Families
Finding childcare shouldn’t feel overwhelming. The United for Childcare Resource Center is here to make the process easier, clearer, and more supportive for every family. Whether you need help finding available openings, understanding subsidies, or navigating a major life change, our team walks alongside you each step of the way.
Community Resource Center
The Childcare Resource Center is a community hub designed to help families find, afford, and keep quality childcare so work and education can stay on track.
This center is powered by AmeriCorps members who provide free, one-on-one support to families, childcare providers, and employers. Our AmeriCorps Childcare Planning Specialists meet with you personally to understand your needs and walk alongside you every step of the way.
Whether you are searching for childcare for the first time, struggling to afford care, or dealing with a change in work schedule, our team is here to help.
One-on-one childcare planning with a dedicated AmeriCorps member
Help exploring childcare options
Guidance applying for childcare subsidies and understanding eligibility
Support navigating Missouri’s Child Care Works tri-share program
Connections to transportation, employment services, financial coaching, and other supports
Ongoing follow-up with your family
What We Offer
You will work directly with a trained AmeriCorps member who takes the time to listen, answer questions, and build a childcare plan that fits your work hours, budget, and family situation. There is no cost, no pressure, and no one-size-fits-all solution, just personalized support from someone in your community.
Our goal is simple. To remove childcare as a barrier so families can work, stay employed, and move toward long-term stability.
Your Experiance
How It Works
1. Meet with a Childcare Planning Specialist
Start with a conversation—either in person at our downtown Cape Girardeau center or by phone. We’ll learn about your work schedule, childcare needs, budget, and any barriers you’re facing.
2. Build a Childcare and Family Plan
Together, we outline a childcare plan and identify any resources that can help you move toward stability.
3. Get Connected
We guide you through provider options, subsidy programs, and other supports. We’ll help with applications, follow-up steps, and next actions.
4. Stay Supported
Our team continues to check in, answer questions, and help adjust your plan as your situation changes.
Child Care Works
As a Community Program Lead for Missouri’s Child Care Works tri-share program, we help families find affordable childcare while they work or attend school. Child Care Works splits the cost of childcare between the family, their employer, and the state, making monthly childcare expenses more manageable and helping families stay employed and financially stable.
For families, Child Care Works means more consistent childcare, fewer disruptions at work, and peace of mind knowing help is available. Our team provides one-on-one support to help you understand the program, see if you qualify, and guide you through each step of enrollment. We are here to help you find a solution that fits your schedule, your budget, and your family’s needs.
Our Services
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Every family’s schedule, budget, and needs are different. Our Childcare Planning Specialists work with you one-on-one to create a practical childcare plan that fits your work hours, transportation needs, and preferences. We help you explore all types of care—childcare centers, family homes, license-exempt care, and after-school options.
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Childcare subsidies can be confusing. We help you determine whether you qualify, explain the application process, and assist you in completing the paperwork. We also guide you through Missouri’s Child Care Works (tri-share) program, which can significantly reduce the cost of childcare for eligible families.
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We maintain updated information on childcare availability across Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Perry, and Scott counties. Our team helps you identify openings, compare options, and connect directly with providers who meet your family’s needs.
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Childcare is only one part of your family’s journey. We connect you to a network of local supports, including:
Transportation assistance
Employment and training resources
Housing support
Financial coaching and budgeting programs
Family services and community partners
If you’re facing multiple challenges, we help coordinate services in a way that reduces stress and supports long-term stability.
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Your childcare situation may change—work schedules shift, providers fill up, transportation becomes difficult. Our team stays connected with you to help you adjust your plan and stay on track. We are here for quick questions, big changes, and everything in between.