CCAMO Data: Delivering the Insights You Need

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

Article #7: CCAMO Data: Delivering the Insights You Need 

Child Care Aware® of Missouri (CCAMO) offers insights across three tiers to help decision-makers optimize child care planning. These tiers represent the core data services we provide, designed to make data accessible, actionable, and meaningful for those who rely on it:

1. Child Care Data Analysis – This foundational tier identifies where child care programs are most needed in Missouri using core supply and demand data. It answers broad questions such as, ‘Is there enough demand for child care in this zip code or county?’ and ‘Where are the biggest gaps in child care availability?’ This approach is similar to landscape analyses used by national organizations, which combine provider capacity and census data to map local needs.

2. Demographic & Economic Data – At this deeper level, analysis focuses on financial trends and demographic shifts that influence affordability and accessibility. Stakeholders gain insights into key areas of emerging economic patterns in specific areas and socio-economic factors that shape child care availability. This aligns with state and national efforts to track child care prices, family income, and workforce trends to inform policy and resource allocation.

3. Data Visualization & Geographic Mapping – The most advanced tier CCAMO provides uses charts, graphs, and mapping tools to deliver detailed, actionable insights. Visualization helps answer questions such as, “How many children under six with working parents live near a child care program?” or “How does population density impact costs and accessibility?” Mapping tools, like those used to identify child care deserts, allow stakeholders to overlay key data points and pinpoint underserved areas for targeted expansion.

Strengthening Child Care with Data-Driven Decisions

Data-driven insights benefit both families and providers while shaping child care policies at the local and state levels. Policymakers also rely on CCAMO’s research to identify and address gaps in accessibility, affordability, and workforce stability.

With accurate analytics, child care planning shifts from guesswork to strategic action, ensuring resources are allocated where they are most needed. Whether opening new centers, responding to crises, or shaping long-term policies, data-backed decisions drive meaningful, lasting change.

CCAMO remains committed to making child care more affordable, accessible, and high-quality by equipping providers, businesses, and policymakers with the tools and information needed to strengthen Missouri’s child care infrastructure.

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

To find out more, click here:

Certifications through Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Data Literacy Monetary Policy Diversity in Data

Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources:

FREE 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