Can daycare deny us with an exemption?

[natural4mybabies]

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I have researched this and cannot find the answer anywhere...

Can our daycare facility (where we currently have dd) refuse ds even with an exemption form? I will have maternity leave for 12 weeks but after that, I have to put him in daycare and go back to work. Do they have the right to refuse him even with an exemption? I am just so apprehensive that this may be a struggle since they are so strict with their policies...

TIA!

[CallMeMommy]

Depends on the state. In most states if the daycare accepts any federal/state money at all they have to accept legal exemptions, but off the top of my head I know Colorado, for instance, is a little bit trickier.

[natural4mybabies]

We are in MO, not sure if all daycares except state money or not?

[CallMeMommy]

Here's Missouri's statute: http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C200-299/2100000003.HTM

It includes daycares, and says exemptions are available at the department of health. If the daycare has a food program or offers a sliding scale rate (or has waivers for low-income parents where the parents pay a part of the fee and the state pays the rest) then you know they accept state money.

[natural4mybabies]

Thank you!!!!!!