When it comes to choosing a child care program for your little one, it is essential to make sure they will be in good hands. With so many preschools and day care options available, it can be hard to know which program is best for your child. Enrolling your son or daughter in a licensed child care center is the best way to ensure they are learning in a healthy and safe environment. Here, the team at Great Beginnings in St. Charles and Cottleville, MO, explains what the state requires of child care facilities.

Not all centers are required to be licensed. Centers with a religious affiliation are not required to be licensed by the State. They are not required to follow any of the rules and regulations as set forth by the State of Missouri, Local and State Fire Marshalls and Local and State Health and Sanitation. Any person(s) planning to offer child care for more than four unrelated children at any one time, except for those who are exempt, shall be licensed and meet the requirements of the licensing rules by the Department of Health and Senior Services. Each facility is required to display a copy of their license in a visible location and meet the following criteria to become licensed:

• Safe Hiring Practices: Ensuring each child’s security is of paramount importance, which is why all licensed child care centers are required to perform a criminal record review as part of their hiring process for new employees. This includes a state criminal background check, examinations of child abuse and neglect records, and a search for sex offender registration.
• Health & Safety: Child care centers must provide a healthy and hygienic atmosphere for young children to learn and play. The state requires licensed programs to meet strict health and safety standards and pass yearly inspections from both the State and Local Departments of Health and Sanitation.
• Staff Education & Training: Directors of licensed child care facilities are required to have extensive work experience and a college education focused on child development and care. Caregivers working at certified programs must complete a minimum of 12 hours of training every year, though many choose to go beyond this requirement; many also obtain a college education in a relevant field.
• Group Size: Being able to interact with caring, supportive adults is vital for child development. To provide every student with the attention and supervision they deserve, licensed child care centers must meet minimum staffing requirements. Programs serving children under 2 years old need at least one adult for every four children. Two-year-olds must have at least one adult for every eight kids. Children 3 years of age and up to 5 must meet a one adult for every 10 children. If the facility provides care for attendees ages 5 and over, then it needs to provide at least one adult for every 16 children.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, licensed child care center for your son or daughter, choose Great Beginnings. As St. Charles County’s premier early childhood education center, they offer comprehensive programs at two convenient locations. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings, including before- and after-school care, infant and toddler programs, and summer camps. To schedule a tour, call (636) 724-5048 to reach the St. Charles center or (636) 447-4212 to reach the Cottleville location.