To work in or be present at an educational childcare facility in Québec (early childhood centre, daycare, recognized home childcare), a person must undergo a verification of the absence of an impediment. This check confirms that the person has no record that could constitute an impediment to working with children.
When the person has resided in Canada for less than a year, the usual check cannot cover the whole relevant period. The Ministère de la Famille then requires a declaration under oath — form FO-0351 — in which the person states, among other things, whether they have ever been found guilty of an offence, in Canada or abroad.
Who must complete FO-0351?
Anyone subject to the impediment check who has resided in Canada for less than a year may be concerned, for example:
- an educator, a staff member, a trainee;
- a person responsible for home childcare;
- an adult who lives in the home where home childcare is provided;
- certain volunteers or board members, depending on the situation.
The childcare facility, the coordinating office, or the Ministère tells you whether the form is required in your case.
The oath, in brief
Form FO-0351 is a declaration under oath: it must be signed before a person legally authorized to administer the oath, including a Commissioner for Oaths. A false or incomplete declaration may have consequences, including an impediment.
In Québec, a Commissioner for Oaths can administer this oath remotely, by videoconference, when the required conditions are met.
Where to get the form
Form FO-0351 is published by Québec's Ministère de la Famille. You can get it from your childcare facility or coordinating office, or on the Government of Québec website by searching for "FO-0351" or "déclaration sous serment absence d'empêchement."
Have form FO-0351 sworn online
You can have form FO-0351 sworn entirely online: a video appointment, identity verification, and the commissioner's signature on the jurat — with no need to travel. This is especially useful for newcomers, who often need to clear their file quickly before starting a job.
Come to the appointment with the completed form (unsigned), valid photo ID, and a stable video connection.
See all documents that need to be sworn
Assermentation Express
Assermentation Express is not a government website. This service does not determine whether form FO-0351 is required in your situation and does not replace the verification carried out by the Ministère or the coordinating office.