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Licensed Daycare in Columbia, Missouri

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Columbia?

Statewide averages in Missouri run roughly $900/month for infants and $720/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Columbia daycares?

All licensed Missouri centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Columbia typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Columbia?

Missouri families can apply for Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (573) 522-1385). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Use this page to find a licensed daycare or preschool program close to you. All facilities below appear in the state's public licensing roster.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$900/mo

Missouri avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Columbia

ChildCare Aware reports the Missouri average full-time cost at $900/month for infant care and $720/month for preschool. City-level prices in Columbia vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Missouri families may also qualify for Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (573) 522-1385).

Full Missouri licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:8
Preschool ratio: 1:10
Avg capacity: 59 kids

ZIP codes covered

65201 4 65202 3 65203 2

Program types in Columbia

Before & After School Care

2 centers

All Columbia licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

F Head Start

First Steps St. Joseph #142

Columbia

2 years - 12 years Cap 28

S Head Start

Springfield Panda Kids Academy #102

Columbia

2 years - 12 years Cap 113

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Columbia, Missouri?

Our directory lists 6 licensed childcare centers in Columbia, Missouri, sourced from Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Columbia?

Statewide averages in Missouri run roughly $900/month for infants and $720/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Columbia daycares?

All licensed Missouri centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Columbia typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Columbia?

Missouri families can apply for Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (573) 522-1385). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Columbia daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.