Helping Families Find the Right Child Care

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

Article #3: Helping Families Find the Right Child Care

Families searching for child care aren’t just looking for an available spot; they’re seeking a program that fits their child’s needs, their budget, and their schedule. Choosing the right child care program is easier when families have access to data that highlights key factors such as program availability and community needs. 

Child Care Aware® of Missouri (CCAMO) leverages data to connect families with the best available options, taking into account:

• Operating hours and availability (full-day, part-time, evening care, etc.)
• Accreditation and quality ratings
• Tuition costs and subsidy availability
• Special services (language programs, inclusive care, etc.)

Finding quality child care can be stressful for families, and running a successful child care program presents its own set of challenges. CCAMO acts as the bridge between families seeking care and providers working to deliver safe, high-quality options.

Instead of relying on guesswork or word of mouth, CCAMO uses well-researched data to report on child care availability, affordability, and accessibility. Rather than offering long lists of providers, the resource and referral team tailors recommendations using data-driven insights, empowering parents to make informed choices.

Families, educators, and community partners can easily access data and resources through CCAMO's website: 

• Data requests: https://mochildcareaware.org/data-and-reports3/data-request-form/
• Child care referral services: https://mochildcareaware.org/cckmwfam/
• Subsidy navigation assistance: https://mochildcareaware.org/cckmw-cc-subsidy/

Child care program resources: https://mochildcareaware.org/cc-educator-program-resources-2/

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

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