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 →Explorer Kids Kansas City #37
Olivette, MO
Preschool ProgramKansas City Generations Daycare #38
Saint Louis, MO
Head Start CenterKansas City KinderSmile #39
Berkeley, MO
Before & After School CareActive Kids Kansas City #40
Ferguson, MO
Infant & Toddler CenterKansas City Playhouse Academy #41
Jennings, MO
Montessori SchoolKansas City Learning Center #42
North County, MO
Licensed Child Care CenterKansas City Childcare Academy #43
North County, MO
Licensed Family Daycare HomeKansas City Little Stars Daycare #44
Saint Louis, MO
Licensed Group Child Care HomeKansas City Rainbow Learning Center #45
Berkeley, MO
Preschool ProgramKansas City Bright Futures Daycare #46
Creve Coeur, MO
Head Start CenterLittle Hearts Kansas City #47
Maplewood, MO
Before & After School CareKansas City Kids First Academy #48
Brentwood, 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.