(Jefferson City, MO) — State budget challenges have some Missouri childcare advocates expressing caution, amid rising demand for services. Kids Win Missouri lobbyist Robin Schelp says while state lawmakers and Governor Kehoe are very supportive of childcare programs, but current and future state budget pressures could be difficult for families. There is no reduction in the state’s $343 (M) million childcare subsidy, under Governor Kehoe’s proposed budget. Schelp notes, however, there’s ongoing and likely future pressures because the childcare subsidy demand has risen sharply from last June to early this year, from 22,000 to 27,000.
Missouri has recently shifted to calculating demand based on enrollment, rather than attendance at government funded childcare facilities. The state has also implemented a subsidized childcare waiting list for new families. Schelp says while advocates will need to monitor the situation, all is not dire- noting many private groups including Child Care Works are making great strides to addressing the need for childcare assistance.
She made the comments at a recent early childhood and education summit, in Jefferson City.