For over 50 years the
City of Columbia has been committed to providing public health services through its
Health Department.
These services prevent epidemics and the spread of disease, protect against environmental hazards, promote healthy behaviors, prevent injuries and illness, assure the quality and accessibility of health services and monitor the health of the population.
What do I need to do to open a daycare?
- contact the Bureau of Childcare district office
- 1500 Vandiver Drive - Columbia, MO
- 573-882-9399
- the Columbia/Boone County Health Department performs required inspections, but is not involved in the process of licensing daycares
Which daycares must be licensed?
- daycare centers
- home daycares caring for more than 4 children that are not related to the caregiver
Which daycares are inspected?
- licensed home daycares
- daycare centers
- group homes
- license-exempt centers
How often are daycares inspected?
- home daycares - 1 time per year
- daycare centers - 3 times per year
- daycare centers are also required to meet Food Code regulations
What is looked for during an inspection?
- compliance with sanitation requirements, such as:
- proper cleaning and sanitization of diaper changing surfaces
- proper handwashing procedures
- testing of water temperatures to prevent scalding
Return to the Columbia/Boone County Health Department Homepage
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