Missouri Childcare Licensing
Missouri Childcare Training Hour Requirements (2026)
Missouri childcare staff must complete both pre-service (orientation) training before working with children and ongoing annual training each year. The provider must obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child care-related training during each calendar year, and any assistant who works or volunteers more than five (5) hours per week must meet the same twelve-hour requirement (5 CSR 25-400.105(4)(A)).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMissouri Training Hour Requirements: The Specifics
No fixed pre-service clock-hour count is mandated
5 CSR 25-400.105(1)(J)
child care staff employed or volunteering on or after August 30, 2019 must receive a facility orientation within seven (7) days of employment or volunteering and before being left alone with children, and the prospective family-home provider must complete the department's free licensing orientation before applying (5 CSR 25-400.105(1)(J)
5 CSR 25-400.105(1)(J)
The provider must obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child care-related training during each calendar year, and any assistant who works or volunteers more than five (5) hours per week must meet the same twelve-hour requirement (5 CSR 25-400.105(4)(A)).
5 CSR 25-400.105(4)(A)
Missouri Training Hour Requirements at a Glance
| Pre-service training | No fixed pre-service clock-hour count is mandated; child care staff employed or volunteering on or after August 30, 2019 must receive a facility orientation within seven (7) days of employment or volunteering and before being left alone with children, and the prospective family-home provider must complete the department's free licensing orientation before applying (5 CSR 25-400.105(1)(J); 5 CSR 25-400.045(1)). |
|---|---|
| Annual training | The provider must obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child care-related training during each calendar year, and any assistant who works or volunteers more than five (5) hours per week must meet the same twelve-hour requirement (5 CSR 25-400.105(4)(A)). |
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Missouri Training Hour Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pre-service training hours does Missouri require?
No fixed pre-service clock-hour count is mandated; child care staff employed or volunteering on or after August 30, 2019 must receive a facility orientation within seven (7) days of employment or volunteering and before being left alone with children, and the prospective family-home provider must complete the department's free licensing orientation before applying (5 CSR 25-400.105(1)(J); 5 CSR 25-400.045(1)).
How many annual training hours does Missouri require?
The provider must obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child care-related training during each calendar year, and any assistant who works or volunteers more than five (5) hours per week must meet the same twelve-hour requirement (5 CSR 25-400.105(4)(A)).
Does CPR/First Aid count toward Missouri training hours?
States differ on whether CPR and First Aid certification counts toward required training hours. Confirm 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 it for your annual total.
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.