As of September 2002, the potential capacity of licensed facilities in Missouri stood at 131,943 and that of registered and exempt providers was 83,639 for a total "known" capacity of 215,582. By subtracting the number of children under age 6 needing care - all parents working - from the total potential capacity, the estimated "unmet need" is 58,409 statewide. The map shows that this varies from a negative need, i.e., more capacity than need, in a few counties to an unmet need as high as 81 percent in DeKalb County. Capacity can exceed need especially in major employment centers such as is the case the Boone (Columbia), Greene (Springfield), Buchanan (St. Joe), and Jackson (Kansas City) counties. Many parents may opt to keep their children in care in the county in which they are employed rather than their county of residence. It is important to note that this measure of capacity is unable to take into account the number of unlicensed providers caring for 4 or less unrelated children that do not receive state subsidy. Also, while a provider may be licensed for a certain capacity, they may choose to care for fewer children. This might mean a smaller unmet need than is estimated.

Source: OSEDA Step by Step The Growing Need for Childcare - Volume 13, No.4