A new pilot program in Missouri seeks to make it easier for parents to afford childcare—by getting not only the state but employers to help pay for it. Child Care Works, which launched in November, is a new cost-sharing model enabled by a $2.5 million allocation in the state’s current fiscal year budget. Backers hope that...
Jefferson City, Mo. — Child care advocates across Missouri applaud Governor Mike Kehoe for reaffirming support for early care and education in today’s State of the State address and in his FY2027 “Foundation for Growth” budget proposal. “Governor Kehoe’s 2027 budget proposal shows a strong understanding of how essential child care is for Missouri’s workforce, employers,...
Across the United States, child care is no longer just a family issue — it is increasingly recognized as a national economic priority. A recent Washington Post article shows how states are stepping up with bold policy solutions to address soaring costs, limited access, and workforce challenges that affect millions of parents and children. Child care...
For years, Missouri's child care shortage has been more than a family challenge -- it's been a quiet brake on our economy. When parents can't find reliable affordable care, they can't consistently stay in the workforce. When employers can't count on a stable workforce, growth slows. And when communities can't attract and retain talent, everyone...
Nine PBS in St. Louis has launched a discussion series examining the national child care shortage and its impact on Missouri families. Moderated by Tamyka Perine, Executive Director of the Gateway Early Childhood Alliance, the conversations feature early childhood experts, advocates, providers, and parents from across the state. The first episode explores the challenges families face finding...
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - Childcare centers across southeast Missouri are facing staffing shortages, financial strain, and growing demand, forcing families to make difficult decisions about care for their children. In April, the University of Missouri reported that child-care work disruptions cost Missouri businesses an estimated $951 million in productivity and employee turnover. Casey Hanson, Deputy Director...
With the cost of child care rising higher than some mortgages, Missouri is providing $2.5 million to Child Care Works, a program aiming to balance the cost between parents, businesses and the state.Soon, eligible parents in Missouri could benefit from a new child care cost saving program called Child Care Works. This program could cut...
Organizers prepare for launch of Missouri Childcare Works program Soon, the state of Missouri will share the costs of child care with some parents and their employees. Organizers said parents can save up to 75%. The program is called Missouri Childcare Works. The state set aside $2.5 million for the program this year. Eligible parents who work for...
A new program would cover up to 75 percent of child care costs for participants. Missouri Child Care Works, a child care cost-sharing program created by Kids Win Missouri, the state and the Missouri Children's Trust Fund, was launched Tuesday at a press conference attended by parents, child care providers, local leaders, educators and others. The...
When you insert a key into a keyhole, the key's teeth engage with the pins and levers of the lock. The specific shape of the key allows the pins to fall into an orientation that frees the cylinder to turn and unlocks the lock. Much like how that simple act can open a locked door, a new Missouri...