Quebec will introduce a major regulatory change to family-based childcare services beginning September 1, 2026, requiring most home daycare providers to obtain official recognition from a coordinating office in order to continue operating legally.
According to the Government of Quebec, any person offering childcare services in a private residence will be required to be recognized by a bureau coordonnateur de la garde éducative en milieu familial (BC), the regional authority responsible for supervising family-based daycare services.
The new requirement applies to individuals caring for more than two children who do not ordinarily live together. Exceptions will apply only to caregivers who provide services to a maximum of two children, or to children who normally live in the same household, such as siblings.
Mandatory Recognition After September 1, 2026
Until the implementation date, some childcare services in private homes may operate without recognition. However, the government has confirmed that this flexibility will end on September 1, 2026.
After that date, anyone operating a home daycare that does not meet the new legal requirements risks being forced to cease operations.
The recognition system applies specifically to family-based childcare providers operating in residential settings. Childcare centres and daycare installations already require permits issued by the Ministry of Families.
Application Process and Timeline
Individuals wishing to continue offering childcare services must submit an application for recognition to the coordinating office responsible for their geographic area.
The government specifies that the coordinating office has up to 120 days to analyze an application once a complete file has been submitted.
Applicants are encouraged to begin the process as soon as possible in order to ensure compliance before the September 2026 deadline.
Recognition confirms that the provider meets established requirements related to the health, safety, well-being, and development of children, and allows the service to operate within Quebec’s regulated childcare network.
Responsibilities of Recognized Providers
Recognized home daycare providers are subject to ongoing monitoring and inspections carried out either by the Ministry of Families or by the coordinating office. These inspections verify that facilities meet regulatory standards and that services comply with provincial childcare requirements.
Recognition also allows eligible providers to offer reduced-contribution childcare spaces, depending on availability and community needs.
According to provincial guidelines, recognized providers typically care for up to six children when working alone, including a maximum of two infants under 18 months of age. With the assistance of another adult, the number may increase to nine children, subject to specific limits.
Current Rules Remain in Effect Until Deadline
Until September 1, 2026, individuals may continue to offer childcare services in a private residence without recognition, provided they comply with existing conditions set out in Quebec legislation.
Under current rules, a non-recognized provider may care for up to six children, including their own children under nine years of age, and must meet certain requirements such as holding first-aid certification and liability insurance.
These existing provisions will be replaced by the new recognition requirement once the transition period ends.
A Province-Wide Change to Family Childcare
The upcoming regulatory change applies across Quebec and will affect both caregivers and families using home-based childcare services.
Officials advise providers who intend to continue operating beyond September 2026 to contact their local coordinating office as early as possible and submit all required documentation within the prescribed timelines.
The Government of Quebec has indicated that after the deadline, operating a home daycare that does not comply with recognition requirements may result in enforcement action and closure of services that exceed permitted limits.
