Exempt status
What exempt means
In Missouri, a church can run a child care program without a state license. Cushion is one of those programs.
The exemption
Missouri law exempts child care run by a church or other religious organization from state child care licensing. Cushion is run by Cornerstone Church, so the state does not license it, and we never call Cushion licensed.
What we do anyway
We hold ourselves to commitments of our own: a set number of children for each teacher in every room, staff background checks and daily routines. They are in our words, and you can ask to see any of them at the tour.
What we tell you in writing
Before a child starts, every family receives this notice in writing and signs that they have read it. The parent handbook has a copy.
Where to ask the state
The Office of Childhood answers questions about the exemption
DESE Office of Childhood
The part of Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that oversees child care. Ask it what the religious exemption covers and what it does not.
What to ask
Whether a program is exempt from licensing, and what an exempt program is required to tell families.
What to ask us
Anything about the rooms, the handbook or the notice. Madge answers at the tour or by phone.
Parent handbook
Everything in one document you can keep
Hours, illness and pickup rules, what to bring, and the exempt notice we give every family before a child starts.