Set Up a Tri-Share Program

A comprehensive guide for employers, government agencies, and community organizations

Getting Started

Whether you're an employer looking to offer child care benefits, a government agency seeking to launch a statewide program, or a community organization building a coalition, this guide provides the roadmap to implement a successful tri-share child care program.

🏢 For Employers

Join an existing state program or create your own duo-share benefit

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🏛️ For Government

Launch a statewide or regional tri-share program

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🤝 For Organizations

Build coalitions and advocate for tri-share in your community

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🏢 For Employers: Joining or Creating a Program

Option 1: Join an Existing State Program

If your state has an active tri-share program, joining is straightforward:

1

Check Program Availability

Visit your state's page to confirm an active program exists and review eligibility requirements.

2

Contact the Program Administrator

Reach out to your state's designated administrator (often a regional prosperity organization, community foundation, or state agency).

3

Complete Employer Agreement

Sign a participation agreement committing to contribute your share (typically one-third of child care costs for enrolled employees).

4

Communicate to Employees

Announce the benefit to your workforce and provide application information. The program administrator typically handles employee enrollment.

5

Begin Contributions

Make monthly or quarterly payments to the program. Most programs invoice employers based on enrolled employees.

Option 2: Create a Duo-Share Program

If your state doesn't have a tri-share program, you can implement a duo-share model where the employer and employee split costs without government funding. Learn more about duo-share →

💼 Employer Cost-Benefit Analysis

Before implementing, calculate your potential ROI:

  • Average cost of employee turnover: 50-200% of annual salary
  • Child care-related absenteeism: Costs employers $3 billion annually
  • Typical employer contribution: $300-500/month per enrolled employee
  • Tax deduction: 100% of contributions as business expense
Calculate Your ROI →

🏛️ For Government: Launching a Statewide Program

Phase 1: Research & Planning (3-6 months)

Task Description Key Stakeholders
Needs Assessment Survey employers, families, and providers to understand local child care challenges Economic development agencies, chambers of commerce
Model Selection Study existing programs (Michigan, NC, Kentucky) and adapt to local context Policy staff, child care advocates
Funding Strategy Identify funding sources: state budget, ARPA funds, grants, private foundations Budget office, legislators
Legal Framework Draft legislation or administrative rules as needed Legal counsel, legislative staff

Phase 2: Program Design (2-4 months)

  • Eligibility criteria: Define income limits (typically 200-300% FPL), employment requirements, geographic scope
  • Cost-sharing formula: Standard is 33/33/33, but some programs adjust based on income
  • Provider requirements: Licensing standards, quality ratings, payment rates
  • Administration model: Direct state administration vs. regional intermediaries
  • Technology platform: Application portal, payment processing, reporting systems

Phase 3: Pilot Launch (6-12 months)

Most successful programs start with a regional pilot before statewide expansion:

  • Select 2-3 pilot regions with strong employer interest
  • Recruit 10-20 employers for initial cohort
  • Enroll 50-200 families in first year
  • Collect data on outcomes: retention, absenteeism, family satisfaction
  • Refine processes based on pilot learnings

Phase 4: Statewide Expansion

With proven pilot results, scale the program:

  • Secure ongoing legislative appropriation
  • Establish regional hubs or intermediary organizations
  • Launch marketing and employer recruitment campaigns
  • Build provider network across all regions
  • Implement continuous improvement processes

📊 Funding Benchmarks

Based on existing state programs:

Program Size Annual State Investment Families Served
Small Pilot $500K - $1M 100-200 families
Regional Program $2M - $5M 500-1,000 families
Statewide Program $10M - $50M+ 2,000-10,000+ families

🤝 For Community Organizations: Building Support

Coalition Building Strategy

Successful tri-share programs require broad coalitions. Key partners to engage:

🏭
Employers

Chambers of commerce, industry associations, major employers

👨‍👩‍👧
Families

Parent groups, advocacy organizations, unions

🏫
Providers

Child care associations, Head Start, family child care networks

🏛️
Government

Legislators, economic development, workforce boards

💰
Funders

Community foundations, United Way, corporate philanthropy

📰
Media

Local news, business journals, social media influencers

Advocacy Toolkit

  • Economic impact data: Calculate local child care costs, workforce impacts, employer turnover
  • Success stories: Gather testimonials from families and employers in other states
  • Model legislation: Adapt bills from Michigan, North Carolina, or other states
  • Media strategy: Op-eds, press releases, social media campaigns
  • Legislative meetings: Coordinate visits with key committee members

📚 Implementation Resources

Model Program Examples

Calculators & Tools

Need Expert Guidance?

Our team has helped launch tri-share and duo-share programs across the country. Get personalized support for your implementation.

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