The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) plays a crucial role in supporting families by increasing access to early learning opportunities for children through the Child Care Subsidy Program. This initiative is designed to assist eligible families with the costs of child care, enabling them to pursue and maintain stable employment or further their education and training.
This article will explore how families can determine their eligibility for child care subsidies, what expenses the program covers, transitional child care options, and available assistance for children with special needs.
Understanding the Child Care Subsidy Program
The DESE Child Care Subsidy Program is dedicated to making quality child care more accessible for Missouri families who qualify. By providing financial assistance, the program aims to alleviate the burden of child care expenses, allowing parents and guardians to focus on their career goals or educational pursuits. This support is vital for both family stability and the healthy development of children in their early years.
To quickly assess potential eligibility for child care cost assistance, DESE provides an online pre-screening tool. Families interested in applying for the subsidy can also directly access the application within the child care data system.
Eligibility for Child Care Assistance
Determining eligibility is the first step in accessing the benefits of the Child Care Subsidy Program. DESE offers resources to help families understand if they might qualify for assistance.
For those ready to apply or wanting to check their potential eligibility immediately, the “Do I Qualify?” pre-screening tool is readily available. Alternatively, families can proceed directly to the application process by clicking “Apply for Assistance,” which will guide them through the child care data system. These tools are designed to streamline the process and provide families with clear pathways to access the support they need.
Child Care Subsidy Rates and Fees in Missouri
Missouri has demonstrated its commitment to supporting child care through recent budgetary decisions. Governor Parson approved the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which includes a significant increase in the child care subsidy rate. This increase is effective for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
This financial boost reflects the state’s recognition of the critical importance of child care for working families and the early childhood development of children. The rate increase underscores the value placed on accessible and affordable child care services across Missouri. For more detailed information about the updated rates and sliding fee scales, further resources are available.
Reporting Changes to Your Child Care Subsidy
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date information is essential for families participating in the Child Care Subsidy Program. It’s important to report any significant changes in household circumstances, excluding income fluctuations, within 10 calendar days of the change occurring.
Parents and guardians enrolled in the program are required to report specific changes, which include:
- Updates to contact information such as address, phone number, or email for the head of household.
- An increase in income that exceeds 85% of the State Median Income (SMI).
- When child care services are no longer needed for more than 90 days.
- If the child moves out of the state of Missouri.
- Changes in custody, where the parent or guardian no longer has custody of the child.
To report these changes, parents or guardians can conveniently update their information through their online account. Alternatively, they can complete and sign a paper form and submit it along with any necessary documentation to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at the provided address. Both online and paper-based reporting options are available to ensure accessibility and convenience for all families in the program.
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office of Childhood-Child Care Subsidy
PO Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102
By offering the Child Care Subsidy Program, DESE actively supports Missouri families, ensuring that more children have access to quality early learning environments while their parents pursue employment or educational opportunities.
