Children's Division

Child Care Parents Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do I apply for Child Care Assistance?
   • The local Family Support Division (FSD) office in your county of residence. The location of your local office can be found at http://www.dss.mo.gov/offices.htm.
2. How is eligibility for child care assistance determined?
   • Eligibility for child care assistance takes into account your household size, need for care and your household's gross income (less out of pocket medical insurance premium).
3. Where should I go to find quality child care?
   • You may contact ChildCareAware ® of Missouri (previously operating as the Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network). This agency's mission is to assist families in locating quality child care. Please contact the  Child Care Aware® of Missouri Referral Center toll-free by calling 1-866-892-3228 or by visiting www.mo.childcareaware.org. The local FSD office cannot distribute listings of child care providers.
4. What is a sliding fee?
   • The sliding fee is the portion of your child care expense that your family is responsible to pay directly to the child care provider. The amount of the sliding fee is based on your household's size and gross monthly income. The sliding fee is waived for children that meet the definition of 'special needs." Failure to pay the sliding can result in the closing of your household's eligibility for child care assistance.
5. What is a copayment?
   • A copayment is the portion of your provider's actual charge that is over and above the amount reimbursed by the Child Care Subsidy Program and your sliding fee. It is your household's responsibility to negotiate this charge with your child care provider. The copayment and sliding fee are two separate charges in addition to the State's reimbursement rate.
     

     NOTE: A provider cannot charge a co-payment for Protective Services Child Care.