Licensed Daycare in Forest City, Missouri

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Forest City?

Statewide averages in Missouri run roughly $900/month for infants and $720/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Forest City daycares?

All licensed Missouri centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Forest City typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Forest City?

Missouri families can apply for Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (573) 522-1385). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

3 licensed daycares in Forest City, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Missouri licensing records.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$900/mo

Missouri avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Forest City

ChildCare Aware reports the Missouri average full-time cost at $900/month for infant care and $720/month for preschool. City-level prices in Forest City 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 overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:8
Preschool ratio: 1:10
Avg capacity: 93 kids

ZIP codes covered

64451 3

Program types in Forest City

Family Daycare

3 centers

All Forest City licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

F Family Daycare

Florissant Stepping Stones #139

Forest City

School Age (5+) Cap 85

O Family Daycare

O'Fallon Sunflower Daycare #99

Forest City

School Age (5+) Cap 95

S Family Daycare

St. Louis KinderSmile #59

Forest City

School Age (5+) Cap 101

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Forest City, Missouri?

Our directory lists 3 licensed childcare centers in Forest City, Missouri, sourced from Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Forest City?

Statewide averages in Missouri run roughly $900/month for infants and $720/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Forest City daycares?

All licensed Missouri centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Forest City typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Forest City?

Missouri families can apply for Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (573) 522-1385). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Forest City daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Missouri DHSS — Section for Child Care Regulation search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.