President Charlie Shields | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Childhood (OOC) has begun a series of listening sessions across the state. The sessions aim to gather feedback for revising child care licensing rules as mandated by Governor Mike Kehoe’s Executive Order 25-15.
Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger expressed gratitude for stakeholder participation in the recent sessions held in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau. “We appreciate so many stakeholders making time to participate in this week’s sessions in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau — they have been very well attended,” she stated. Eslinger emphasized the importance of feedback from child care providers, professionals, families, and advocates to bring about meaningful changes to Missouri's child care landscape.
The OOC has scheduled 10 more listening sessions throughout April. These sessions are open to stakeholders across the state and include venues like the Kansas City Public Library on April 3rd, The PARA Project in Columbia on April 9th, and virtual options on April 16th to accommodate wider participation.
Governor Kehoe’s Executive Order 25-15 outlines several objectives for the OOC. These include evaluating and implementing regulatory reforms, reducing state child care licensing requirements by at least 10 percent, and improving the clarity of existing regulations. A task force of 35 members, including child care providers, staff, advocacy groups, legislators, and parents, will assist in offering recommendations on necessary changes.
Lindsey Baker, Director of Advocacy and Community Partnerships at SouthSide Early Childhood Center, expressed optimism about the initiative. “I am elated for this unique opportunity to update a number of outdated licensing rules and regulations affecting the childcare community across the state of Missouri,” said Baker, noting the potential to reduce administrative burdens and enhance focus on educational environments.
The OOC is expected to deliver a report to the Governor’s Office by September 1, 2025, detailing their findings and suggested actions based on stakeholder input and Executive Order requirements. Information related to the licensing rules and updates can be accessed on DESE’s Child Care Licensing Rule Revision webpage. Stakeholders can send feedback or questions to ChildhoodRules@dese.mo.gov by referencing the Executive Order 25-15.
Alerts Sign-up