Childcare Subsidies in Missouri

Abstract

Nationwide, 70.5% of women with children were in the labor force in 2006. Three out of four working mothers work more than 30 hours per week, and over 90 percent of their families use some kind of child care. Access to child care facilities, welfare recipients' entrance into the workforce, and regular child care arrangements are associated with greater job stability and retention. Additionally, in Missouri, the total family income of approximately 42,735 children ages 0-13 is between 112% and 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL). In Missouri, child care subsidies are provided to low-income families by the Department of Social Services and are funded through the federal Child Care and Development Fund. The program is based on need for care, which includes employment, job training, education and other work activities. Federal guidelines recommend that states establish eligibility standards to include families with an annual income of up to 85% of the state median income level, which was $43,266 in 2006 for a family of four. Currently, Missouri's income eligibility is approximately 40% of the state median income level, or $31,898. Missouri ranks 50th in the United States for providing child care subsidies to low-income families. Subsidies are provided for families up to 110% of the FPL in Missouri.