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State, businesses call awareness to innovative child care funding model

Childcare facility
Flickr
Childcare facility

A group of state officials and business leaders is calling for more investment in a statewide child care program with a unique funding model.

Michigan launched Tri-Share Child Care as a pilot program in early 2021 to stem the loss of employees who couldn’t afford day care services.

The program splits that cost between the state, the employee and the employer.

Employees whose income falls within 200 and 325 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible.

Denise Smith directs Hope Starts Here, an early childhood advocacy program in Detroit. She says low wages and staff shortages are hurting the child care industry.

“There are child care deserts out there but Tri-Share can be an oasis for parents who need assistance in answering their child care questions and helping find solutions.”

Tri-Share operates through a series of child care hubs across the state. Organizers hope to expand to all 83 Michigan counties by fiscal year 2024.

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