As the new school year approaches, many households are preparing for a rise in daycare fees that could strain monthly budgets. Several regions are already confirming an increase, with costs climbing by several dozen euros per month for parents.
While the fee hike may come as a shock, some families could find relief through the upcoming Free Choice of Childcare Supplement (CMG) reform, scheduled for September. This adjustment aims to provide additional financial support to offset the higher costs, helping parents better manage their childcare expenses.
The changes vary by department, but one thing is certain: daycare costs are on the rise in 2025, making it essential for parents to understand what support programs are available and how they can benefit.
A gradual but inevitable tariff change
Childcare directors admit they’ve been struggling for months with an impossible equation: rising operating costs, persistent staff shortages, and the pressure to keep daycare rates affordable. According to the latest data, the minimum hourly rate in state-approved daycare centers has now increased to €0.50/hour, calculated on a reference monthly income of €801.
However, the bigger impact comes from hidden increases in the middle and higher income brackets. Families are paying between €3 and €25 more per month compared to early 2025 rates. And the rise is not uniform—some municipalities are already planning another rate adjustment in September, aligned with the reform of the Free Choice of Childcare Supplement (CMG).
For parents, this means that childcare costs will continue climbing through 2025, making it critical to stay informed about available aid and municipal decisions.
Towards a more suitable childcare supplement
Starting September 1, 2025, the Free Choice of Childcare Supplement (CMG) will undergo a major reform. The new system introduces a personalized monthly calculation that considers each household’s real income, family size, and actual childcare hours. This adjustment aims to provide financial aid that better reflects the daily reality of families, offering a partial—but important—response to the ongoing rise in daycare costs.
For many parents, this reform could be the difference between struggling and breathing easier.
“When I learned that daycare fees were going up by €18 per month, I worried about keeping full-time care,” shares Émilie, a single mother of two in Lyon. “But with the CMG reform in September, the CAF estimated I’d receive an extra €48 monthly. That changes everything.”
The new CMG calculation won’t completely erase the impact of rising childcare prices, but for households like Émilie’s, it provides much-needed relief at a crucial time.
Increased amounts for low-income families
For 2025, the CAF has raised the CMG ceilings by 4.8%, giving families more support to offset rising daycare fees. Here’s what the updated benefits look like:
- Couples with one child and an annual income under €26,046 can now receive up to €529.28 per month in CMG aid.
- For children aged 3 to 6 years, the allowance decreases but still provides meaningful help, up to €264.64 per month.
- Single-parent families receive an additional boost with a 40% increase in CMG ceilings.
- Overall, grants can cover as much as 85% of childcare expenses.
On top of these adjustments, extra supplements are available:
- +30% for families receiving the AAH (Disability Allowance)
- +10% when childcare takes place during atypical or irregular hours
With these updates, the CMG in 2025 is becoming a crucial financial buffer for households facing higher daycare costs.
Sustainable relief for single-parent families
One of the most significant changes this fall is the extension of CMG childcare benefits for single-parent families. Starting in 2025, the entitlement now continues until the child turns 12, a measure that could drastically reduce the financial strain of after-school care.
Previously, CMG support ended at age 6, leaving many single mothers to juggle unstable jobs, rising costs, and informal childcare arrangements. This reform opens the door to more stability and better work opportunities for parents raising children alone.
“Alone with my 9-year-old daughter, I hadn’t received any help for after-school care in years,” shares Émilie. “The chance to qualify for CMG again—even partially—made it possible for me to take a full-time job at a school.”
For thousands of single parents, this new CMG extension provides a lasting lifeline, easing daily challenges and encouraging professional reintegration.
Incentives for communities
The CNAF is stepping up efforts to promote public investment in daycare centers and prevent a looming childcare shortage. To meet growing demand, several key measures are planned for 2025, aimed at expanding capacity, improving access, and supporting families nationwide.
| Device | Amount | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Attractiveness bonus | €475/place/year | Nurseries employing qualified staff |
| Development trajectory bonus | 100 €/place/year minimum | Creation of new places |
| Public funds and territories | Envelope doubled by 2027 | Support for investments in tense areas |
While the new measures are still being rolled out, it is families who continue to feel the immediate impact. The combination of higher daycare fees and ongoing inflation is putting significant strain on the purchasing power of working parents, forcing many households to rethink their budgets and childcare arrangements.
FAQ’s
Why are daycare prices increasing in 2025?
Daycare centers face higher operating costs, staff shortages, and inflation, which are driving fees up for families.
How much will daycare fees rise this year?
In most regions, the increase ranges from a few euros to €25 per month, depending on household income and local daycare policies.
When will the daycare price hike take effect?
Many daycare centers are adjusting their rates in fall 2025, with some municipalities planning additional revaluations in September.
What is the CMG reform and how does it help?
The Free Choice of Childcare Supplement (CMG) reform introduces a personalized monthly calculation based on family income, composition, and childcare hours, helping offset higher fees.
How much financial aid can families receive under CMG in 2025?
Depending on income, families may receive up to €529.28 per month for children under 3. For ages 3 to 6, support can reach €264.64 per month.
Are single-parent families eligible for extra aid?
Yes. Single-parent households benefit from a 40% increase in CMG ceilings, and starting fall 2025, eligibility extends until the child turns 12 years old.
Can CMG cover most of the childcare costs?
Yes. The CMG can cover up to 85% of daycare expenses, with additional supplements for families with specific needs.
Conclusion
The mid-year daycare price hike is a reality that many families will feel in 2025, adding to the pressure already created by inflation and rising living costs. While the increases may seem modest at first glance, even a few extra euros each month can significantly impact a household budget—especially for working parents and single families.
