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Background Screenings

If you choose a program not licensed by the State of Missouri, you can request a background screening on the individuals that work in the facility. You can also request a background check on all adults over the age of 18 who reside in the household. If the State of Missouri helps pay for your child care costs, background checks are required. 


A screening is not a guarantee of safety for your child but it can provide you with important information on an individual’s history. The form to request a screening is available from the Missouri Family Services Division or the Missouri State Highway Patrol. You can also use the Family Care Safety Registry to screen your potential caregiver for child abuse/neglect or criminal background checks.


To find information about the statutes regarding sexual offenders in Missouri or to view the sexual offenders list for your county or the county of your child care program, visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol website or call 1-888-SOR-MSHP (767-6747).
Understanding Child Care Options in Missouri

Never assume that a referral, a license, or an accreditation means that a program meets your standards of quality. It’s important that you visit and evaluate a program before enrolling your child. We can help you know what to look for.

Licensed and Inspected

Licensed programs are state-inspected by the Department of Health and Senior Services-Section for Child Care Regulation to ensure they meet health and safety standards, staff/child ratios, group sizes, equipment, staff qualifications, training, and other requirements. All complaints are investigated, but only substantiated complaints are placed in the public record. Licensing records are open for public review, by contacting the child care licensing office at 573-751-2450. 

  • A Licensed Child Care Center is a facility licensed for more than 20 children.

  • A Licensed Group Child Care Home is a facility licensed for 11-20 children not related to the operator (allows additional related children). These programs meet the same standards as centers, but may be located in the operator’s residence.

  • A Licensed Family Child Care Home is operated by an individual in her/his residence, and licensed by the state to care for up to 10 children not related to the operator (allows additional related children).

Partially Licensed and Inspected

A License-Exempt Child Care Center is inspected for compliance with basic health and safety standards, but is exempt from other licensing standards, such as staff/child ratios, discipline restrictions, and staff education. These centers are often operated by churches or part-day nursery schools.

In all the above programs, a copy of the license should be posted in an obvious location. Any of these programs could also be Accredited by a state or national organization. Typically, a strong interest in quality leads these programs to meet these health, safety and educational standards that are far beyond the minimal licensing requirements.

Not Subject to Child Care Regulation

  • An Exempt Child Care Center is most often operated by school districts, or by a business (e.g., a fitness facility) as a convenience to customers or employees.

  • An Exempt Family Child Care Home is operated by an individual in her/his own home who is caring for four or fewer children not related to the individual (allows additional related children).

The Department of Health and Senior Services Section on Child Care Regulation has more information on child care licensing.


Other Options

If you cannot find quality child care in your area, or cannot afford child care, you may have other options. Click here to learn more.


Staff at the Child Care Aware of Missouri referral center can also explain the differences in regulations for child care centers, family child care homes, part-day and full-day programs, and after-school programs. Call 866-892-3228 for assistance.
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