Licensed Daycare in Missouri
Find the right daycare in Missouri in under 5 minutes. 2,600 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation. Free, no signup.
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 RegulationWhat's distinctive about Missouri: Missouri loosened ratios in 2021 (1:8 toddlers, up from 1:6) — controversial. Look specifically for QRIS-rated or NAEYC-accredited providers if you want pre-2021 standards.
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
View all cities →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
Official Missouri & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Recently Verified Centers
View all 2,600 →Kansas City Golden Gate Daycare #109
Hunnewell
Kids R Us Kansas City #110
Kahoka
Kansas City Learning Tree #111
Knox City
Jumping Jacks Kansas City #112
La Belle
Kansas City Sunflower Daycare #113
La Grange
Kansas City Panda Kids Academy #114
Lentner
Kansas City Wonder Years #115
Leonard
Little Genius Kansas City #116
Lewistown
Kansas City Cloud Nine Kids #117
Luray
Nurturing Hearts Kansas City #118
Maywood
Kansas City Smart Start Academy #119
Monroe City
Kansas City Little Angels #120
Monticello
Daycare in Missouri — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Missouri is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Missouri?
How much does daycare cost in Missouri?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Missouri?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Missouri daycare?
Search 2,600 Licensed Missouri Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.