Pathway lookup
Early Childhood Education in Missouri
These pages summarize rules to help you plan. They are not legal advice. Before you place students at a work site or change a program, check with your state agency, your district's counsel and your insurance carrier.
In short
Missouri students can prepare for the CDA and work as junior aides at 16 under direct supervision; whether a career center lab preschool needs a license is still open.
State program: Early Childhood Development program of study, Education cluster (CIP and courses: Confirm with the agency)
What a high school can deliver
CDA preparation through MU RISE and work as a junior aide at 16 under direct adult supervision.
Credentials students can earn
CDA (MU RISE prep; on DESE's New System list for Early Childhood Development, class of 2029 on; Previous System list: Confirm with the agency); $525 Council fee not stated as covered
Age and hour requirements
Junior aides 16-17 count only under direct adult supervision, never in infant or toddler ratios (5 CSR 25-500.102); the ECE guide states caregivers 18 or older count in ratio.
Other agencies involved
DESE Office of Childhood: child care licensing; RSMo 210.211 exempts a school system unless it takes state or federal care funds; career center labs: Confirm with the agency.
Who can teach it
DESE career education certification; the early childhood certificate area is not published ().
Child labor rules for work placements
State law reaches only under 16; no permit or hour limits at 16-17. Paid junior aides need fingerprints, sex offender registry and Family Care Safety Registry screening before starting; no age exemption.
College credit after high school
No statewide agreement (Confirm locally); A+ Scholarship.
Where to go next
- The full Early Childhood Education guide, showing Missouri
- The Missouri state profile
- Add this pathway to your plan
Early Childhood Education in other states
Other pathways in Missouri
- Nurse Aide / Patient Care
- EMT
- Electrical
- Welding
- Construction and Carpentry
- HVAC/R
- Cybersecurity / Networking
- Programming / Computer Science
- Automotive
- Medical and Dental Assisting
- Cosmetology
- Agriculture
- Culinary and Hospitality
- Machining and Mechatronics
- Engineering and Drafting
- Firefighting
- Law, Public Safety and Corrections
- Business Management and Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
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