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How to Start a Daycare > Licensing, Rules & Regulations by State > Missouri

START A DAYCARE IN MISSOURI
LICENSING, REGULATIONS, LAWS

START A DAYCARE IN MISSOURI	CHILD CARE CENTER REQUIREMENTS
FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS	FIRE, SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
PERSONNEL	CHILD CARE CENTER TRAINING
STAFF/CHILD RATIOS	NUTRITION & FOOD SERVICES
FIND A DAYCARE OR CHILD CARE IN MISSOURI

Before you begin planning where to put your day care center, you should know first what are the different kinds of child care center in this state as defined by the state law. The following are the types of child care centers that need to acquire a license to operate:

Family Home- This is a child care program where care is offered by a licensed care provider for 10 or less than 10 children, who are not related to the provider.

Group Home- This is a child care program where care is being offered to children that does not exceed to more than 20 in number, not related to the staff, in a location separate from the provider’s living quarters.

Child Care Centers- This is a childcare program that is offered to children more than 20 children, who are not related to the caregiver, in a location other than the provider’s residence.

However, if you only want to establish a nursery school program for preschool children for not more than four (4) hours per day, a license is not required but you will still be regulated by the state. The only child care programs that are exempted for license and regulation include:

A facility that operates as a program by a business establishment for the convenience of its employees for not more than four (4) hours.
Residential facility or day care programs licensed by the Department of Health.
Any person that will provide care for four or fewer children not related to him.
Graded boarding schools, hospitals, summer camps, or other establishments as explained in the state law.

If you are planning to create a child care facility for business purposes, then a license is required as specified on the aforementioned conditions.

Child Care Center Requirement

License

Here are the step-to-step procedures on how to get a license:

Complete an application form provided by the Department of Health. Upon the receipt of the application form, a licensing investigation shall be made.
The investigation team will inspect the entire premises of the facility.
Before granting the license, the following shall be submitted by the applicant:

A diagram or a sketch of the facility.
A sketch of the outdoor facility.
Written policies pertaining to the program goals, admission, discharge and care of the children;
A daily activity schedule for each group age in care (infant/toddler, preschool and school-age);
A sample of weekly menu;
A list of items/ materials/ equipment that are available for the children to use;
A written policy on giving guidance and disciplinary action;
A staff sheet; including the extent of authorities and duties delegated to each staff; as well as each staff's education and experience certification;
Sample forms used, aside from those supplied by the department.
Compliance with sanitation requirement.
Should pass the fire safety measures;
Medical examination results of the adult employees;
A copy of anti-child abuse document signed by each staff;
A copy of criminal record of the owner(s), center director and all the staff in the facility from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

After the approval of the license, a temporary license can be granted for a period not more than (60) days. Then, an official license can be granted for up to two years and may be renewed upon reapplication and reinvestigation. The license should be posted near the entrance of the facility so that it will be visible to the parents and guests. The address and telephone number should also be posted near the license. This is non-transferable.

Indoor Space

The flooring of the building used for child care should be approved first by the State Fire Marshall. Open doors and windows should be screened securely. There should also be barriers for the windows to prevent the children from falling against the windows. The materials to be used for windows should be made from non-breakable items.
The facility should be well-ventilated so that the children will not be overheated or chilled. The room temperature should not fall less than sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit (68F) but not more than eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit (85F) when measured two feet from the floor. The paintings to be used for the floors, ceilings and walls should be lead-free. Concrete floors should be covered with linoleum, tile or other floor covering. In addition, floor surfaces from which children might fall and be injured should be protected with pads or mats to cushion the fall of a child. The indoor facility should be free from rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and other pests.

Infant and Toddler Space

If the day care center you want to establish will accept care for a maximum of four infants/toddlers, the following rules should be observed:

Reserve at least thirty-five (35) square feet of the total usable floor space for each infant and toddler. Space to be used for napping and occupied by cribs and playpens should be deducted from usable floor space.
A crawl area should be protected by stable dividers. The area should be covered with washable and resilient floor covering that needs to be mopped and sanitized daily. Washable rugs that are being laundered daily can also be used.

For a group day care center that will be a home for more than four (4) infant/toddlers; the following shall apply:

Each infant/toddler should occupy at least forty-five (45) square feet of usable floor space shall be provided in the facility. Space occupied by cribs and playpens should not be deducted from usable floor space.
The space for the infant/toddler should also have its own space where they can play, sleeping and bathroom space in the infant and toddler unit.
There should be no group composed of more than eight (8) infant/toddlers, or sixteen (16) two-year olds.
The floor should be covered with a tile, linoleum, or wood and should be mapped and sanitized daily. Washable rugs that are laundered daily can be used. The use of carpets is not being encouraged.

Bathrooms

There should be one flush toilet and one hand washing facility with running water shall be available for every twenty (20) children. Toilet paper, soap and paper towels shall be provided and easily accessible so the children can reach them without assistance. There should be no lock or latches for the bathroom used by children below the first grade. The bathroom should be odor free and clean at all times. Children below first grade should be monitored while using the bathroom.

Diapering Area

The center should have a safe diapering table with a waterproof washable surface to be used for changing diapers. The ration is one diapering table for every 8 infant/toddlers and one diapering table for every group of sixteen two-year olds. Diapering supplies and a running water should always be available.

Kitchens

Kitchens should have sufficient equipment to accommodate the number of children and staff in the facility. The equipment shall include a sink, hot and cold running water, a refrigerator, a stove and storage equipment for food, as well as dishes and cooking utensils. Kitchens should comply with the state and/or local rules to make sure that the center observes good food service sanitation.

Outdoor Space

An outdoor space where children can play at least 2 hours a day, as the weather permits, should also be available adjacent to the day care property. The outdoor space should be fenced for at least forty-two inches high. An outdoor area exclusively used by school-aged children needs not be fenced. Fences are constructed to prevent children from crawling or falling through or becoming trapped.

The outdoor space should be at least seventy-five square feet. The staffs are required to supervise the children when they are outside. The play area should be safe for children's activities, free from hazards such as poisonous plants, sharp objects like broken glass, rocks and debris. It should be well-maintained to make sure that children can use it anytime.

To cushion the children in fall-zone areas, there should be impact-absorbing materials located underneath it. These materials may include sand, pea gravel, shredded tires, wood chips, rubber matting, or other resilient material. Concrete, carpet, grass, asphalt or bare soil is not an acceptable surface under outdoor equipment.

Furniture, Equipment and Materials

The basement should not be used as an indoor activity space unless the area is approved safe by the State Fire Marshall.

Daycare centers that enroll children that are two years older and under are required to have specific furnishings. The equipment that are necessary includes the following:

Chairs and tables. They should be big enough and with raised sides to prevent the child from falling. Changing areas for diapers should be located not in the activity area of other children;
Furniture should be adapted for children and made from comfortable and safe materials;
There should also be feeding equipment that is appropriate for the children's age and sizes. If the feeding equipment is a high chair, the chair should have a wide base and a T-shaped safety strap;
Jumpers and infant walkers should not be used.

The following are the requirement for the indoor activity equipment and materials:

The equipment must be appropriate to the child's age and development level.
The equipment is aimed to support many types of activities, including fantasy and social play; discovery of skills in languages; music; movement; and gross motor experiences.
The equipment should be in adequate quantity to avoid conflict and permit each child to choose from among several types.
The equipment should be diverse enough to cover different ethnic groups, gender roles, culture and abilities in ways that do not emphasize stereotypes;
The equipment should be organized clearly within activity areas;
The equipment should be complete, clean and sturdy.
The equipment should be free from toxic chemicals especially lead.
Indoor pieces of furniture, cabinets and appliances like televisions and computer monitors should be firmly anchored;
There should be landing mats in playing zones that are at least four (4) inches thick, constructed from elastic and comfortable materials such as rubber that securely fixed in place.
There should be no small toys, objects or toy parts that are less than one (1) and one quarter (1/4) inch in the area as they can be swallowed by children less than four (4) years of age;
Styrofoam, latex gloves and plastic bags should be out reach of children less than four years of age.

In addition, the outdoor facility should have playing equipment appropriate to the developmental level and the child's age. There should also be sufficient number of playing equipment to permit each child to choose at least two (2) types of outdoor play experiences and to avoid conflict. To prevent accidents, make sure that all equipment are installed, maintained and used as per manufacturer's instruction. There should be no stagnant water near the area which is the breeding environment for mosquitoes.

The facility should also be equipped with sleeping materials to let the children anytime they feel like doing it. As a general requirement, an individual bed or cot should be provided for each child who naps or sleeps. Bunk beds are not recommended. All bedding materials should be clean with sheets laundered at least once a week. Bedding that is already used by one child can no longer be used by another child unless it is already laundered.

Children at the age of 2 years or younger shall have their own sleeping quarter as they need an interrupted sleep than the other children. Sleeping equipment shall be arranged to give at least a two foot aisle on one long side of the equipment.

Infants and toddlers have separate requirement for bedding material. They should have an individually assigned crib, portable crib or playpen. They should not be placed in stack cribs when they are sleeping. If cots are to be used for their napping, the facility needs to get parental consent for the use of these materials for toddler 12 months or older. Cribs and playpens should have side rails that are not more than two and three-eight inches. The crib mattress or playpen pad shall be sized correctly to the crib or playpen, in good condition, kept clean and dry, and should be waterproof. Sheet covers should be changed immediately when soiled or wet.

Animals

Some children do not want to leave their pets at home so you might need to make policies regarding bringing animals in the day care center. First, you have to make sure that the animals are safe, not aggressive and are vaccinated. There should be animal pens where they can leave their pets. These pens should be clean and odor-free at all times. No animals should be allowed inside the food preparation areas. If an animal bites a child, the provider should contact the parents of the child immediately.

Fire Safety Requirement

The Missouri Division of Fire Safety is required to inspect the facility every year. Here are the requirements of the department to pass the inspection:

Fire exits are should be visible at all times. Hangings or draperies should not cover the exit signs and doors. There should also be no mirrors to be placed near the exit doors to avoid any confusion due to its reflection.
Art work and teaching materials shall not occupy more than 30% of the wall area. No paper materials shall be posted in the ceilings or in the doorways.
There should be an evacuation/ emergency plan in cases of fires and tornadoes that is posted in a very noticeable part of the facility.
Child care staff shall conduct at least one fire drill each month and one disaster drill at least every three months. The disaster drill shall include tornado drill. The fire alarm system should be activated during all fire drills.
Children should have no access to the areas of the facility where fire could start such as kitchen and storage room. All flammable
The provider shall immediately report any fire in the facility to the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Department of Health, Bureau of Child Safety and Licensure.
A construction plan should be submitted to the Division of Fire Safety for Review before constructing/renovating the building.
During the construction or renovation period, the Division of Fire Safety shall conduct framing and wiring inspection and an inspection for the rough-in wiring for the fire alarm system.
The facility should also comply with all local building codes, fire codes, and ordinances.
Clothes dryers shall be vented and maintained properly.

Personnel

The general requirement for the staff of the center includes the following:

The staff should be of good character and intends to provide care conducive to the welfare of children.
Only individuals eighteen years of age or older can be counted in meeting the required staff/child ratios.
The personnel should be capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities and should be open for training and can work under supervision.
Caregivers should be compassionate to the needs of children and should be interested in understanding the concerns and problems of the children.
The staff should now what to do in cases of emergencies.
The staff should not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while in premises. They should not also be in the state of impaired ability due to use of medication while on premises.
The staff should review the Licensing Rules for Group Day Care Homes and Child Day Care Centers in Missouri to be provided by the owner of the facility. This will make them knowledgeable of the rules at the time they begin to work and shall be able to understand and apply those rules which relate to their respective responsibilities.
The staff should be oriented with the child abuse and neglect law and should report any suspected child abuse or neglect issue to the Division of Family Services at the toll free number, 1-800-392-3738.
The staff should have a criminal record review from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The child care provider shall request a criminal record review within 10 days following a change of the facility owner (s), employees of the provider, board president, center director, or volunteers counted in the staff/child ratios.

The following are the criteria for selecting the post for the Center Director or Group Day Care Home Provider:

As a Center Director, he should be adept in planning, monitoring and managing the facility's daily program.
The Center Director should be on duty during the hours of highest attendance a minimum of 40 hours per week. If the center operates less than 40 hours per week, the center director should be on duty at least fifty percent (50%) of the operating hours.
If the Center Director is absent, another responsible staff should be designated to be in charge of the facility.
The Center Director should have one year experience and six college semester hours in child related courses.
He should have responsible, supervised, full-time (a minimum of thirty-five hours per week) paid experience in working with children in a child care setting. Part-time experience may be prorated to a full-time equivalent.
The required courses include the following child-related courses: childhood education, elementary education, child development, child, psychology, nutrition, first aid, recreation, nursing, health, marriage and family, social work, sociology or other related areas as approved by the department. These courses must be taken from accredited college or university.

Child Care Center Training

The center director, teachers, caregivers and other staff who are counted in staff/child ratios should obtain at least 12 hours of child-care related training during each year of employment which is approved by the department in nutrition, safety, health, guidance and discipline, appropriate activities and learning experiences for children, positive communication and interaction with parents, planning and setting up an appropriate environment for children, and other professional practices in child related areas. All these training sessions should be documented with the dates, the number of hours of training and who conducted the training.

Staff/Child Ratios

The following staff/child ratios should be observed on the facility at all times:

Children from 1 month old to 2 years old. Groups composed of mixed ages through two (2) - years shall have no less than one (1) adult to four (4) children, with no more than eight (8)children in a group;
Children composed of 2 years old. Age Groups composed solely of two (2)-year olds shall have no less than one (1) adult to eight (8) children, with no more than sixteen (16) children in a group;
Children from ages three to four years. Groups composed solely of three (3)- and four (4)-year olds shall have no less than one (1) adult to ten (10) children;
Children from ages five and up. Groups composed solely of five (5)-year olds and older shall have no less than one (1) adult to every sixteen (16) children; and
Children of mixed age groups of two years and up. Groups composed of mixed ages of children two (2) years of age and older shall have no less than one (1) adult to ten (10) children with a maximum of four (4) two (2)-year olds. If there are more than four (4) two (2)-year olds in a mixed group, the staff/child ratio should be not less than one (1) adult to eight (8) children.
For a day care center that has an attendance of more than fifty (50) children, the center director or individual in charge shall not be included in staff/child ratios except during nap time or on an emergency substitute basis.
For a day care center that has an attendance of more than thirty (30) children at lunch or dinner time, staff shall be provided for meal preparation, serving and clean-up. The staff shall not be included in staff/child ratios during this time.
Individuals employed for clerical, housekeeping, cleaning and maintenance are not counted, staff/child ratios while performing those duties.

Medical Examination Reports

Medical Examination Reports are required for both the staff and the children. This is to make sure that both the staff and the children are safe while in the facility.

All adults working in a day care facility, whatever their position is, including volunteers counted in staff/child ratios should be in good physical, emotional and mental health with no physical or mental conditions that could interfere with child care responsibilities. These persons should acquire for a medical examination report, signed by a licensed physician or registered nurse who is under the supervision of a licensed physician, on file at the facility at the time of initial licensure or within thirty (30) days following employment. However, the report should have been completed not more than 12 months prior to the beginning of work in the facility. This report is transferable to other day care center if the staff would seek for employment with other facility.

The medical examination reports shall include a tuberculin skin test, a chest X ray or appropriate follow-up of a previous examination that indicates the individual is free of contagion.

Staffs who are ill are not required to report to work as he might endanger the health of the children. The department has the right to question the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the staff, and may request any suspected staff the undergo a physical or mental examination any time.

For the children, the parents are required to provide the medical examination within thirty (30) days following the admission of each infant, toddler or preschool child. This report should be signed by a licensed physician or registered nurse who is under the supervision of a licensed physician and completed not more than twelve (12) months prior to admission. However, the parents have the right to object for submitting a medical examination report though writing based on religious beliefs.

Programs

The center should plan for the daily schedule of the children. Daily activities for preschool and school-age children should include:

Play experiences and activities that are suited for their ages and are planned to meet the interests, needs and desires of the children;
Individual attention and conversation with adults;
Outdoor and indoor play sessions which provide a balance of quiet and active play, and individual and small group activities. Activities shall provide some free choice experiences;
There should be at least one (1) hour of outdoor play for children in attendance everyday as the weather may permit unless prevented by special medical reasons
Toileting times and hand-washing times;
Time for meals and snacks;
A siesta time or a rest period for preschool children after the noon meal;
A silent moment for school-age children after the noon meal with a cot or bed available for those who wish to nap or rest; and
A study time for school-age children to do their homework in a separate, quiet work space.

For the infants and toddlers, their daily activity should include:

Play experiences and free choices of play that are appropriate to the interests, needs and desires of infants and toddlers;
Regular snack and meal times depending on each infant's individual feeding schedule as stated by the parent(s);
A supervised nap period. After awakening, the infant needs to remain in the crib as long as s/he is content, but never for periods longer than thirty (30) minutes. Toddlers may be taken out of bed for other activities when they awaken;
Individual attention and play with adults, including cuddling, talking, holding and singing;
Infants should have opportunities where they can develop their sensory stimulation which includes visual sensitivity through books, games, toys, pictures, nonverbal communication, and the like; auditory stimulation through music, toys, verbal communication, games, and the like; tactile stimulation through fabrics, toys, games, games, and the like;
Programs that will develop the motor skills by providing opportunities for grasping, pulling up, reaching, creeping, crawling and walking; and
A chance for outdoor play when weather permits.

Nutrition and Food Service

If a child care center is catering meals to the children, the foods should comply with the local health department's regulations. It is also encouraged that the center should consult the parents or a licensed health care provider in connection with the child's dietary needs, including special meal request because of medical reasons or religious convictions.

Meal and Snack Food Chart

	Food Components	Age 1 and 2	Age 3 through 5	Age 6 through 16
BREAKFAST
Requirement- 1 serving from each of the 3 food components	Fluid Milk***	1/2 cup	3/4 cup	1 cup
	Juice**or Fruit or Vegetable	1/4 cup	1/2 cup	1/2 cup
	Bread or Bread Alternate*	1/2 slice*	1/2 slice*	1 slice*
SNACK
Requirement- 2 serving selected from the 2 of the 4 food components 1 serving from the bread component	Fluid Milk***	1/2 cup	1/2 cup	1 cup
	Juice**or Fruit or Vegetable	1/2 cup	1/2 cup	3/4 cup
	Meat or Meat Alternate	1/2 ounce	1/2 ounce	1 ounce
	Bread or Bread Alternate*	1/2 slice*	1/2 slice*	1 slice*
LAUNCH
Requirement- 1 serving of milk component 1 serving from the meat/meat component	Fluid Milk***	1/2 cup	3/4 cup	1 cup
	MEAT/MEAT ALTERNATE Meat, Poultry, or Fish or	1 ounce	1 1/2 ounces	2 ounces
	Cheese or	1 ounce	1 1/2 ounces	2 ounces
	Egg or	1	1	1
	Cooked Dry Beans and Peas or	1/4 cup	3/8 cup	1/2 cup
	Peanut Butter	2 tbs	3 tbs	4 tbs
FRUIT/VEGETABLE
2 servings from the 1 fruit/vegetable components 1 serving Bread or Bread from the bread component.	1 Vegetable or Fruit or 2 Different Vegetables or 2 Different Fruits	1/4 cup	1/2 cup	3/4 cup
	Bread or Bread Alternate*	1/2 slice*	1/2 slice*	1 slice*

* Or an equivalent serving of an acceptable bread alternate such as cornbread, biscuits, rolls, muffins, cereal, rice, pasta, and the like. ** All fruit juice shall be one hundred percent (100%) fruit juice.

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