The Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is designed to make early childhood education more accessible in Missouri. This crucial program provides financial assistance to eligible families, directly aiding with child care expenses. By easing the burden of these costs, the subsidy program enables parents and guardians to pursue stable employment, further their education, or participate in job training initiatives, all while ensuring their children receive quality care and early learning experiences.
Determining Your Eligibility for Child Care Assistance
Are you wondering if your family might qualify for child care subsidy benefits? DESE offers a straightforward “Do I Qualify?” pre-screening tool to help you quickly assess your potential eligibility. For those ready to take the next step, you can directly apply for assistance through the child care data system by clicking on the “Apply for Assistance” link. This streamlined process is designed to make it easy for families to determine their eligibility and access the support they need.
Exploring Child Care Subsidy Rates and Sliding Fee Scales
In a significant step forward, the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, signed by Governor Parson, includes an increase to the child care subsidy rate, effective from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. This increase reflects the state’s recognition of the vital role child care plays in supporting families and the economy. We commend the Governor and the General Assembly for their commitment to prioritizing child care and approving this essential rate adjustment, which helps ensure that more families can access affordable care.
Reporting Changes to Your Child Care Subsidy Case
To maintain accurate records and ensure continued eligibility, it’s important to report any significant changes in your household circumstances (excluding income fluctuations) within 10 calendar days of the change. Parents and guardians participating in the Child Care Subsidy Program are required to report specific changes, including updates to contact information such as address, phone number, or email. It’s also necessary to report if your income increases beyond 85% of the State Median Income (SMI), if your need for child care ends for more than 90 days, if your child moves out of Missouri, or if there are changes in custody arrangements.
To report these changes, you can conveniently update your information through your online account. Alternatively, you can submit a completed and signed form, along with any necessary documentation, via mail to:
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office of Childhood-Child Care Subsidy
PO Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Whether you choose to utilize the parent portal or the paper form, it’s crucial to keep your information updated to ensure seamless continuation of your child care subsidy benefits.
