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.

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. 

Many children in the Missouri First Steps program transition to Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services. This page provides training and resources for both First Steps and ECSE professionals to support a smooth, successful transition for children and their families.

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. Missouri's Parent Education Program helps to establish positive partnerships between home, school and the community and plays a vital role in supporting families and children from the very beginning toward school readiness.

The goal of the Office of Childhood is to ensure Missouri’s children can have success at every stage and to do so, quality is essential. People who educate and care for children need programs that support their efforts to increase quality and provide children with the best opportunities for success. Quality Programs focuses on efforts to equip child care professionals with essential supports to help children thrive.

Early Intervention programs within the Office of Childhood strive to ensure that young children are safe, healthy, and successful learners through parent engagement activities, increased developmental screening opportunities, and access to resources and supports.

• First Steps