Finding Daycare (CPE) in Montreal After Moving
Understanding Montreal's Daycare System
Quebec's subsidized daycare system is one of the most affordable in North America — $9.10/day per child in 2026 at a CPE (Centre de la petite enfance) or subsidized garderie. The catch? Waitlists can be long, sometimes over a year. After moving, updating your La Place 0-5 profile with your new Montreal address is the first step. La Place 0-5 is the province's centralized daycare waitlist managed by the ministère de la Famille.
There are three main types of childcare: CPEs (non-profit, highest regulated quality), subsidized private garderies (for-profit but at the subsidized rate), and non-subsidized private garderies (more available but cost $40–$65/day, partially offset by tax credits).
Registering and Optimizing Your La Place 0-5 Profile
Create or update your account at laplace0-5.com as soon as you have your new address. You can select up to 30 daycare facilities in your preferences. Cast a wide net — include CPEs and subsidized garderies in your neighborhood and along your commute route. Families in areas like Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Ahuntsic, and Verdun often have more options than those in densely packed downtown or Plateau neighborhoods.
Tip: select daycares that are newer or less well-known — they tend to have shorter waitlists. Also register for September start dates, as that's when most spots open up due to children aging into pre-K. Don't rely solely on La Place 0-5 — call your preferred CPEs directly, as some maintain their own internal waitlists.
Private Daycare and Other Options While You Wait
If you need childcare immediately, non-subsidized private garderies are your best bet for quick availability. Rates are higher ($40–$65/day) but Quebec offers a refundable tax credit that brings the effective cost closer to $15–$30/day for most families, depending on household income. Search on the ministère de la Famille's online registry to find licensed facilities near your new home.
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Home-based childcare (milieu familial) is another option — these are regulated caregivers who operate out of their homes, typically caring for up to 6 children. Many are subsidized at the $9.10 rate and can be found through La Place 0-5. For temporary solutions, parent co-ops and part-time drop-in programs exist in many Montreal community centers and YMCAs.
