Caring for children for pay in a Clay County home requires a license from the Missouri DESE Office of Childhood once you exceed six children. Six or fewer, including three or fewer under age two, is license-exempt.
Home-based child care in Missouri is licensed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Office of Childhood, which took over child care regulation from the Department of Health and Senior Services in 2021. Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 210.211, it is unlawful to operate a child care facility without a DESE license, except for a person caring for six or fewer children, including no more than three under age two. A licensed family child care home faces background checks, ratios, safety training, and inspections. In unincorporated Clay County the home must also meet county zoning; cities add their own zoning review.
Operating an unlicensed home over the six-child exemption violates § 210.211; DESE can seek an injunction and penalties to close it, and each day of unlicensed operation is a separate offense.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Clay County, MO
Clay County requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Clay County, MO
Clay County requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Clay County, MO
Clay County restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nui...
Clay County, MO
Clay County restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety.
Clay County, MO
Clay County may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
Clay County, MO
Clay County limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to pro...
See how Clay County's home daycare rules stack up against other locations.
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