Health Insurance
Medicaid health insurance helps pay for medical care for eligible individuals and families with low income and resource.

In Missouri, MC+ is the statewide medical assistance program for low-income families, pregnant women and children. For information call 1-800-347-9363. 

In Kansas Health Wave is the statewide medical assistance program for uninsured children ages 0-19 living in low-income households at or below the federal poverty level. For information call 1-800-792-4884.

Licensing Records
Licensed child-care programs and family child-care providers are regulated through the Department of Health and all licensing records are public information. Checking a provider's licensing records is encouraged before choosing a child care provider. This allows you to review provider health and safety inspection results before enrolling your child and learn if there have been any complaints or investigations against the provider you are interested in. You can report any licensing violations and unsafe or unhealthy conditions to the licensing agency in your area. See specific licensing descriptions. To inquire about a licensed provider's record:

In Missouri parents may contact the Bureau of Child Care via telephone and they can verify if they are licensed or if their license is pending. To view the records you will need to schedule a time with the Bureau of Child Care staff at their office. If you are in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Lafayette, Platte or Ray County call the Northwestern District Child Care Bureau office at 816-350-5450. In Bates County call the Southwestern District Office at 417-895-6541. In Saline County call the Central District Office at 573-751-2891.

In Missouri, family child care providers may care for four or fewer children, not related to the provider. They may voluntarily become licensed. Missouri's Family Care Safety Registry was established to protect children and provide background information on potential caregivers.

To request information on a registrant you will need a Social Security number and date of birth. For information or questions about the Registry call toll-free 866-422-6872 or go to the Department of Health & Senior Services website . 

In Kansas, parents may check licensing information thru the Kansas Department of Health either by phone at 785-296-1270.

Information may also be requested in writing at Child Care Licensing-Curtis State Office Building, 1000 SW Jackson, Topeka, KS 66612-1274. Fees may apply for requesting this information.

Provider Appreciation Day
A national day has been designated to appreciate child care providers and early educators. Provider Appreciation Day, which started in 1996, falls on the Friday before Mother's Day.

Legislative Issues
We encourage parents to be aware of legislative issues that may affect child care.  The National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies provides information on these issues.