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.
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 RegulationQuick 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
Recently Verified Centers
View all 2,600 →Kansas City Children's Place #13
Saint Louis, MO
Preschool ProgramHappy Days Kansas City Daycare #14
Saint Louis, MO
Head Start CenterKansas City KinderCare #15
Saint Louis, MO
Before & After School CareKansas City Primrose School #16
Saint Louis, MO
Infant & Toddler CenterLa Petite Academy Kansas City #17
Saint Louis, MO
Montessori SchoolKansas City Discovery Preschool #18
Saint Louis, MO
Licensed Child Care CenterKansas City Stepping Stones #19
Overland, MO
Licensed Family Daycare HomeFirst Steps Kansas City #20
Saint Louis, MO
Licensed Group Child Care HomeKansas City Little Scholars #21
Saint Louis, MO
Preschool ProgramKansas City Creative Kids #22
Richmond Heights, MO
Head Start CenterABC Academy Kansas City #23
Saint Louis, MO
Before & After School CareKansas City Precious Moments #24
Webster Groves, MO
Infant & Toddler CenterDaycare 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.