It s time to find a child-care program. Maybe you are new to the area, returning to work after a maternity leave, starting a class or looking for a new group of playmates for your child. Whatever the reason, finding the perfect person to care for your child can sometimes feel like searching for that needle in the haystack.
Parents often have a difficult time locating and choosing a child-care provider.
But remember, there are many wonderful childcare programs in our community, and there are things you can do to make sure you re making the best possible choice for your family. First, find out if the program is regulated and inspected by the Missouri Department of Health, Bureau of Child Care. A person caring for four or fewer children in a home-based program is unregulated and exempt from licensing. Many unregulated providers are wonderful, and some are not. Licensed programs are required to meet many fire, health and safety standards designed to protect children.