How to Start Church Daycare in Missouri
Many churches offer a daycare program in their community. It is a way for the church to be an active part of the community as well as attracting new members to the congregation. Setting up a church daycare in many states, including Missouri, does not require licensure, though other steps must be taken and requirements met.
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Things You'll Need
- copy of Certificate of Incorporation
- verification of Internal Revenue Service tax-exempt status
Instructions
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Contact the Department of Social Services in the county in which the church is located and request an Application for Agency Eligibility Verification. This is the form that will verify that the church is eligible to set up and operate a daycare without applying for licensure.
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Fill out the application using the church's information and return the application to the Department of Social Services.
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Apply to the Department of Health for annual fire safety inspection and health and sanitation inspections.
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Request a child abuse/neglect screening for each employee from the Department of Social Services. This should be done within ten days of employment.
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Review and implement the procedures required for all childcare facilities regarding maintaining files on children enrolled in the daycare, space and safety requirements, equipment requirements for infants and toddlers (i.e., cribs, high chairs, sleeping mats), meal and snack requirements, etc.
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Tips & Warnings
Obtain a copy of the requirements from the Department of Health for a license-exempt childcare facility, as the specific requirements are subject to change.
Do not start a daycare without first reviewing the laws and regulations, as these are subject to change.
References
- Photo Credit happy children image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com
