Traditional Child Care:

A Social Security number (SSN) is NOT required as a condition of eligibility for Child Care Subsidy.

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.

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.