Licensed Daycare in Saint Louis, Missouri
57 licensed daycares in Saint Louis, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Missouri licensing records.
Saint Louis listings updated May 2026 from official Missouri records.
Daycare in Saint Louis: what parents should know
Our directory lists 57 licensed childcare providers in Saint Louis, Missouri, with Montessori the most common type (about 16% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Missouri license at indexing time, sourced from Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation.
For age coverage, 6 centers in Saint Louis report infant care (roughly 11% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 6 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 9 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Saint Louis spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 5% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Saint Louis providers are approved for approximately 3,832 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Saint Louis childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Saint Louis
ChildCare Aware reports the Missouri average full-time cost at $900/month for infant care and $720/month for preschool. City-level prices in Saint Louis vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Missouri families may also qualify for Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (573) 522-1385).
Full Missouri licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:8
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg capacity
- 67 kids
Largest licensed centers in Saint Louis
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Saint Louis licensed centers
Page 3 of 4Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.
Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Saint Louis, Missouri?
What's the average daycare cost in Saint Louis?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Saint Louis daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Saint Louis?
How do I verify a Saint Louis daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Saint Louis
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programMissouri Child Care Subsidy Program can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(573) 522-1385 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Saint Louis
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Saint Louis, Missouri are compiled from official Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 57 Licensed Centers in Saint Louis
Free, no signup, verified directly with Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation.