Strategies MO Families Can Use When Child Care Isn’t Available

Evelyn had her son’s name on three different waitlists before he was even born. By the time little Noah turned six months old and Evelyn needed to return to work, none of those spots had opened up. Sound familiar?

If you’re a Missouri parent, it probably does. The child care shortage we’ve been discussing isn’t getting easier, but families are finding creative ways through it. At Child Care Aware of Missouri, we’ve worked with hundreds of parents facing this exact challenge, and we’ve seen what actually works.

Here are five strategies that are helping Missouri families bridge the child care gap right now.

Strategy 1: Use of Personal Network

When formal child care falls through, many families find their strongest resource has been there all along: the people they already know and trust.

Start with the people who already love your kids. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, close friends, or that neighbor who always stops to chat with your kids, these relationships can become lifelines. We’ve seen families create babysitting co-ops where parents trade off watching each other’s children. Others arrange weekly care schedules with relatives who are happy to help but can’t commit to full-time.

One mom in Springfield told us she connected with three other families through her church. They created a rotating schedule where each family takes all four sets of kids one day a week. “It’s not perfect,” she said, “but it means I only need to find paid care for three days instead of five. That made all the difference.” Sometimes just knowing you’re not alone in this struggle provides the emotional support you need to keep going.

Strategy 2: Expand Your Search and Join Waitlists

The hard truth is, if you’re only looking at child care centers within five miles of your home, you might be limiting yourself too much.

We know adding commute time to drop off your child isn’t what you expect. But families who’ve successfully found spots often tell us they had to get creative with geography. Some parents found care near their workplace instead of at home. Others found a great provider that was slightly out of the way but along their regular commute route. One family even coordinated with their employer to shift their hours slightly so they could use a center that had availability during non-peak times.

And those waitlists? Sign up for all of them. Yes, even the ones with “6-12 month wait times.” We’ve heard from countless families who got calls much sooner than expected because of cancellations, families moving, or centers expanding capacity. The more lists you’re on, the better your chances. Stay in touch with providers, too. A quick call every few weeks asking if anything has opened up keeps you top of mind and shows you’re serious.

Strategy 3: Utilize Crisis and Community Programs

There will be days when everything falls apart. Your regular sitter cancels. Your parents are out of town. You have an important meeting you absolutely cannot miss.

For these moments, Missouri has crisis care programs that many families don’t know about. Organizations like Safe Families and United 4 Children provide short-term care solutions when you’re facing an unexpected gap. 

These programs are particularly valuable if you’re facing financial strain or have children with special needs. Eligibility varies, so reach out early to understand what’s available and how to access it quickly when you need it. Child Care Aware of Missouri can help you navigate these programs and connect you with the right resources for your situation.

Strategy 4: Explore Nanny and Babysitting Services

Hiring a nanny or regular babysitter is more expensive than center-based care; there’s no getting around that. But for some families, it’s the only option that works with their schedules, or it ends up being comparable when you factor in multiple children.

Local nanny agencies do the screening work for you, though they typically charge more. Some families have found success posting in local parenting groups or community boards.

Strategy 5: Apply for Subsidies and Alternative Child Care Options

Missouri’s Child Care Subsidy Program helps qualifying families cover child care costs at licensed providers. The income limits are more generous than many people assume, and the difference between paying full price and subsidized rates can be hundreds of dollars per month. Many families simply don’t know this program exists or assume they won’t qualify without checking.
It takes a bit of paperwork, but it’s worth the effort. Start by contacting your local Family Support Division office or reaching out to Child Care Aware of Missouri for guidance on the application process.

Conclusion

Most Missouri families piece together child care like a puzzle, grandparents two days a week, part-time preschool, work-from-home Fridays, or juggling multiple waitlists while neighbors help temporarily. This constant juggling has become the reality for thousands of families right now. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Child Care Aware of Missouri can connect you with local resources, explain subsidy options, and help you find quality care. Get the support your family deserves, today!