One State Rolled Out a Promising Child Care Model. Now Others Are Replicating It.

By Emily Tate Sullivan 

Ed Surge

Original Article

Summary

The article discusses the adoption and replication of a promising childcare model called "Tri-Share" in multiple states across the United States. Last month, representatives from Michigan, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia gathered on Zoom to share insights about the Tri-Share program, which was initially launched in Michigan in 2021.

Tri-Share is a cost-sharing model where the state government, employers, and employees each contribute one-third of the cost of child care. The goal is to make child care more affordable for families, improve employee retention, and encourage more people, especially women, to re-enter the workforce.

Michigan, where the program originated, is preparing to take Tri-Share statewide, with the aim of reaching an estimated 5,000 families by 2028. Other states, including New York, North Carolina, and Kentucky, have secured funding for their versions of the program.

Each state is experimenting with slightly different variations of the model, but the overarching objective remains the same. In Kentucky, for example, the program is known as the Employee Child Care Assistance Program (ECCAP). It addresses the gap in childcare assistance for families earning just above the threshold covered by the state's childcare subsidy program.

Kentucky's ECCAP program does not have a fixed employer contribution, and benefits taper off as family income increases. The state passed legislation for ECCAP in 2022, with an initial funding of $15 million. As of January 1, 35 employers were participating, contributing to the childcare costs of 133 children.

North Carolina's Tri-Share program is still in the early stages of development, with a two-year pilot funded by a $900,000 grant from the state general assembly. The program will launch officially in June or July, utilizing regional hubs as intermediaries between the state, employers, and employees.

The article highlights the challenges faced by local implementations, such as eligibility criteria, income caps, and the need for available child care in communities. Despite these challenges, stakeholders remain committed to finding innovative solutions to reduce costs for working families and expand access to child care.

Overall, the Tri-Share model is gaining traction as a potential solution to address the childcare affordability crisis and support families, and educators may find value in understanding the different approaches and adaptations being explored by various states.

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