The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Child Care Subsidy Program is designed to improve access to early childhood education for families in Missouri. This initiative offers financial assistance to eligible families, helping them manage child care costs so they can pursue stable employment, further their education, or participate in job training programs. This support is crucial for both parents and children, fostering economic stability and early learning opportunities.
Understanding Eligibility for Child Care Subsidy
Determining if your family qualifies for child care subsidy is the first step. The DESE provides a user-friendly “Do I Qualify?” pre-screening tool to help families quickly assess their potential eligibility. This tool, along with the option to “Apply for Assistance” directly within the child care data system, streamlines the application process. These resources are invaluable for parents seeking to understand their options and access the support they need.
Decoding Child Care Subsidy Rates and Sliding Fees
Governor Parson recently demonstrated a strong commitment to child care by approving an increase to the child care subsidy rate for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025). This rate increase, included in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, reflects the state’s recognition of the vital role child care plays in supporting families and the workforce. For detailed information on the updated rates and sliding fee scales, you can Read More on the DESE website.
Reporting Changes to Your Child Care Subsidy
Maintaining accurate information with the Child Care Subsidy Program is essential. It’s important for participating families to report any significant household changes, excluding income fluctuations, within 10 calendar days of the change. These reportable changes include updates to contact information such as address, phone number, or email, and situations like when child care is no longer needed for more than 90 days, if a child moves out of state, or if a parent/guardian’s custody of a child changes. It’s also crucial to report if an increase in income exceeds 85% of the State Median Income (SMI).
To report these changes, parents or guardians can conveniently update their online account. Alternatively, they can submit a completed and signed form along with any necessary documentation to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at the provided address:
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office of Childhood-Child Care Subsidy
PO Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Whether using the online portal or the paper form, timely reporting ensures continued eligibility and accurate subsidy payments, supporting families in accessing crucial child care services.
