Join a Learning Session on Missouri's Child Care Works Program

Patty Cantrell

April 9, 2026

Employers across west central Missouri have a new opportunity to address one of the biggest workforce challenges: access to affordable, reliable child care.

Missouri’s Child Care Works program offers a practical, cost-sharing solution—and two upcoming virtual sessions make it easy to learn how your business can offer this new employee benefit. It is a high-impact opportunity for businesses large and small.

Q&A Calls Thursday April 30

Area employers are invited to attend one of two identical virtual Q&A sessions:

10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026

2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026

These sessions will provide an overview of Child Care Works, explain how employer participation works, and outline the benefits for both businesses and employees.

Why Attend?

Child Care Works is designed to reduce the cost of child care for working families by sharing expenses among employers, employees, and other partners. For businesses, this can lead to:

Better recruitment and retention

Reduced absenteeism

Improved employee productivity

Employers may also benefit from federal tax credits covering up to 40–50% of their contributions.

A Timely Opportunity for West Central Missouri

Regional partners, led by New Growth Women's Business Center, are working to bring Child Care Works to Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties as part of a broader child care action plan. Employer interest now will help shape how the program launches locally.

Take the Next Step

These April 30 sessions are the easiest way to explore whether Child Care Works is a good fit for your business. With minimal time investment, you can learn about a solution that supports your employees—and strengthens your workforce.