Active Regional Pilots (2026)
Wisconsin Child Care Cost-Sharing & Regional Tri-Share Pilots
Wisconsin has relaunched Tri-Share pilots in Green Bay and Wausau. Employers statewide can leverage the 2026 Federal 45F Credit for near-zero net cost.
2026
Program Year
Active
Program Status
45F
Federal Credit Available
All
Employers Eligible
βοΈ How the Cost Split Works
Employer Pays
~33%
of total tuition
Wisconsin Pays
~33%
state match
Parent Pays
~33%
of total tuition
π The Wisconsin Savings Stack
Stack available Wisconsin programs with the Federal 45F Tax Credit for maximum employer savings.
| Benefit Layer | Small Business (<$32M) | Large Business |
|---|---|---|
| State Program Benefit | Varies by program | Varies by program |
| Federal 45F Credit (2026) | 50% Tax Credit | 40% Tax Credit |
| Net Employer Cost | Significantly Reduced | Significantly Reduced |
π° Real-World Employer Savings
| Cost Component | Without Program | With State + 45F Stack |
|---|---|---|
| Annual child care cost (per employee) | $12,000 | $12,000 |
| State Program Benefit | $0 | Varies |
| Employee Share | $0 | Reduced |
| Employer Share | $12,000 | Reduced |
| Federal 45F Credit (50% of employer share) | $0 | Significant savings |
| Net Employer Cost | $12,000 | Significantly Lower |
π Available Programs & Incentives
Wisconsin YoungStar Quality Rating + Employer Grants
State Program
Quality ratings and employer grants for child care
Eligibility: Wisconsin employers and licensed providers
Wisconsin Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
State Subsidy
Sliding-scale co-pay based on income
Eligibility: Families at or below 185% FPL
Federal Section 45F Credit
Federal Tax Credit
Up to 50% of employer costs (max $600K/yr)
Eligibility: All U.S. employers with qualifying child care expenses
Wisconsin Early Childhood Excellence Initiative
State Program
Quality improvement and workforce development
Eligibility: Licensed Wisconsin child care providers
Duo-Share (Employer + Employee)
Employer Benefit
Flexible split β employer covers 25β75%
Eligibility: Any Wisconsin employer, no state program required
π Geographic Coverage
Major Cities Served
County Coverage
Green Bay and Wausau are the primary pilot hubs. All 72 Wisconsin counties are eligible for the regional pilot programs (200-300% FPL target).
β Frequently Asked Questions
YoungStar is Wisconsin's quality rating and improvement system for child care providers. It also includes employer grants to help Wisconsin businesses provide child care benefits to employees.
Yes β all Wisconsin employers can claim the Federal Section 45F Credit regardless of state program participation. This covers up to 50% of employer child care contributions, up to $600,000 per year.
Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha have the highest employer participation rates. YoungStar grants are available statewide.
Wisconsin does not have a formal Tri-Share program. However, YoungStar employer grants create a strong incentive. We recommend a Duo-Share model β contact us for a free consultation.
Wisconsin's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) serves families at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Contact Wisconsin DCF for current income thresholds.
The Early Childhood Excellence Initiative provides quality improvement grants, workforce development, and technical assistance to licensed Wisconsin child care providers.
Contact the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families at dcf.wisconsin.gov for grant application information and deadlines.
π References & Sources
Last Updated: March 1, 2026