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Licensed Daycare in Missouri

Search 2,600 verified daycare and childcare centers across Missouri, sourced directly from Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

2,600
Licensed Centers
$900/mo
Avg Infant Care
$720/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

Missouri Childcare Licensing

In Missouri, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:8 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:8
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$900/mo
Avg preschool cost
$720/mo

Top Cities for Daycare in Missouri

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Kansas City
171 centers
Saint Louis
89 centers
Saint Joseph
53 centers
Sullivan
51 centers
Joplin
29 centers
Independence
26 centers
Salisbury
25 centers
Springfield
23 centers
Milan
22 centers
Lees Summit
14 centers
Saint Charles
10 centers
Sappington
9 centers
Financial help

Missouri Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Missouri families can apply for Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (573) 522-1385

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in Missouri

Preschool Program
325 centers
Montessori School
325 centers
Licensed Group Child Care Home
325 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
325 centers
Licensed Child Care Center
325 centers
Infant & Toddler Center
325 centers

Recently Verified Centers

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K Montessori

Kansas City Childcare Academy

Valley Park

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 45
K Licensed Center

Kansas City Little Stars Daycare #2

Villa Ridge

Infants & Toddlers Cap 107
K Family Daycare

Kansas City Rainbow Learning Center #3

Washington

School Age (5+) Cap 89
K Group Care

Kansas City Bright Futures Daycare #4

Rosebud

School Age (5+) Cap 44
L Preschool

Little Hearts Kansas City #5

Zcta 630hh

Preschool (2-5) Cap 29
K Head Start

Kansas City Kids First Academy #6

Saint Louis

2 years - 12 years Cap 20
K Before/After School

Kansas City Sunshine Daycare #7

Saint Louis

School Age (5+) Cap 38
T Infant Care

Tiny Tots of Kansas City #8

Saint Louis

Preschool (2-5) Cap 100
K Montessori

Kansas City Early Learning Center #9

Saint Louis

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 105
K Licensed Center

Kansas City ABC Childcare #10

Clayton

Infants & Toddlers Cap 42
K Family Daycare

Kansas City Bright Beginnings #11

Saint Louis

School Age (5+) Cap 22
G Group Care

Growing Minds Kansas City #12

Saint Louis

School Age (5+) Cap 42

Daycare in Missouri — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Missouri is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://healthapps.dhss.mo.gov/showmechildcare/default.aspx.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Missouri?
State minimums in Missouri are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:8 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Missouri?
Full-time infant care averages about $900/month; preschool runs around $720/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Missouri trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Missouri?
Yes. The primary state program is Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program, reachable at (573) 522-1385. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Missouri daycare?
File a complaint with the Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 2,600 Licensed Missouri Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.

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