In response to the market rate survey feedback, the Office of Childhood is pleased to announce a new and simplified child care provider rate structure. One significant distinction from the previous rates is the reduction from 19 geographic regions to five geographic groupings. Utilizing recent Census information, these five geographic groupings were determined based on population data and geographic proximity to densely populated areas. This change offers providers a more user-friendly way to identify their rates and increases confidence that their rates reflect the child care market in communities throughout Missouri.

The new geographic groupings are by county and include the following five categories:

• Rural
• Micropolitan
• Metropolitan
• Urban
• Dense Urban

To stay within our budget, rate increases were capped at 20% relative to the rates currently in effect. If the new rates result in a decrease to a provider’s current rate, please know that providers will be held harmless and will maintain the current rates in effect.

The new subsidy rate table may be found at this embedded link.

Providers should anticipate seeing the new rates take effect for services provided on or after October 1, 2025, and first paid in November 2025.  If you have any questions regarding your rates, please contact the Payments Team at CCPayments@dese.mo.gov or by phone 573-526-1385.