The Child Care Subsidy Program increases children's access to early learning and literacy by assisting eligible parents/guardians with payments for child care in Missouri. The purpose of this program is to not only ensure children have access to early childhood programs but also to help families with the cost of child care so that they are able to focus on finding and holding steady jobs and/or are able to attend school & training programs. 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) - Office of Childhood (OOC) partners with local child care providers to offer subsidized care through the Child Care Subsidy Program. Child care providers must be contracted with DESE - OOC to receive payment for care provided to subsidy-eligible children.