary and secondary education is only available to children up to the age of 18 (or 21 for students with disabilities).

If a person aged 16 or over has not completed elementary or secondary school or has difficulty reading or writing, they can take general education courses equivalent to their level of study at an adult education centre. Adult general education is sometimes called “school for adults” or “secondary school for adults.” The CSSCentre de services scolaires in your area can direct you to the nearest adult education centre.

(Jobin-Théberge & Bombardier, 2020a; MIFIMinistère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (du Québec) , 2023; Qualifications Québec, 2020b; Statistiques Canada, 2022; Ville de Sherbrooke, 2023b)

After secondary school, you can continue to study at CEGEP and at university.

CEGEPs (general and vocational colleges) offer pre-university and technical training. You must have successfully completed secondary school to study there. Also check the admission requirements for each program. 

Each year of CEGEP can have up to three terms: fall, winter and summer. When you finish CEGEP, you receive a DCSDiploma of College Studies  .

The cost of studying full-time is approximately $200 per term. 

For steps to follow for refugee claimants, see Studying after the age of 18. To calculate how much it will cost you to attend CEGEP here:

(Université Concordia, s. d.; Université Laval, s. d.)

To study at university, check the admission requirements of each program. You can be admitted after completing college studies or as an adult (age 21 or over). 

Each year of university can have up to three terms: fall, winter and summer. The costs for each term vary according to the university and program, but start at around $1,500.

The average times indicated above are for full-time studies.

For steps to follow for refugee claimants, see Studying after the age of 18.

(Gouvernement du Québec, 2023b)

You may be eligible for loans and bursaries from the Government of Québec through the SFAStudent Financial Assistance program program. Loans must be paid back after your studies, but not bursaries.

As a refugee claimant, you are not entitled to loans or bursaries through the SFAStudent Financial Assistance program program. 

Many other types of post-secondary bursaries are available. Contact the scholarship and financial assistance office at your educational institution for more details.

For additional information and exercises on many aspects of this Carnets de route section, see chapter “Education”, pages 107 to 122, in the Canadian Orientation Abroad “Participant’s Workbook”.

You can also listen to the audio guide “O Canada – Conversations Dialogue” and download the application “O Canada”.