Mo. Rev. Stat. § 210.251: State and federal funds to be made available to centers to upgrade standards — at-risk children program, limitation on requirements.

1. Financial incentives shall be provided by the department of elementary and secondary education through the child development block grant and other public moneys for child-care facilities wishing to upgrade their standard of care and which meet quality standards.

2. The department of health and senior services shall make federal funds available to licensed or inspected child-care centers pursuant to federal law as set forth in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, 42 U.S.C. Section 1766.

3. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in the administration of the program for at-risk children through the Child and Adult Care Food Program, 42 U.S.C. Section 1766, this state shall not have requirements that are stricter than federal regulations for participants in such program. Child care facilities shall not be required to be licensed child care providers to participate in such federal program so long as minimum health and safety standards are met and documented.