In Brief
- Registration for public preschool is free.
- It is mandatory from the age of 3, unless the child is being homeschooled.
- The procedure consists of two distinct steps: administrative registration at the town hall, followed by final registration at the school.
- Failure to comply with the school obligation may result in a fine of €1,500 or more severe criminal penalties.
Who Needs to Be Registered?
According to official data from service-public.fr, every child aged 3 must be registered for preschool. This obligation applies from the start of the school year in the calendar year when the child reaches this age.
There is a major exception: homeschooling. If you choose this option, your child does not need to be registered in a public or private school.
For 2-year-olds, admission is possible under strict conditions:
- Potty training must be achieved.
- Language skills must be sufficient.
- Registration is subject to available spots.
Schooling at this age may take place in a specific class equipped with appropriate facilities and equipment. For children in the first year of preschool, attendance hours may be flexible.
Note that the schooling of children under 6 can also be provided in preschool classes within an elementary school.
Which School to Register Your Child In?
The assignment rules depend on your geographical situation and choices.
1. Registration in the Municipality of Residence
In principle, you must register your child in the designated school. This is usually the closest establishment to your residence. The zoning is decided by a municipal council resolution.
If you wish to register your child in a school outside your designated area, you must request a waiver from your town hall. This request is not automatic and follows a specific procedure defined by the municipality.
2. Registration in Another Municipality
If you want to register your child in a school located outside your municipality of residence, you must obtain the approval of the mayor of the host municipality. Your request must be justified by a particular situation, such as:
- The absence of a school in your city of residence.
- A parental separation with children enrolled in different cities.
If the child is accepted in a host municipality, they can complete their entire preschool education there. Itinerant families must follow the same procedures.
3. Parents Residing Abroad
Even if you reside abroad, your child's registration in France must be accepted. The child must be registered in one of the following municipalities:
- The municipality where you own a residence in France.
- The municipality where the person with custody of the child resides.
- The municipality where a school specifically for children of French citizens living abroad is located.
Steps in the Process
Registration occurs in two successive phases.
Phase 1: Registration at the Town Hall
You must register your child at the town hall no later than June before the start of the school year. However, registrations generally begin in March, or even as early as the first quarter of the year preceding the school year in some municipalities. It is crucial to inquire at your town hall well in advance.
Documents to Provide at the Town Hall:
- A document proving your identity and that of your child (family record book, ID card, passport, copy of birth certificate, or sworn statement).
- A recent proof of residence (a sworn statement is acceptable).
- A document certifying that your child has received the mandatory vaccinations for their age or justifies a medical exemption.
Additional documents may be required for school meals or extracurricular activities.
Once the registration is processed, the town hall issues a registration certificate indicating the school to which the child is assigned.
Phase 2: Final Registration at the School
Upon receiving the registration certificate, you must present yourself at the school indicated on the document. The school administration completes the final registration upon presentation of two items:
- The registration certificate issued by the town hall.
- The document certifying the mandatory vaccinations or an exemption.
If your child remains in the same establishment throughout their preschool education, you do not need to renew this registration each year.
Cost and Penalties
Registration for public preschool is completely free.
Compliance with the education obligation is strictly monitored. The penalties for non-compliance are as follows:
- A fine of up to €1,500 if you do not comply with the education obligation (unless the child is receiving authorized homeschooling).
- If you do not register your child without a valid reason, you will receive a formal notice from the academic director of the National Education Services (Dasen).
- In case of non-compliance with this notice, you risk 6 months in prison and a €7,500 fine.
- Providing homeschooling without authorization also exposes you to penalties.
Useful Contacts
- To find your designated school or request a waiver: Contact your town hall. You can find the contact details via the "Pivot Local" service on service-public.fr by entering your city or postal code.
- In case of registration difficulties: You can contact the departmental directorate of National Education services in your department.
Official Source
The information above is exclusively extracted from the official sheet "Registration for Preschool" published by Service Public. Last checked on November 6, 2025.
Service-public.fr Sheet