Childhood Office Now Open

Missouri’s new Office of Childhood has opened for business. It consolidates nearly all of the state’s early childhood programs about early learning, afterschool activities, child care, home visiting, and early intervention. During a Missouri House committee hearing Wednesday, Doctor Pam Thomas, who leads the office, talks about one of the reasons the office was created.

Governor Parson signed an executive order earlier this year to consolidate early childhood programs from the departments of education, social services, health, and senior services in one office. The office has about 150 employees.