fbpx UA-117135809-1

The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Missouri Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Missouri. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.

MISSOURI Child Care Licensing Requirements

Child Care license obtained from:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Section for Child Regulation 

323 Veteran’s Lane P.O. Box 570 Jefferson City, MO 65109-0570

https://s1.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/19csr/19c30-62.pdf

(573) 751-2450

License renewal is required once every two years.

Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per Child

  

Birth- 2 Years

 2 Years

3-4 Years

4 Years

5 +Years Mixed Age 2 Years and Up 

Required

Teacher: Child Ratio

1:4

1:8

1:10

1:15

 1:16 

1:10 maximum of four 2 year olds

1:8 more than four 2 year olds

Required

Max. Group Size

8

16

     

   

       

Recommended 

Classroom Capacity

8

16

20

30

32 16

Recommended 

Staff per Classroom

2

2

2

2

2

2

Recommended 

Min. Classroom Area

280 sf.

560 sf.

700 sf.

1050 sf.

1120 sf.    

Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per Child

  • Concrete, asphalt, carpet, grass or soil is not acceptable for surfaces under the outdoor equipment.
  • The play area must be safe for children’s activities. It has to be well-maintained, free of hazards such as broken glass, plants, or rocks, and it must have good draining.
  • Swimming and wading pools used by the children must be maintained and used in a manner that keeps the children safe.
  • A fence that is at least 4 feet tall must be surrounding the outdoor play area.

Building Code Requirements

child care child toilet child care adult toilet child care drinking fountain child care mop sink child care bath tub

CHILD

FIXTURES

ADULT

FIXTURES

DRINKING FOUNTAINS

MOP

SINK

BATH TUB/

SHOWER

1: 15

1:50

1:100

1

1

2012 International Building Code (where there are no local codes)

Fire Code Requirements

85

The temperature of thild care should be no less than 65 degrees and no more than 85 degrees.

10

Artificial or natural light has to supply 10 foot-candles of light throughout each room used for child care.

1

Children will not pass through more than 1 adjoining room to gain access to an exit door that leads directly outside.

2012 International Building Code (where there are no local codes)

Did you know . . .

child care playground Clear glass doors have to be marked plainly at varying heights to avoid impact. child care infant Mirrors can not be placed on exit doors or adjacent to any exit that may confuse the direction of the exit. child care 30 minutes Locks or latches will not be used in the bathroom or bathroom stall doors used by children below 1st grade.

To access Missouri Child Care requirements along with other states please see our interactive Child Care Requirements US map here.

Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC.  Updated 2019