
Tackling the child care challenge
In the Lake of the Ozarks region, there is a shortage of accessible, affordable and high-quality child care. To address this concern, local leaders, educators, employers and residents are invited to Crisis to Collaboration: Tackling the Childcare Challenge, a public panel and workshop on Nov. 12.

Child care gaps cost Missouri $1.15 billion per year, research finds
Child care shortages cost Missouri $1.15 billion annually through lost tax revenue, absenteeism, and limited workforce participation.

Missouri faces a child care crisis
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri is in a child care crisis. Like broadband, child care is at the heart of so much that affects a family’s livelihood and opportunities. Just as MU Extension has worked to improve statewide broadband access, we’re addressing Missouri’s child care crisis, too.
Serving children with differing abilities, Unearth Potential - Joplin, MO
Providing ABA therapy and support to children with autism, ADHD, and developmental delays while aiding families and caregivers.
Supporting Families in Your Community
Children are shaped by their earliest experiences and relationships. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as child abuse and neglect, can cause high levels of stress.
Happy, Mad, Sad, Glad: Helping Children Identify their Emotions
As summer comes to an end and plans for the school year unfold the children in your life might feel a wide range of emotions. It is our role as adults to help children identify those emotions. We can also model to children how to appropriately express our feelings. Children deal with many of the same emotions adult do.
Parenting with Resilience
Parents often find themselves stressed by everyday words and thoughts. As they navigate their daily lives thoughts like “where did the time go”, “I feel exhausted”, and moments of “I’ll get to that later” or “I can do all of this at the same time” can overwhelm them. They find themselves in autopilot routines and jumping from one activity to another.
The benefits of outdoor play for children
Outdoor play boosts children’s physical, social, and cognitive skills while sparking curiosity and confidence.
Helping children develop good health habits
Parents play an important role in helping their children develop good health habits. Healthy children eat well, live a physically active life and feel good about themselves and others.
Healthy habits for your preschool-aged child
Preschool is a good time to help your child develop good eating habits. Because your child is with you most of the time, it is easier to influence their food choices. Keep in mind that the eating habits learned during this time can be carried into the future.
Teaching children the value of chores
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Families that work together and share responsibilities raise children who understand the value of work, said a University of Missouri human development specialist. “Giving children jobs around the home helps parents and teaches children they are important cogs in the household wheel,” said Kris Jenkins. “Chores help children learn to take pride in their work and gain self-respect.”
Overscheduled children under stress
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Adults often complain about the stresses of daily life in our fast-paced society, but children are not immune to the effects of an overscheduled lifestyle, said a University of Missouri Extension human development specialist. Scheduling time at home for the family to relax and play together when there are no plans, no pushing and no hurrying is essential, said Lisa Wallace.
8 reasons young children misbehave
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–You're in the middle of a crowded grocery story and your 3-year-old grabs a candy bar from the shelf. You quietly tell him to put it back. He screams at the top of his lungs and throws himself on the floor. You feel that all eyes are on you and you want to become invisible. Most parents probably remember moments like that.