Children are one of life’s greatest treasures. Watching children play, and seeing them grow and reach their full potential is one of life’s greatest rewards. A child’s day should be filled with play, learning, and discovery, along with healthy food and a safe environment. However, when parents work outside of the home, meeting these requirements becomes more challenging. Finding childcare that will care for a child as a loving parent would is important.
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In Missouri, there is a definite need for childcare as there are over 300,000 children under the age of six living in homes where either both parents are employed, or the only parent is working. 52000 of those working mothers have infants, and 57% of those children who need care are infants. Full-time care is predominantly sought. There is a lesser need for preschool or school-aged chilldcare. For children of all ages, quality childcare is essential. A complicating factor is that well over 100000 families in Missouri are living in poverty.
The good news is that Missouri has an abundance of childcare options, and many quality centers ready and able to meet the needs of families. There are approximately 8000 chilldcare centers or family child care homes available, and of those 19% of centers and 1% of family care homes are accredited. In addition, Missouri has a government childcare assistance program, as well as many Head Start centers to enable families in need to still have quality childcare.
Besides the many childcare options available, Missouri has things for families to do together. The three largest cities, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield all have quality zoos and historical sites for families to visit. In the St. Louis area, there is the City Museum, Magic House, and Science Center, all with incredible activities for children, as well as an art museum, and, of course, the Arch. Families can enjoy fun together while also giving their child amazing educational opportunities. Many of these establishments are free or low cost.
With a wide variety of childcare available, Missouri offers many opportunities for families to work and know that their child is being well cared for in an healthy environment. With an abundance of family friendly activities, it has much to offer for families seeking to spend time together in a wholesome, fun, and educational way.
