Child Care Subsidy Program Information

Welcome to the child care subsidy program information page. The child care subsidy program aims to support eligible families by providing affordable, quality child care to Missouri families. Families and providers can access important program information, policy manuals, and brochures on this page.

Rules & Regulations

Propose Rule Changes

The Office of Childhood (OOC) filed a proposed rule change to 5 CSR 25-200.060 Eligibility and Authorization for Child Care Subsidy. The proposed changes update the rule and the incorporated by reference Child Care Subsidy Eligibility Policy Manual to allow the Department to exclude a protective services child, as defined in 5 CSR 25-200.050, from being placed on the child care subsidy waiting list and generally clarifies waitlist requirements. Due to high application volume and funding limitations, a waitlist was implemented on March 1, 2026, to help maintain program sustainability. 

The amendment also establishes an excessive absence policy that outlines a process for providers and the OOC to work with families who have consecutive unexcused absences on days the child or children are expected to attend. The goal is to re-engage the family in using their approved child care subsidy benefit. By establishing this policy, it will allow OOC to discontinue a family’s child care subsidy benefit case if circumstances warrant it. 

Full text of the proposed rule change, including incorporated by reference material is below. As you review the rule, any language that the OOC is proposing to remove will be [italicized and in brackets] and any language OOC is proposing to add will be in bold. A chart is also provided that gives an overview of the proposed changes, including the specific sections of the Child Care Subsidy Policy Manual that OOC is proposing to update.

The public comment period for the proposed amendment is open from June 15, 2026, to July 15, 2026. How to submit your comments: 

  • Complete this child care subsidy rule change survey to make a public comment. The survey will be open through 11:59 p.m. (CST) on July 15, 2026.
  • Email comments to ChildhoodRules@dese.mo.gov. In the subject line, please put “Child Care Subsidy Rule Change Comment”. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on July 15, 2026.
  • Mail written comments to: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Written comments must be received by July 15, 2026.
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