Educare

The Educare initiative provides resources, training opportunities and technical assistance, to child care providers for caregivers of children between ages zero to three, with an emphasis on family home providers.

In partnership with the Local Investment Commission (LINC), the Mid-America Regional Council administers the Educare learning initiative in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties. Educare is administered by the Mid-America Regional Council in partnership with the Local Investment Commission, The Family Conservancy, and Start at Zero. Educare funding is provided by the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Office of Childhood.Visit the Missouri Office of Childhood site to learn more about Educare in Missouri.

Educare services include:

  • Monthly free professional development opportunities for child care providers.
  • Individualized coaching, support and free resources for family child care providers and license exempt child care providers.
  • Supporting coordination of existing community resources to optimize funding.
  • Linking child care providers and families to schools and community resources.
  • Incentives to help improve the quality of your program.
  • Orientation and support for Missouri child care subsidy applicants.

Training and resources

Educare offers free training and resources.

Become an Educare provider

Early education providers and child care centers that enroll in the Educare program are eligible to choose developmentally appropriate learning materials valued at $500 for family child care and up to $1,000 for center-based programs. These materials are meant to enhance your program and learning activities for the children you serve.

Programs that are interested in participating must:

  • Currently care for children receiving Missouri child care subsidy from newborns to age six.
  • Be a registered family child care home provider, licensed child care home or license-exempt faith-based child care center, serving fewer than six families.
  • Agree to participate in monthly, on-site visits with an Educare specialist who will help you develop and complete your goals.
  • Commit to and complete three site visits and achieve up to two program improvement goals over three months.

The award of grant materials will be made upon completion of requirements.