Child Care Requirements

Childcare Table
The Cole County Health Department (CCHD) conducts sanitation inspections of child care facilities located within Cole County, MO, but does not conduct child care sanitation inspections within the city limits of Jefferson City, MO. The CCHD enforces the laws, regulation and guidelines established by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS), Division of Regulation and Licensure, Section for Child Care Regulation.
Childcare Map

LICENSED CHILD CARE FACility

Family Home

A licensed child care program where care is offered by a licensed child care provider for no more than 10 children.

Group Home
A licensed child care program where care is offered by a licensed child care provider for no more than 20 children in a location separate from the provider’s living quarters.

Center
A licensed child care program where care is offered by a licensed child care provider for more than 20 children in a location other than the provider’s residence.

License Exempt  Facility

By state law, certain programs are exempt from licensure, but are required to be regulated. These include:
  • Child care programs that are under the exclusive control of a religious organization.
  • Any nursery school program for preschool children that operates no more than four (4) hours per child per day. 

EXEMPT CHILD CARE



By state law, certain programs are exempt from licensure and regulation. These include: 
  • A facility operated in connection with a business establishment as a convenience for its customers or employees for not more than 4 hours per day; or
  • Graded boarding schools, summer camps, hospitals, or other entities as explained in state law; or 
  • Residential facility or day programs licensed by the Department of Mental Health. 
  • Elementary or Secondary school systems.