Article #6: Bringing Data to Life with Visualization

From Data to Impact: Strengthening Missouri's Child Care Systems

Article #6: Bringing Data to Life with Visualization

Numbers and data are powerful, but without the right tools, they can be overwhelming. Visualization bridges this gap, transforming raw statistics into clear, actionable insights that child care providers and policymakers can easily understand and use.

With the charts and graphs provided by Child Care Aware® of Missouri (CCAMO), stakeholders can track shifts in child care supply, demand, affordability, and demographic patterns over time. 

The index below tracks monthly changes in the number of open Licensed and License-Exempt child care programs, using June 2021 as the baseline (set to 100) for comparison over time.

Using Mapping to Find the Best Locations

Mapping software is one of the most effective tools for visualizing child care accessibility. By overlaying data points like population density, child care facility locations, and economic indicators, stakeholders can quickly identify underserved areas and assess whether existing facilities align with local demand.

This insight empowers child care providers to expand strategically, pinpointing ideal locations for new child care programs. No more guesswork, just data-driven decisions.

Mapping also informs pricing strategies. For example, child care centers in lower-income neighborhoods may focus on subsidized programs, while those in higher-income areas might offer specialized services. By understanding community demographics, providers can tailor their offerings to meet families where they are, creating more accessible and sustainable child care solutions.

The map below, showing the number of child care deserts by county as of June 2025, highlights one-way CCAMO leverages mapping tools to better understand and address gaps in access.

The data you need when you need it. Contact CCAMO today.

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