Missouri Childcare Licensing

Missouri Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)

Before you can legally care for children for pay in Missouri, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. A person caring for six (6) or fewer children, including a maximum of three (3) children under the age of two, at the same physical address does not require a child care license; children who live in the caregiver's home and are eligible for enrollment in a public kindergarten, elementary, or high school are not counted in that total (RSMo 210.211.1).

Licensing Agency

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood — Section for Child Care Regulation/Compliance (licensing of Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers under 5 CSR 25-500). Licensing authority and rulemaking transferred from the Dept. of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to the DESE Office of Childhood in 2021; the licensing rules were formally MOVED from 19 CSR 30-62 to 5 CSR 25-500 (Title 5, Division 25, Chapter 500) and the old 19 CSR 30-62 sections now read 'Moved to 5 CSR 25-500.XXX'. DHSS retains the day care immunization rule (19 CSR 20-28.040) and the Family Care Safety Registry. →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Missouri License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics

A person caring for six (6) or fewer children, including a maximum of three (3) children under the age of two, at the same physical address does not require a child care license

children who live in the caregiver's home and are eligible for enrollment in a public kindergarten, elementary, or high school are not counted in that total (RSMo 210.211.1).

RSMo 210.211.1

A family child care home may be licensed for up to ten (10) children total, and the staff/child ratios are: with one caregiver — up to 4 children (max 4 under age 2), 5-6 children (max 3 under age 2), or 7-10 children (max 2 under age 2)

max 2 under age 2

with two caregivers — up to 8 children (max 8 under age 2) or up to 10 children (max 4 under age 2) (5 CSR 25-400.105(2)(A)).

5 CSR 25-400.105(2)(A)

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Missouri License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions

How many children can I care for in Missouri without a license?

A person caring for six (6) or fewer children, including a maximum of three (3) children under the age of two, at the same physical address does not require a child care license; children who live in the caregiver's home and are eligible for enrollment in a public kindergarten, elementary, or high school are not counted in that total (RSMo 210.211.1).

What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Missouri?

Operating above the Missouri exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood — Section for Child Care Regulation/Compliance (licensing of Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers under 5 CSR 25-500). Licensing authority and rulemaking transferred from the Dept. of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to the DESE Office of Childhood in 2021; the licensing rules were formally MOVED from 19 CSR 30-62 to 5 CSR 25-500 (Title 5, Division 25, Chapter 500) and the old 19 CSR 30-62 sections now read 'Moved to 5 CSR 25-500.XXX'. DHSS retains the day care immunization rule (19 CSR 20-28.040) and the Family Care Safety Registry. about the correct credential before you begin.

Does Missouri offer a voluntary registration for small providers?

Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Missouri offers a voluntary registry with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood — Section for Child Care Regulation/Compliance (licensing of Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers under 5 CSR 25-500). Licensing authority and rulemaking transferred from the Dept. of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to the DESE Office of Childhood in 2021; the licensing rules were formally MOVED from 19 CSR 30-62 to 5 CSR 25-500 (Title 5, Division 25, Chapter 500) and the old 19 CSR 30-62 sections now read 'Moved to 5 CSR 25-500.XXX'. DHSS retains the day care immunization rule (19 CSR 20-28.040) and the Family Care Safety Registry..

Missouri childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Missouri administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood — Section for Child Care Regulation/Compliance (licensing of Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers under 5 CSR 25-500). Licensing authority and rulemaking transferred from the Dept. of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to the DESE Office of Childhood in 2021; the licensing rules were formally MOVED from 19 CSR 30-62 to 5 CSR 25-500 (Title 5, Division 25, Chapter 500) and the old 19 CSR 30-62 sections now read 'Moved to 5 CSR 25-500.XXX'. DHSS retains the day care immunization rule (19 CSR 20-28.040) and the Family Care Safety Registry. before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.