Licensed Daycare in Independence, Missouri
21 licensed daycares in Independence, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Missouri licensing records.
Independence listings updated August 2026 from official Missouri records.
Daycare in Independence: what parents should know
Independence has 21 licensed childcare providers in our directory. Every provider here holds a current Missouri license at indexing time, sourced from Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation.
For age coverage, 3 centers in Independence report infant care (roughly 14% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early). 3 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Independence spans 7+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 14% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Independence providers are approved for approximately 1,339 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Independence childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Independence
ChildCare Aware reports the Missouri average full-time cost at $900/month for infant care and $720/month for preschool. City-level prices in Independence 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 overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:8
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg capacity
- 63 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Independence?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
What to pack for the first day
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Dishwasher-safe ones survive daily bottle washing; paper labels peel within a week.
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Ask the center first — many supply cots but require your own fitted sheet.
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Two full changes per day for potty-training age, one for older kids.
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Most centers ask for one clearly named bottle a child can open alone.
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Needed if the center does not provide meals; look for one that fits an ice pack.
Browse options on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are the same for you. Full list by age in our daycare supply checklist.
Largest licensed centers in Independence
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Independence? Widen the search
Waitlists are normal in high-demand areas. Centers one ZIP code over often have space, and part-time or in-home options may open sooner — start by checking nearby ZIP codes.
Found a center in Independence? Here is what to pack
Bottles, name labels, nap bedding and spare clothes — our checklist by age covers what centers ask you to bring, and what they ask you not to send.
All Independence licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.
Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Independence, Missouri?
What's the average daycare cost in Independence?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Independence daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Independence?
How do I verify a Independence daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Independence
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programMissouri Child Care Subsidy Program can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(573) 522-1385 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Independence
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Independence, Missouri are compiled from official Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · August 2026 · methodology
Search 21 Licensed Centers in Independence
Free, no signup, verified directly with Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation.