United States (U.S.) citizenship or qualified alien status is required for children needing Child Care Subsidy. Child Care Subsidy is only available to a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien.

Classifying a child as having a special need does not make a child categorically eligible for Child Care Subsidy, but will affect an eligible family’s case in two ways:

This section provides information related to Child Care Subsidy eligibility regarding the:

Preschool opportunities and experiences provide positive educational and social outcomes for children and their families.  Children who participate in early care and education (ECE) programming tend to experience educational, health, social emotional, and economic benefits.

Nurse Family Partnership® (NFP) is a national program recognized by the U.S.

The  Individuals  with  Disabilities  Education  Act  (IDEA)  is  the  nation’s  special  education  law. Part C of IDEA is the section of the law that provides for early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities, birth to age three. 

The period of time an infant/toddler is in First Steps is relatively short; therefore, it is important to plan for transition from the time the child enters First Steps.

The following documents have been developed to assist with training teachers, service coordinators, providers and parents about the importance of a successful transition from First Steps.

Healthy Families America (HFA) is a national program recognized by the U.S.

Missouri's Parent Education Program is a voluntary parent education program offered through local school districts, serving families who are expecting a child or have children under the age of kindergarten entry.