Office of Childhood
What We Do
Child Care Compliance section
We assist child care providers in becoming licensed by conducting inspections. We also investigate complaints in order to assure the health, safety, and development of Missouri’s children.
Appendix 2 Sam Pratt’s Law
Section 544.456 RSMo, known as “Sam Pratt’s” law, allows any court involved in a case of abuse, neglect, or death of a child to impose as a condition of release that the defendant is prohibited from providing child care services for compensation pending final disposition of the case. Additionally, the court is required to notify the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Department of Social Services (DSS) when an order is filed, as well as the final disposition of the case. If charges are filed with the court having jurisdiction and an order is file
2030.075.05 Cancel Rejections
An application should only be cancel rejected if the application was rejected incorrectly. Reasons an application may have been rejected incorrectly could include:
- Income was entered or budgeted incorrectly;
- Household provided information timely but the information was not entered timely in the system;
- Application was rejected before the application due date; or
- Household was not given sufficient notice to provide needed information.
Grants
Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant
The 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) competitive grant application for school-age afterschool programming is now available for the 2024-2029 award period. Awards are subject to availability of funding. Be sure to check back regularly to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) link below as any updates, changes, amendments, etc. will be noted there. The deadline for applying is 1:00 p.m.
2010.055.00 INVALID NEED FOR CHILD CARE SUBSIDY
Some household needs are considered invalid for Child Care Subsidy. Examples of child care needs that are not valid include, but are not limited to:
2010.050.35 Homeless Families
Homeless is defined as an individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
2010.050.30 Child with a Special Need for Child Care
A child classified with having a special need is a valid need if there is no other traditional need for care in the household as long as a certified physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant provides an annual statement verifying the special need for child care.
2010.050.25 Incapacitated Parent
Incapacitated parent is a valid need as long as a certified physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant provides an annual statement verifying the need for care.