I need to have my kids looked after

Verified 01 September 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

To have my children looked after (during the day, in the evening or during school holidays...), several possibilities exist. I can have them babysit with other children (nursery, childminder, summer camp...) or alone (home help, au pair...). I can also choose to keep them at home, or outside. Depending on the type of care chosen and my situation, I can obtain financial assistance, under certain conditions. Here are the steps to take.

My child is kept at home

Possible solutions are:

My child is being kept outside

FYI  

If my child has a disability, I can go to ordinary or specialized structures.

Other aid for the payment of childcare costs

In case of financial difficulties

If, despite the existing aid, I encounter financial difficulties to have my children cared for, I must contact the social action service of my town hall or the Family Info Point nearest:

General case
Who shall I contact

My child is kept at home

Possible solutions are:

My child is being kept outside

Possible solutions are:

  • I can benefit from the free choice of care (CMG) supplement if I goes through a structure to keep my child (micro-nursery or family nursery) or if Ii myself employ a childminder or home care worker. I can also benefit from a tax creditunder certain conditions.
  • I can call a drop-in center. A qualified staff keeps the children for a few hours or half a day a week. I can be reimbursed in part with the help of tax creditunder certain conditions.
  • I can use a kindergarten (day care). These are qualified staff (including early childhood educators and childcare assistants). I can be reimbursed in part with the help of tax creditunder certain conditions.
  • I can call a leisure center (reception after school or outside school days). The supervisory staff is made up of salaried or volunteer staff aged at least 17 years. I can be reimbursed in part with the help of tax credit under certain conditions.

Other aid for the payment of childcare costs

In case of financial difficulties

If, despite the existing aid, I encounter financial difficulties to have my children cared for, I must contact the social action service of my town hall or the Family Info Point nearest:

General case
Who shall I contact

My child is being kept outside

Possible solutions are:

  • Only if I am single parent, I can benefit from the free choice of custody method supplement (CMG) if Ii myself employ a childminder or home care worker.
  • I can call a leisure center (reception after school or outside school days). The supervisory staff is made up of salaried or volunteer staff aged at least 17 years. I can be reimbursed in part with the help of tax credit under certain conditions.
  • I can call on a summer camp or holiday center (night and day reception during school holidays). The supervisory staff is made up of salaried or volunteer staff aged at least 17 years.

Other aid for the payment of childcare costs

In case of financial difficulties

If, despite the existing aid, I encounter financial difficulties to have my children cared for, I must contact the social action service of my town hall or the Family Info Point nearest:

General case
Who shall I contact

My child is kept at home

Possible solutions are:

  • Home help in the framework services to the person. This is an employee that I can hire directly, or through an organization (an association for example). I can be reimbursed in part with the help of tax creditunder certain conditions.
  • Intern caregiver foreigner or au pair. This is a foreigner student. I have to put him up, feed him and pay him some pocket money. To recruit him, I use a licensed employment agency.
  • Au pair employee. This is a French or foreigners employee who is not necessarily a student. I have to pay him in kind (accommodation and food).

My child is being kept outside

Possible solutions are:

  • Recreation center (reception after school or outside school days). The supervisory staff is made up of salaried or volunteer staff aged at least 17 years. I can be reimbursed in part with the help of tax credit under certain conditions.
  • Holiday colony and holiday center (reception night and day during school holidays). The supervisory staff is made up of salaried or volunteer staff aged at least 17 years.

Other aid for the payment of childcare costs

If I am an employee, I may be able to get help from my employer (including Pre-funded Escs).

In case of financial difficulties

If, despite the existing aid, I encounter financial difficulties to have my children cared for, I must contact the social action service of my town hall or the Family Info Point nearest:

General case
Who shall I contact

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