Québec / Québec History / Drawing 43

From Early Stories to Today · Drawing 43

Growing up at a CPE

1997

Colouring illustration: Growing up at a CPE
An imaginary play scene and educator; no particular CPE is represented.

In 1997, Québec's network of early childhood centres, called CPEs, took shape. Young children play and learn there with educators.

Look together

What would you build with these blocks?

An idea to try

Build a small tower together with large blocks. Before starting, decide how to share the pieces and ask for help.

For the adult reading along

A little more to discover

The 1997 childcare reform established the network of centres de la petite enfance, or CPEs. Historical laws and National Assembly debates document this step. The network built on existing services and initiatives; childcare did not begin in 1997.

The scene shows an educator and children with blocks. It invites discussion of the people who support play and group life. Every family's experience may differ: your child might describe a CPE, another childcare setting or time with a relative. The image represents no particular centre and makes no promise about services offered today.

Sources and context

These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. Source titles appear in their original language; some linked pages are in French.

Source review: 2026-09-12. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.