How to Find Day Care

This page is part of the LOVE Columbia information library website. To contact the organization listed below, please follow links or phone numbers given within the article.
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The Missouri Department of Health, Section for Child Care Regulations maintains a child care provider search list that can be access through https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/child-care/find-care and selecting “Show Me Child Care Provider Search.” This online search can be completed by entering the county or zip code information for a listing of daycare providers in that area including hours of operation, age ranges and capacity.

When friends, family, or other community members that you trust have made specific recommendations on daycare providers they have used, you can review the provider license and check for any complaints by using the Section for Child Care Regulations online search tool webapp01.dhss.mo.gov/childcaresearch/ and enter the name of the “Facility” (or provider), then click onto the highlighted provider name which will allow you to view their licensing and complaint information.

If you need daycare services for a child with special health care needs, United 4 Children can help by contacting them at 800-467-2322 or united4children.org . You will be connected to an Inclusion Specialist who will assist your family in finding care specific to the special needs of your child. If your questions have not been answered, please email the Section for Child Care Regulations at health.mo.gov for more information.

Visit and Interview: Ask about fees, ages of children, hours, vacation schedules, ideas on childrearing issues such as discipline, feeding, and sleeping. Make sure to get a schedule of the day’s activities and a copy of the center’s policies. Ask about the number of children to caregiver ratio. Ask the daycare provider for references and call them.