Your baby has just arrived, or is on the way, and the big question is already here: who will care for them when you go back to work? Finding infant daycare in Brossard means starting early, understanding Quebec’s new registration portal and knowing the different types of childcare. Here’s a practical guide for parents of babies under 18 months.
For an overview of reduced-contribution spots, start with our guide to subsidized daycare in Brossard.
Why infant spots are scarce
Babies under 18 months need closer supervision, so groups are smaller and spots are harder to find, in Brossard as everywhere in Quebec. In home daycare, for example, the Quebec government caps infants at 2 children under 18 months out of a maximum of 6, or 4 out of a maximum of 9 when the provider works with an assistant. Plan around your return-to-work date, apply to several services and stay flexible.
Quebec’s childcare registration portal
If you’ve heard of La Place 0-5, note that it’s gone. Since December 1, 2025, the Quebec government’s childcare registration portal (Portail d’inscription aux services de garde) has replaced it as the single entry point for parents.
- After birth only: since November 3, 2025, you can’t register an unborn child. Registration happens after birth or, for adoption, after the child arrives.
- Government login: you first sign up for the government authentication service.
- Desired start date: CPE and subsidized daycare spots are assigned by desired start date, not registration date. Choose it carefully; it can’t be moved into the past.
- Rank indicator: the portal shows your approximate rank on each waiting list.
- Automatic referral: for CPEs and subsidized daycares, the system designates the next child by priority category, then waiting time, and notifies the parent by email.
Non-subsidized daycares and home daycares can choose which child to admit, but must confirm admissions in the portal. Keep your file up to date: a suspended file keeps its seniority, but your child can’t be referred until the suspension is lifted.
When you get an offer
Deadlines are short. According to Quebec’s admission process steps, if the visit is optional you have 3 days after the first call to book it; if it’s mandatory, the service must offer a date within 5 days. After the visit, you have 2 days to accept or decline, and less if the spot must be filled within 15 days. Declining usually removes your child from that service’s list and resets seniority, with some exceptions.
Types of childcare for infants
| Type | Setting | Oversight | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPE | Centre | Ministry permit; board made up mostly of parents | Reduced contribution |
| Subsidized daycare | Centre | Ministry permit; parents’ advisory committee | Reduced contribution |
| Non-subsidized daycare | Centre | Ministry permit | Set by the daycare; tax credit may apply |
| Recognized home daycare | Private home | Recognized by a coordinating office; mandatory training | Mostly reduced contribution, otherwise variable |
Details are on Québec.ca’s page on types of childcare services. Every centre needs a permit from the ministry, and home providers must be recognized by a coordinating office unless they care for no more than two children or children who live together. The interactive childcare map shows nearby services and their inspection reports.
The childcare expense tax credit
If your baby attends a non-subsidized daycare, you may qualify for Revenu Québec’s refundable tax credit for childcare expenses. It covers fees for spots that aren’t at the reduced contribution.
- You can get it as advance payments on the 15th of each month.
- According to Revenu Québec, to receive 12 payments your complete request must arrive by December 1 of the previous year; later requests are spread over the remaining months.
- Apply through My Account for individuals; direct deposit is required.
- If your child later gets a subsidized spot, tell Revenu Québec to avoid repaying.
QPIP and your return-to-work timeline
The Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) pays maternity, paternity and parental benefits. The number of weeks depends on the plan you choose (basic or special) and how parents share the weeks. Use the QPIP benefit calculator, then set a realistic desired start date in the portal right after birth and line up a plan B. If you’re still picking an area, see our guide to the best Brossard neighbourhoods for families.
Questions to ask on a visit
- How many infants are in the group, and how many educators care for them?
- How qualified is the staff, and is turnover high?
- How do gradual integration, naps and feedings work?
- How do you handle breast milk, bottles and starting solids?
- What’s the policy on illness, fever and medication?
- What are the days, hours and closure policy?
Signs of quality
- A clean, safe room with a quiet, separate nap area.
- Educators on the floor talking to babies and responding to cries.
- A posted routine and a daily log for parents.
- A written services agreement listing days, hours and type of attendance.
FAQ
Can I register my baby before birth?
No. Since November 3, 2025, registration is only possible after birth or after an adopted child arrives.
Does La Place 0-5 still exist?
No. It was replaced by the childcare registration portal, fully deployed on December 1, 2025.
Can I claim the tax credit for a CPE spot?
A reduced-contribution spot doesn’t qualify. The credit targets non-subsidized care; check your situation with Revenu Québec.
Sources: Government of Quebec (Québec.ca, childcare registration portal), Revenu Québec. Information checked in November 2026.
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.