Early childhood education programs in Missouri

38 early childhood programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

23 schools offer these early childhood education programs, and Missouri has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Childcare workers look after children's needs and help their early development. What they need varies by state and employer, from no formal education to a certificate in early childhood education; most often states ask for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which takes coursework, experience and a period of being observed working with children.¹ The CDA takes a high school diploma or GED, 120 hours of early childhood education, 480 hours of work with the age group you choose within three years, a portfolio and the CDA exam.²

In Missouri, 20 of the 38 programs take students without a high school diploma, 16 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 2 ask for earlier courses first.

By kind, the 38 programs here are early childhood education (associate degree, 20 programs), child care or preschool certificate (14 programs), CDA (Child Development Associate) course (3 programs) and early childhood apprenticeship (1 program).

See the 38 programs

How much do early childhood education programs cost in Missouri?

Two-year degrees (20 programs): $7,625 to $13,092most of them, usually 64 weeks long
Other early childhood education programs (18 programs): $2,488 to $3,822most of them, usually 15 to 32 weeks long

What you pay yourself for the whole program, as the schools report it. "Most" is the middle half of the programs with a price.

In the typical program

Finished the program: Not enough data; 4 programs report it; a typical figure needs 5
Working 6 months later: Not enough data; 1 program reports it; a typical figure needs 5
Earned a year, estimated: Not enough data; 1 program reports it; a typical figure needs 5
Length: 32 to 64 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Missouri may also offer early childhood education programs. How these figures are made

Are there free early childhood education programs in Missouri?

Yes, if you qualify. WIOA (public workforce funding) can pay for any program on this page, in full or in part, depending on local limits.³⁴⁵For a degree, the job center first looks at grants such as a federal Pell Grant; WIOA pays toward what they don't cover.⁵
Ask an American Job Center whether you qualify, or call 1-877-872-5627.⁶ Before funding training, the center goes through an assessment and a career plan with you.⁵
Or pay yourself. Two-year degrees here mostly cost $7,625 to $13,092.Other early childhood education programs here mostly cost $2,488 to $3,822.

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 38 early childhood programs in Missouri approved for WIOA funding

38 programs

Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Child and Family Development
St. Louis Community College, District
Bridgeton
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
St. Louis Community College, District, BridgetonEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$7,320
Program website, Child and Family Development at St. Louis Community College, District
More details about Child and Family Development at St. Louis Community College, District
Finished
28%
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
102 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$2,375
Students counted
263
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$7,320
Program website, Child and Family Development at St. Louis Community College, District
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Education And Development
Metropolitan Community College
Kansas City
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Metropolitan Community College, Kansas CityEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$7,986
Program website, Early Childhood Education And Development at Metropolitan Community College
More details about Early Childhood Education And Development at Metropolitan Community College
Finished
13%
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
60 weeks, 16 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$4,868
Students counted
110
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$7,986
Program website, Early Childhood Education And Development at Metropolitan Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Development-AAS
Three Rivers College, Poplar Bluff
Poplar Bluff
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Three Rivers College, Poplar Bluff, Poplar BluffEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$13,092
Program website, Early Childhood Development-AAS at Three Rivers College, Poplar Bluff
More details about Early Childhood Development-AAS at Three Rivers College, Poplar Bluff
Finished
13%
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 45 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,600
Students counted
80
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$13,092
Program website, Early Childhood Development-AAS at Three Rivers College, Poplar Bluff
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Development
State Fair Community College, Sedalia
Sedalia
Accredited school
No diploma needed
State Fair Community College, Sedalia, SedaliaEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$32,200
Price if you pay yourself$7,623
Program website, Early Childhood Development at State Fair Community College, Sedalia
More details about Early Childhood Development at State Fair Community College, Sedalia
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
79%
Earned in a quarter
$8,054
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
59
Listed 3 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$32,200
Price if you pay yourself
$7,623
Program website, Early Childhood Development at State Fair Community College, Sedalia
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Child Development
Mineral Area College, Park Hills
Park Hills
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Mineral Area College, Park Hills, Park HillsEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$15,180
Program website, Child Development at Mineral Area College, Park Hills
More details about Child Development at Mineral Area College, Park Hills
Finished
100%
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$5,539
Students counted
22
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$15,180
Program website, Child Development at Mineral Area College, Park Hills
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Education
MACC-Moberly Area Community College
Columbia
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
MACC-Moberly Area Community College, ColumbiaEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$6,673
Program website, Early Childhood Education at MACC-Moberly Area Community College
More details about Early Childhood Education at MACC-Moberly Area Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 30 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$3,659
Students counted
78
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$6,673
Program website, Early Childhood Education at MACC-Moberly Area Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Development AAS
Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Ozarks Technical Community College, SpringfieldEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$8,253
Program website, Early Childhood Development AAS at Ozarks Technical Community College
More details about Early Childhood Development AAS at Ozarks Technical Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$5,079
Students counted
71
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$8,253
Program website, Early Childhood Development AAS at Ozarks Technical Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Child Care/Early Childhood Education
Jefferson College
Hillsboro
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Jefferson College, HillsboroEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$11,375
Program website, Child Care/Early Childhood Education at Jefferson College
More details about Child Care/Early Childhood Education at Jefferson College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,600
Students counted
47
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$11,375
Program website, Child Care/Early Childhood Education at Jefferson College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Development Certificate CT
Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Ozarks Technical Community College, SpringfieldChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,930
Program website, Early Childhood Development Certificate CT at Ozarks Technical Community College
More details about Early Childhood Development Certificate CT at Ozarks Technical Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$2,505
Students counted
39
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,930
Program website, Early Childhood Development Certificate CT at Ozarks Technical Community College
CDA (Child Development Associate) courseHybridNo diploma needed
Child Development Associate
Macon Area Career And Technical Education Center
Macon
No diploma needed
Macon Area Career And Technical Education Center, MaconCDA (Child Development Associate) courseHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$650
Program website, Child Development Associate at Macon Area Career And Technical Education Center
More details about Child Development Associate at Macon Area Career And Technical Education Center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
Not reported
Cost of supplies
$620
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$650
Program website, Child Development Associate at Macon Area Career And Technical Education Center
CDA (Child Development Associate) courseOnlineNo diploma needed
Child Development Associate (cda) - Center Based
Northwest Missouri State University, Continuing Ed
Based in Gladstone, MO
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Northwest Missouri State University, Continuing Ed, based in Gladstone, MOCDA (Child Development Associate) course · Accredited schoolOnline · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,295
Program website, Child Development Associate (cda) - Center Based at Northwest Missouri State University, Continuing Ed
More details about Child Development Associate (cda) - Center Based at Northwest Missouri State University, Continuing Ed
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
24 weeks, 5 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$40
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$1,295
Program website, Child Development Associate (cda) - Center Based at Northwest Missouri State University, Continuing Ed
Child care or preschool certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Learning Assistant - Certificate of Specialization
MACC-Moberly Area Community College
Columbia
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
MACC-Moberly Area Community College, ColumbiaChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,672
Program website, Early Learning Assistant - Certificate of Specialization at MACC-Moberly Area Community College
More details about Early Learning Assistant - Certificate of Specialization at MACC-Moberly Area Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,154
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$1,672
Program website, Early Learning Assistant - Certificate of Specialization at MACC-Moberly Area Community College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Basic Child and Family Development
Missouri State University, Springfield
West Plains
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Missouri State University, Springfield, West PlainsChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$2,196
Program website, Basic Child and Family Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
More details about Basic Child and Family Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 12 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$506
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$2,196
Program website, Basic Child and Family Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
Child care or preschool certificateIn personNo diploma needed
Child Development, Care And Guidance
Ozark Mountain Technical Center
Mountain Grove
No diploma needed
Ozark Mountain Technical Center, Mountain GroveChild care or preschool certificateIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$2,350
Program website, Child Development, Care And Guidance at Ozark Mountain Technical Center
More details about Child Development, Care And Guidance at Ozark Mountain Technical Center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
12 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$75
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$2,350
Program website, Child Development, Care And Guidance at Ozark Mountain Technical Center
Child care or preschool certificateHybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Education And Development-Youth Development
Metropolitan Community College
Kansas City
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Metropolitan Community College, Kansas CityChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$2,904
Program website, Early Childhood Education And Development-Youth Development at Metropolitan Community College
More details about Early Childhood Education And Development-Youth Development at Metropolitan Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 12 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,802
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$2,904
Program website, Early Childhood Education And Development-Youth Development at Metropolitan Community College
Early childhood apprenticeshipHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Advance ECE Credential RAP
Early Education Career Institute
Kansas City
High school diploma or equivalent
Early Education Career Institute, Kansas CityEarly childhood apprenticeshipHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,000
Program website, Advance ECE Credential RAP at Early Education Career Institute
More details about Advance ECE Credential RAP at Early Education Career Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
4 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$425
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,000
Program website, Advance ECE Credential RAP at Early Education Career Institute
Child care or preschool certificateIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Child Care Provider/Assistant - Part-Time
Kirksville Area Technical Center
Kirksville
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Kirksville Area Technical Center, KirksvilleChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,200
Program website, Child Care Provider/Assistant - Part-Time at Kirksville Area Technical Center
More details about Child Care Provider/Assistant - Part-Time at Kirksville Area Technical Center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
39 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$140
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,200
Program website, Child Care Provider/Assistant - Part-Time at Kirksville Area Technical Center
Child care or preschool certificateIn personNo diploma needed
Child Development
East Central College
Union
Accredited school
No diploma needed
East Central College, UnionChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,204
Program website, Child Development at East Central College
More details about Child Development at East Central College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
Not reported
Cost of supplies
$374
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,204
Program website, Child Development at East Central College
Child care or preschool certificateIn personNo diploma needed
Child Development
East Central College @ Rolla Technical Institute/center
Rolla
Accredited school
No diploma needed
East Central College @ Rolla Technical Institute/center, RollaChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,204
Program website, Child Development at East Central College @ Rolla Technical Institute/center
More details about Child Development at East Central College @ Rolla Technical Institute/center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
Not reported
Cost of supplies
$374
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,204
Program website, Child Development at East Central College @ Rolla Technical Institute/center
Child care or preschool certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Education Certificate
MACC-Moberly Area Community College
Columbia
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
MACC-Moberly Area Community College, ColumbiaChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,320
Program website, Early Childhood Education Certificate at MACC-Moberly Area Community College
More details about Early Childhood Education Certificate at MACC-Moberly Area Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 30 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$2,449
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,320
Program website, Early Childhood Education Certificate at MACC-Moberly Area Community College
Child care or preschool certificateIn personEducation and courses
Working with Preschoolers
Missouri State University, Springfield
Springfield
Accredited school
Education and courses
Missouri State University, Springfield, SpringfieldChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,348
Program website, Working with Preschoolers at Missouri State University, Springfield
More details about Working with Preschoolers at Missouri State University, Springfield
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
15 weeks, 12 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,086
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,348
Program website, Working with Preschoolers at Missouri State University, Springfield
Child care or preschool certificateIn personEducation and courses
Infant & Toddler Development
Missouri State University, Springfield
Springfield
Accredited school
Education and courses
Missouri State University, Springfield, SpringfieldChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,770
Program website, Infant & Toddler Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
More details about Infant & Toddler Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
15 weeks, 13 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,211
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,770
Program website, Infant & Toddler Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
CDA (Child Development Associate) courseHybridNo diploma needed
Child Development Associate Plan
Mineral Area College, Park Hills
Park Hills
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Mineral Area College, Park Hills, Park HillsCDA (Child Development Associate) course · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,840
Program website, Child Development Associate Plan at Mineral Area College, Park Hills
More details about Child Development Associate Plan at Mineral Area College, Park Hills
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
12 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,648
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,840
Program website, Child Development Associate Plan at Mineral Area College, Park Hills
Child care or preschool certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Advanced Child And Family Development
Missouri State University, Springfield
West Plains
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Missouri State University, Springfield, West PlainsChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$4,392
Program website, Advanced Child And Family Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
More details about Advanced Child And Family Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 25 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,012
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$4,392
Program website, Advanced Child And Family Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
Child care or preschool certificateIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Child Care Provider/Assistant - Full-Time
Kirksville Area Technical Center
Kirksville
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Kirksville Area Technical Center, KirksvilleChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$6,400
Program website, Child Care Provider/Assistant - Full-Time at Kirksville Area Technical Center
More details about Child Care Provider/Assistant - Full-Time at Kirksville Area Technical Center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
39 weeks, 30 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$140
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$6,400
Program website, Child Care Provider/Assistant - Full-Time at Kirksville Area Technical Center
Child care or preschool certificateIn personNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Professions
Lex La Ray Technical Center
Lexington
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Lex La Ray Technical Center, LexingtonChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$6,600
Program website, Early Childhood Professions at Lex La Ray Technical Center
More details about Early Childhood Professions at Lex La Ray Technical Center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
36 weeks, 25 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$358
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$6,600
Program website, Early Childhood Professions at Lex La Ray Technical Center
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Development
State Fair Community College, Sedalia
Clinton
Accredited school
No diploma needed
State Fair Community College, Sedalia, ClintonEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$7,623
Program website, Early Childhood Development at State Fair Community College, Sedalia
More details about Early Childhood Development at State Fair Community College, Sedalia
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$7,623
Program website, Early Childhood Development at State Fair Community College, Sedalia
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Development
East Central College
Union
Accredited school
No diploma needed
East Central College, UnionEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$7,625
Program website, Early Childhood Development at East Central College
More details about Early Childhood Development at East Central College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
61 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$3,940
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$7,625
Program website, Early Childhood Development at East Central College
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Development
East Central College @ Rolla Technical Institute/center
Rolla
Accredited school
No diploma needed
East Central College @ Rolla Technical Institute/center, RollaEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$7,625
Program website, Early Childhood Development at East Central College @ Rolla Technical Institute/center
More details about Early Childhood Development at East Central College @ Rolla Technical Institute/center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$3,940
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$7,625
Program website, Early Childhood Development at East Central College @ Rolla Technical Institute/center
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Child And Family Development
Missouri State University, Springfield
West Plains
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Missouri State University, Springfield, West PlainsEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$10,980
Program website, Child And Family Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
More details about Child And Family Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
60 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$2,024
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$10,980
Program website, Child And Family Development at Missouri State University, Springfield
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Development AAS
Ozarks Technical Community College
Lebanon
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Ozarks Technical Community College, LebanonEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$11,332
Program website, Early Childhood Development AAS at Ozarks Technical Community College
More details about Early Childhood Development AAS at Ozarks Technical Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$2,000
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$11,332
Program website, Early Childhood Development AAS at Ozarks Technical Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Development AAS
Ozarks Technical Community College
Fort Leonard Wood
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Ozarks Technical Community College, Fort Leonard WoodEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$11,332
Program website, Early Childhood Development AAS at Ozarks Technical Community College
More details about Early Childhood Development AAS at Ozarks Technical Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$2,000
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$11,332
Program website, Early Childhood Development AAS at Ozarks Technical Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Development
North Central Missouri College-Savannah
Savannah
Accredited school
No diploma needed
North Central Missouri College-Savannah, SavannahEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$11,895
Program website, Early Childhood Development at North Central Missouri College-Savannah
More details about Early Childhood Development at North Central Missouri College-Savannah
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
Not reported
Cost of supplies
$12,198
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$11,895
Program website, Early Childhood Development at North Central Missouri College-Savannah
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Development
Three Rivers College @ Kennett
Kennett
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Three Rivers College @ Kennett, KennettEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$13,092
Program website, Early Childhood Development at Three Rivers College @ Kennett
More details about Early Childhood Development at Three Rivers College @ Kennett
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 25 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,600
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$13,092
Program website, Early Childhood Development at Three Rivers College @ Kennett
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Development- AAS
Three Rivers College @ Sikeston
Sikeston
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Three Rivers College @ Sikeston, SikestonEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$13,092
Program website, Early Childhood Development- AAS at Three Rivers College @ Sikeston
More details about Early Childhood Development- AAS at Three Rivers College @ Sikeston
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 24 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,600
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$13,092
Program website, Early Childhood Development- AAS at Three Rivers College @ Sikeston
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Education AAS
Southeastern Community College - Keokuk Campus
Keokuk, IA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Southeastern Community College - Keokuk Campus, Keokuk, IAEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Classes are outside Missouri; Missouri approved the program for its funding.
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$14,108
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS at Southeastern Community College - Keokuk Campus
More details about Early Childhood Education AAS at Southeastern Community College - Keokuk Campus
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 19 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$14,108
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS at Southeastern Community College - Keokuk Campus
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Development
North Central Missouri College
Trenton
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
North Central Missouri College, TrentonEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$17,383
Program website, Early Childhood Development at North Central Missouri College
More details about Early Childhood Development at North Central Missouri College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
Not reported
Cost of supplies
$8,113
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$17,383
Program website, Early Childhood Development at North Central Missouri College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Child care And Guidance
Southeast Mo State University, Cape Girardeau
Cape Girardeau
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Southeast Mo State University, Cape Girardeau, Cape GirardeauEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$23,766
Program website, Child care And Guidance at Southeast Mo State University, Cape Girardeau
More details about Child care And Guidance at Southeast Mo State University, Cape Girardeau
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
72 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$4,810
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$23,766
Program website, Child care And Guidance at Southeast Mo State University, Cape Girardeau

How to pay for early childhood education programs in Missouri

WIOA funding can pay for early childhood education programs in Missouri

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for early childhood education programs

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.⁷⁸

GI Bill for early childhood education programs

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.⁹

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Quick facts: Early childhood education programs in Missouri

programs with a price cost under $3,000: 6 of 38
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare: 26th of 33
early childhood programs here, against the typical state's 8: 38 vs 8

State comparisons use the same figures as the early childhood education programs by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Early childhood education programs in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and other Missouri cities

Choosing an area filters the program list above. 13 more programs are in 10 other areas, 4 in smaller cities and towns and 1 online.

Other training in Missouri

How early childhood education programs compare with the rest of education and social services: Child care and social services training in Missouri

Where the Missouri early childhood education program numbers come from

Which Missouri early childhood education programs are on this list?

These are the early childhood education programs Missouri approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).¹⁰ The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Missouri offers.

How the prices and results of Missouri early childhood education programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about early childhood education programs in Missouri

Show the 10 sourcesHide the sources

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Early childhood education programs in Missouri

How much do early childhood education programs cost in Missouri?

Are there free early childhood education programs in Missouri?

All 38 early childhood programs in Missouri approved for WIOA funding

Child and Family Development

Early Childhood Education And Development

Early Childhood Development-AAS

Early Childhood Development

Child Development