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All kinds of help

Care

Help paying for child care and preschool, care for older adults, and support for people with disabilities. Your state runs help paying for child care and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Head Start is free preschool for young children in families with low income.Help in Missouri and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Missouri

Missouri programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

    Child Care Subsidy Program

    The program helps eligible families pay for child care from participating providers.

    Ways to apply:Online

  • Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

    Missouri Area Agencies on Aging services

    Area Agencies on Aging connect older adults and caregivers with local services and support.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • Missouri Department of Mental Health

    Division of Developmental Disabilities services

    The Division connects eligible people with developmental disabilities to supports and services in their communities.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    Head Start and Early Head Start

    Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

    Find a program near you with the Head Start locator and contact it to apply.

Checked on October 9, 2026

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