After-school Care, Homework Programs, and Activities

What is Service de Garde?

Service de Garde is the childcare offered at your child’s school. It is considered optional and therefore the parents must pay for it. Fees for children who use the service de garde (before and/or after school) at least 3 times a week is $8.50 per day. If the child only uses the lunch service, it is approximately $2.50 per day (this may vary from school to school). Pedagogical days (when school is closed during a weekday) are $9 per day unless they have a specialized outing (which can range up to $30 per day). Some schools are open to financial arrangements with parents if they struggle to pay the lunch fees, so it is worthwhile speaking to the school about options.

Service de Garde (School Childcare) services within the schools include:

• In the morning before class
• During lunchtime
• After school
• During pedagogical days, school holidays, and, sometimes, spring break
• Extra-curricular activities

Many people are not able to afford the childcare within the schools. Alternatively, many neighbourhood community centres offer after school programs at a much more affordable (sometimes free) rate. Some of them even provide transportation from the schools. Ask your school if they can recommend any community organizations that offer these services in your neighbourhood. 

See also:

Community Organizations with After-School Care & Homework Help

Organizations to help Register and Communicate with Schools