What is the average cost of daycare in Missouri?
What is the average cost of daycare in Missouri?
$800 – $1,700 average cost per month (infant)
$700 – $1,400 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Missouri
The average cost of childcare in Missouri is $700 to $1,700 per month or $8,400 to $20,400 per year, depending on your child's age, the type of provider, and your location within the state. Daycare prices are higher in metropolitan areas like Kansas City and St. Louis compared to smaller cities and rural communities throughout Missouri.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $800 – $1,700 | $9,600 – $20,400 |
| Toddler | $700 – $1,400 | $8,400 – $16,800 |
*For full-time care
Center vs. in-home daycare cost in Missouri
The choice between center-based and in-home care affects both the cost and your child's experience. Center-based programs offer structured learning environments, staff with early childhood education backgrounds, and comprehensive facilities designed specifically for children. In-home daycare provides a more intimate, family-style atmosphere with smaller group sizes and personalized attention.
The table below shows the average cost at a daycare center versus an in-home daycare in Missouri.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
In-home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,200 – $1,700 | $800 – $1,400 |
| Toddler | $1,000 – $1,400 | $700 – $1,100 |
*For full-time care
Infant daycare cost in Missouri
The average cost of daycare for infants in Missouri is $800 to $1,700 per month for full-time care, with lower rates for part-time care. Infant care requires lower child-to-caregiver ratios and specialized attention, making it the most expensive age group for childcare services.
The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time infant daycare in Missouri.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $800 – $1,700 |
| Part-time | $700 – $1,500 |
For childcare licensing, Missouri classifies children from birth through 2 years old as infants. State regulations require a maximum ratio of 4 infants to 1 caregiver in licensed daycare centers.
Toddler daycare cost in Missouri
The average cost of daycare for toddlers in Missouri is $700 to $1,400 per month for five days per week, with lower rates for half-day care or fewer days per week. Toddler programs incorporate more structured educational activities, potty training support, and social interaction opportunities.
The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time daycare for toddlers in Missouri.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $700 – $1,400 |
| Part-time | $600 – $1,200 |
What affects the cost of childcare in Missouri?
Several factors affect how much families pay for childcare in Missouri:
Child's age: Infant care costs more than toddler care due to mandatory lower child-to-caregiver ratios and the specialized care required for babies.
Center vs. in-home daycare: Childcare centers charge higher rates for their structured educational programs, certified teaching staff, and purpose-built facilities including age-appropriate playgrounds and learning materials. Family daycare providers charge less and have smaller group sizes and less comprehensive facilities.
Program quality: Premium daycare centers with enhanced educational curricula, STEM activities, music programs, or foreign language instruction charge more than basic childcare providers.
Supplies included: Some childcare providers include meals, snacks, diapers, and educational materials in their base rate, while others charge separately or require parents to provide their own supplies.
Staff credentials: Childcare programs that employ teachers with degrees in early childhood education, child development, or related fields charge higher rates than centers with less credentialed staff.
Extra services: Additional services like extended hours, enrichment classes, field trips, and transportation services increase overall costs. Some centers offer flexible scheduling options that may affect pricing.
Many childcare providers offer discounts for siblings enrolled together, active-duty military personnel, or families that pay monthly in advance instead of weekly.
Regional daycare costs in Missouri
Childcare costs vary significantly across different parts of Missouri:
Kansas City metro area: Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties have some of the highest childcare costs in Missouri. Providers in communities like Lee's Summit, Lake Lotawana, and Liberty charge higher rates, as well as Overland Park in Kansas.
St. Louis metro area: St. Louis City and surrounding counties including St. Charles, Jefferson City, and St. Louis County offer moderate to high childcare pricing. Affluent areas like Clayton, Kirkwood, and Chesterfield have competitive rates that reflect the region's diverse economy.
Columbia: Home to the University of Missouri, Columbia has moderate childcare costs driven by demand from faculty, staff, and graduate students.
Springfield: Southwest Missouri's largest city offers more affordable childcare options while maintaining access to quality programs. The lower cost of living in the region translates to more reasonable daycare rates.
Rural Missouri: Small towns and agricultural communities throughout the state offer the most affordable childcare rates in Missouri, though families may have fewer provider options and longer waiting lists for quality programs.
Daycare cost vs. other options
These other childcare alternatives may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs and schedule but often cost more than daycare:
A nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,400 to $2,100 per month.
Childcare assistance in Missouri
Missouri offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
Missouri's Child Care Subsidy program provides financial assistance to low-income working families, students, and job training participants to help cover childcare costs.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve low-income families with children from birth to age 5, providing comprehensive early childhood education, nutrition programs, health services, and family support at no cost to qualifying families.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps licensed childcare providers serve nutritious meals and snacks to enrolled children. This federal program reduces food costs for participating daycare centers and family childcare providers.
Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies throughout Missouri help families find licensed childcare options, understand quality indicators, and navigate available financial assistance programs.
FAQs about childcare in Missouri
How far in advance should I apply for daycare in Missouri?
Due to high demand in metropolitan areas, many parents begin searching for childcare at least 6 months before they need care. Infant spots are particularly competitive and may require even earlier planning. Rural areas may have more immediate availability, but quality providers often have waiting lists.
Are meals included in Missouri daycare costs?
Meal inclusion varies by daycare provider. Some daycares include meals and snacks in their base tuition, while others charge separately or require parents to pack lunches. Many licensed centers participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which helps provide nutritious meals and snacks.
Always ask about meal policies and any additional food-related costs during your visit when evaluating daycare providers.
Do daycares in Missouri need a license?
Yes, Missouri requires licensing for childcare providers serving children from families other than their own. Licensed providers must meet health and safety standards, pass inspections, maintain required child-to-staff ratios, and complete ongoing training requirements.
Before enrolling your child, always verify the provider's current license status with the Office of Childhood, Child Care Compliance, and Regulation, a division of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating Missouri daycare providers, follow these tips to help you choose the best option for your child:
Read reviews of daycare providers near you on TrustedCare and Google.
Schedule visits to observe daily activities, staff interactions with children, and the overall atmosphere.
Evaluate the facility's safety features, equipment, and cleanliness.
Meet with directors and teachers to discuss their qualifications and approach to early childhood education.
Review the center's educational curriculum, enrichment activities, and daily schedules.
Confirm the provider has a current childcare license and no violations on record.
Ask for references from current families and contact them about their experiences.
Request a written contract that clearly outlines all costs, policies, and expectations.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare providers:
How long has your daycare center been operating?
What are your hours of operation, and which holidays are you closed?
What is your current staff-to-child ratio for my child's age group?
What educational curriculum and enrichment activities do you offer?
What qualifications and certifications do your teachers have?
How much outdoor play time do children receive daily, and what happens during inclement weather?
What meals, snacks, and supplies do you include in your monthly tuition rate?
How do you communicate with parents about daily activities, developmental milestones, and any concerns?
What is your sick child policy?
What is your approach to discipline?
Do you offer flexible scheduling options?
What are your policies for vacations or temporary schedule changes?
What security measures do you have in place for pickup and drop-off?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.