SHOW ME THE RECORDS: Preschool database available through Education Department

Each week, the Missourian highlights a government record that is available to the public. Open records help people keep government in check and help them better understand how government affects their lives.

For a complete list of Show Me the Records, go to columbiamissourian.com/records.

The records: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education maintains an electronic database of preschool programs. Information includes the licensing date, the capacity of the program and curriculum.
 

Why you'd want them: Curious about whether that preschool on the corner is packing more kids than allowed into its building? Interested in how long your child's preschool has been licensed? Well, here you go.

Where you get the records: Submit a public records request to:  Mark Van Zandt, General Counsel, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102

Sample public records requests can be found here:  rcfp.org and then clik on FOIA Services on the right-hand side of the page.

How much will it cost: Be sure to include a fee waiver request and the information should be free.