In 1997, the Québec government announced its new family policy. The government undertook a massive reorganization of the child care system and transformed it into the early childhood care and education component of the new family policy. The reform was indeed substantial and ambitious and was undertaken at a time when, as in other provinces, the government was trying to reduce its budgetary deficit to zero. As the reform enters its fifth year, the author reviews the first five years and examines the successes, challenges and lessons learned.

This paper consists of five chapters: 1) child care services at the heart of Québec's family policy, 2) the centre-based component of the Early Childhood Agencies (CPEs), 3) the family child care component of the Early Childhood Agencies (CPEs), 4) school-age programs, and 5) conclusion. Also includes appendices and bibliography.