Mo. Rev. Stat. § 210.258: Religious organizations operating facility, no interference permitted with curriculum, personnel or selection of children — discipline policies, explanation required for parent.

The provisions of this section and section 210.259 apply to a child care facility maintained or operated under the exclusive control of a religious organization. Nothing in sections 210.252 to 210.257 shall be construed to authorize the department of elementary and secondary education or any other governmental entity:

(1) To interfere with the program, curriculum, ministry, teaching or instruction offered in a child care facility;

(2) To interfere with the selection, certification, minimal formal educational degree requirements, supervision or terms of employment of a facility's personnel;

(3) To interfere with the selection of individuals sitting on any governing board of a child care facility;

(4) To interfere with the selection of children enrolled in a child care facility; or

(5) To prohibit the use of corporal punishment. However, the department of elementary and secondary education may require the child care facility to provide the parent or guardian enrolling a child in the facility a written explanation of the disciplinary philosophy and policies of the child care facility.

Nothing in subdivisions (2) and (3) of this section shall be interpreted to relieve a child care facility of its duties and obligations under section 210.1080, or to interfere with the department's duties and obligations under said section.