Educating and Expanding the Child Care Workforce for Missouri
RISE-MO
Affordable child care strengthens families, workplaces, and communities.
How Does the Child Care Crisis Affect Communities?
$8,100
The Annual Cost of Care:
The average family spends $8,100 a year on child care—equivalent to 14% of median household income.
66%
Infant and Toddler Care Availability:
Although 66% of programs are licensed to care for infants and toddlers, parents still face waitlists, limited hours, and a shortage of available care.
28%
Child Care Challenges Affect Employment:
More than one in four families say child care challenges have forced someone to leave, turn down, or change jobs.
Growing the next generation of early childhood educators.
The RISE-MO Vision
At RISE-MO, we believe the future begins with the people who nurture these earliest years. Through RISE-MO, we’re cultivating a new vision for early childhood education—one where every educator has the preparation, support, and career pathways to thrive, every family has the opportunity to flourish, and every community can reach its full potential.
By connecting education, professional growth, and community partnerships, we’re building more than a workforce. We’re cultivating the next generation of leaders, strengthening the foundation of lifelong learning, and creating a future where opportunity grows from one generation to the next.
Because when we invest in those who shape a child’s beginning, we help shape everything that follows. Together, we’re helping Missouri’s youngest learners thrive and creating a future where every child has the opportunity to rise.
Ready to advance your early childhood career?
Our Programs
No matter where you are on your journey, Mizzou has a program for you. Whether you're just getting started with our CDA Prep Program, ready to advance with our Early Child Care Leadership Certificates or looking to make everyday interactions more meaningful through Mini Moments, Big Impact, our fully online programs are designed to fit your goals—and your schedule.
Mini Moments, Big Impact: Early Childhood Tips
Looking for practical, engaging strategies you can use right away in your classroom? Mini Moments, Big Impact is a free, fully online course developed by the Center for Family Policy and Research to help early childhood professionals apply proven tips and techniques while earning MOPD clock hour credit and digital badges to showcase your learning.
CDA Prep Program
Prepare for the nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential—the most widely accepted certification in early childhood education. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to advance, this program helps you build essential skills, boost your confidence, and meet job qualifications.
Early Child Care Leadership Certificates
Choose the path that fits your goals. The Child Care Director Certificate equips you with the skills to lead and manage high-quality child care programs, while the Business of Child Care Certificate prepares you to successfully launch, operate, and sustain child care programs.
Early Childhood Education in a Mobile Society
Our online option in Early Childhood Education in a Mobile Society prepares educators to work with diverse groups of young children, families, and communities.
How Can You Build Early Career Pathways for Students?
Our Career Exploration Curriculum
Designed for middle and high school students, our career exploration program provides ready-to-use resources that help students discover their potential, develop foundational skills, and prepare for careers nurturing Missouri’s youngest learners.
