Making Child Care Affordable: How Michigan’s Tri-Share Program Supports Families and Employers
Finding affordable child care is a top concern for families across Livingston County and all of Michigan.
The Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program is a groundbreaking solution that offers real relief by splitting the cost of child care equally among three parties: the employee, the employer, and the State of Michigan. This bipartisan initiative is designed to support working parents, strengthen the workforce, and boost access to quality early childhood care.
What is MI Tri-Share?
MI Tri-Share makes licensed child care more affordable for Michigan families by dividing the cost three ways:
- 1/3 paid by the employee
- 1/3 paid by the employer
- 1/3 paid by the State of Michigan
This unique public-private partnership ensures that families don’t shoulder the full burden of rising child care costs alone.
Who Is Eligible?
Families may qualify if:
- They work for a participating employer
- Their household income is between 200%–325% of the Federal Poverty Level
- They are not eligible for the state’s CDC (Child Development and Care) subsidy
➡️ Want help figuring out if you qualify? Child Care Network, Livingston County’s Tri-Share facilitator hub, can help walk you through it.
Connect with them here: https://www.childcarenetwork.org/trishare
Why It Matters for Livingston County Families
Child care is often one of the highest expenses for families with young children. For families raising children ages 0–8 in Livingston County, this program can cut child care costs by up to 66%. That savings can mean greater financial stability, the ability to remain in the workforce, and peace of mind knowing your child is in a licensed, high-quality care setting.
Benefits for Employers
Tri-Share isn’t just a family-friendly initiative, it’s a workforce solution.
Employers who participate benefit from:
- Better employee retention and recruitment
- Improved productivity and morale
- Stronger reputation as a family-supportive workplace
Local employers who partner with Tri-Share can be part of a broader effort to make Livingston County a great place for families to live and work.
How to Get Started
Livingston County families and employers can connect with their local facilitator hub to explore participation. Child Care Network serves our region and can help assess eligibility, coordinate employer enrollment, and connect families to licensed providers.
Learn More & Apply
Ready to see if the Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program is right for you or your organization?
Visit the official MI Tri-Share website
Connect with the Child Care Network
Learn more and get started with MI Tri-Share
One of the biggest barriers for working parents is the cost of child care, resulting in some parents leaving the workforce. MI Tri-Share, an innovative bipartisan program, was created to change that.
Once you Tri it, you’ll love it!
Through MI Tri-Share, the cost of an employee’s licensed child care is shared equally among the employer, the employee and the State of Michigan — a three-way split. With MI Tri-Share, parents can go to work knowing that their kids are safe, cared for and have the opportunity to succeed.
