Resources to Help You Complete Your Child Care Subsidy Application

Resources to Help You Complete Your Child Care Subsidy Application

Child care is essential, but it can also be expensive. If you’re working, in school, or participating in job training, you may qualify for Missouri’s Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps eligible families pay for licensed care.

The process can feel a little overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way, and there are helpful tools available to make applying easier.

What Is the Child Care Subsidy Program?

This state program helps eligible Missouri families cover the cost of child care so parents can work or attend school. If approved, part of your child care expenses may be covered directly by the state.

How We Can Help You

At Child Care Aware® of Missouri, our Community Support Specialists offer:

• Guidance on how to apply for child care subsidy through the Missouri Department of Social Services.
• Information about required documents, so you know what you’ll need before you apply.
• Support understanding eligibility, income guidelines, and ongoing requirements.
• Help finding registered providers who accept subsidy once you're approved.

We don’t process or approve applications, but we help families prepare, avoid common mistakes, and connect them to the right resources.

Helpful Tools to Get Started

Here are some of the most useful resources to guide your application:

• Do I Qualify? – Use this eligibility tool to find out if you qualify for benefits.

• Frequently Asked Questions About Subsidy – Get answers to some of the most common questions about child care subsidy.
• Find Eligible Child Care Providers – Find child care providers that accept child care subsidy. 

Need Help Along the Way?

Applying for assistance can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. We can walk you through the process, help you understand what’s needed, and support you while you search for a provider who accepts subsidy.

Our services are completely free.

Your child deserves quality care—and you deserve support getting there.

Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources:

Clock Hour Training
Scholarships for Educators
Child Care Health and Wellness
Family Child Care Network
Leadership Development Opportunities
Missouri Office of Childhood Updates
Show Me Child Care Resources
Support Child Care Aware® of Missouri
Community Data
Join Our Team
Resources to Build Your Business