Getting Licensed in Missouri

Start by reaching out to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Office of Childhood. They oversee all licensed child care in Missouri. You can call them at (573) 751-2450 or visit their website. They'll assign you a licensing specialist — this is your main point of contact throughout the process. Don't be shy about asking questions; that's what they're there for.

Before you can even apply, you'll need to: • Attend a pre-application orientation (DESE offers these) • Complete required training hours (varies by license type) • Make sure your facility location meets local zoning requirements • Get a fire inspection and health inspection scheduled Your licensing specialist will give you a detailed checklist of what's required for your specific license type (center, group home, or family home).

Every person who will be around the children needs background checks — that includes you, all staff, and any household members if it's a home-based program. There are TWO separate background check systems (see our Background Checks topic for details): • Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) through DHSS • Fingerprint-based background check through DESE

Your space needs to meet specific requirements for: • Square footage per child (indoor and outdoor) • Safety features (outlet covers, cabinet locks, fencing) • Kitchen and bathroom facilities • Age-appropriate furniture and equipment • Fire safety (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, posted evacuation plan) Your licensing specialist can do a pre-inspection walkthrough to help you identify what needs to change before the official inspection.

Fill out the license application form and submit it along with: • Application fee (varies by license type and capacity) • Proof of completed training • Background check results • Fire and health inspection reports • Floor plan of your facility Your licensing specialist will let you know the exact fee amount for your situation.

DESE will schedule an on-site inspection of your facility. An inspector will check everything from safety features to paperwork to outdoor play areas. If anything doesn't meet the rules, you'll get a list of items to fix. Once you address them, the inspector comes back to verify.

Once everything checks out, DESE issues your child care license. You must post it where parents can see it. Your license has a capacity limit (how many children you can care for) and will need to be renewed. DESE will conduct periodic inspections to make sure you stay in compliance.