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
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Tiny Tots of Springfield #122
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Springfield Early Learning Center #123
Holliday
Springfield ABC Childcare #124
Huntsville
Springfield Bright Beginnings #125
Jacksonville
Growing Minds Springfield #126
Keytesville
Springfield Children's Place #127
Kingdom City
Happy Days Springfield Daycare #128
Madison
Springfield KinderCare #129
Martinsburg
Springfield Primrose School #130
Mexico
La Petite Academy Springfield #131
Moberly
Springfield Discovery Preschool #132
New Franklin
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.