JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, is leading a significant legislative effort aimed at reducing bureaucratic roadblocks within the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Her legislation would simplify the process for already-licensed child care facilities to expand their services through allowing for more children or opening new locations. 

“Families are the bedrock of our society, and parents need access to safe and secure child care facilities for their kids,” Sen. Coleman said. “This legislation is a critical step forward in ensuring that need is met without being hindered by an overly complex licensing process.”

Senator Coleman’s Senate Bill 571 addresses long-standing concerns from child care providers and parents about the inefficiencies and delays in obtaining approval for expansion, which have constrained access to child care in many communities across the state. Senate Bill 571 would eliminate unnecessary red tape and allow qualified facilities to more quickly respond to the growing demand for safe, secure and reliable child care. 

The legislation would grant a temporary license for new or expanded facilities to child care providers who already hold a license to operate a facility. The license would be valid for one year while DESE goes through the process of approving a permanent license.

To learn more about Sen. Coleman, please visit her official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Coleman.