The occasional and temporary childcare service is available Monday to Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at both the Saint-Jean and Saint-Hubert service points.
This service is designed to support families experiencing relocation, the absence of a family member, or any other challenges related to the military lifestyle. It provides access to tailored support to help them navigate these realities.

The transitional childcare service is temporary and offered for a maximum duration of 3 months. It allows families who have recently arrived in the region to continue searching for a daycare spot (private or public). This service offers a short-term solution to this challenge.

Children aged 0 to 5 who have not started kindergarten (military and veterans)

Schedule:

• Morning: 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Afternoon: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Cost: According to the current rate

To make a reservation or check availability, please contact the reception of the desired service point.
You may call up to one week in advance to reserve.

Eligibility Criteria for the Absence Respite Program

The Absence Respite Program is designed to support families by providing a period of free childcare for each child, per week, at the Montreal Region MFRC’s drop-in daycare facilities located in Saint-Jean and Saint-Hubert.

This service is available to children five years of age and under who have not yet started school.

All requests must be approved in advance by the Absence Services team and the Children and Youth Coordinator.

Families are eligible for the program when the military parent's absence is related to:

• An operation (deployment);
• An imposed restriction;
• A course or training program attended outside the region.

Families may also qualify when the military parent's absence, for any other service-related reason, exceeds 72 hours.

In certain exceptional circumstances that do not fully meet the criteria outlined above, eligibility may be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Absence Counsellor and the Children and Youth Coordinator to determine whether the family qualifies for the program.

Registration Procedure for the Childcare Service

To register your child(ren) aged 0–5 for the childcare service, please contact:
Saint-Hubert: 450-462-8777 ext. 663-6810
Saint-Jean: 450-358-7099 ext. 668-7955
info.crfm@forces.gc.ca

Early Literacy Program

Give the gift of reading to your child!
This initiative was created to support early literacy development in children ages 0 to 5 and contribute to their future academic success. By enrolling in this program, your child will receive one book per month at home, in the language of your choice (English or French).
This program is offered from September to June. Limited spots.

Age: children aged 5 and under not attending school
Date: if you register before the 5th day of the month, the first book will be sent the following month. Otherwise, please allow 2 months for receipt of the first book (e.g.: Registration before September 5, first book delivered in October. Registration after September 5, first book delivered in November). You are registered until the end of the program in March 2027.
Cost: free
Registration period: before the 5th day of the month, on the MFRC portal.

For more information, contact the Child & Youth Coordinators:
Saint-Hubert:450-462-8777 ext. 663-6830
Saint-Jean:450-358-7099 ext. 668-7012
info.crfm@forces.gc.ca