Child Care Crisis Follows Missouri Lawmakers Into 2026

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Jefferson City, Mo. – Child care providers in Missouri found themselves disappointed when the state’s promise to make changes to subsidy payments failed to materialize.

As Missouri prepares for a new legislative session, child care has become a major concern for leaders from both political parties. During the budget that began in July, the state pledged to modify how subsidies are distributed to child care providers, shifting from a system based on attendance to one based on enrollment. However, these changes have not yet been implemented. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is responsible for overseeing this process.

Several child care policies were approved last year, but they have not yet taken effect. An additional $107 million was allocated to a fund designed to provide subsidies to child care providers for families who cannot afford it independently.

Robyn Schelp, an advocate for child care-friendly policies and laws with Kids Win Missouri, understands the importance of these issues firsthand as a mother.

“The reality is that we all benefit when the workforce is strong,” Schelp said. “When people are coming to work. When all the classrooms have teachers that are teaching. When all the doctors and nurses and support staff, they’re there, they’re able to be there because they have child care.”

Missouri's economy is facing a crisis due to limited access to child care. A study conducted by United WE, a research group focused on women and family issues, revealed that there are three children in need of care for every one available child care spot. The study also indicated that 85% of Missouri lacks sufficient child care options for working parents, which is hindering economic growth.

With a new legislative session set to begin on Wednesday, lawmakers are focusing on their priorities for the year. Child care remains at the forefront of discussions.

“House Democrats are really hopeful that we find a solution to the cost of child care, the rising cost of child care for Missourians this session. Unfortunately I think that the reality of our current budget makes it unlikely that we’ll be able to pass as big of a package as was proposed in the past,” said Rep. Ashley Aune, who leads the minority party in the Missouri House of Representatives.

The budget for this year is tighter due to declining general revenue, a challenge that everyone is aware of as Gov. Mike Kehoe prepares to outline his budget priorities in two weeks. Despite this, Kehoe’s office has stated that child care will remain a top priority.

“A change of this magnitude requires much effort, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Childhood has been working tirelessly and engaging with stakeholders to ensure that this payment transition is well implemented,” Kehoe said in a statement shared with Gray’s Missouri Capitol Bureau.

No official timeline has been provided for when the changes will be made, and DESE referred to the governor’s statement when asked about the matter.