What Is Tri-Share Child Care?

What Tri-Share means

Tri-Share is a cost-sharing model in which employers, employees and a public or community partner may share eligible child-care costs under a defined local or state program. It is not one national benefit.

Verify local terms first.Program rules determine the service area, participating employers, family eligibility, provider rules, funding and exact cost shares.

What it is not

A state tax credit, a family subsidy, a provider grant and a Tri-Share tuition contribution are different tools. A tax credit is not a direct tuition match, and the federal Section 45F credit does not automatically apply to every employer payment.

Participants in a program

Employer

Benefit sponsor

May contribute under a program agreement or provide a separate benefit.

Employee or family

Program participant

May pay a defined share and meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

Public or community partner

Only when funded

May contribute only where a specific program provides a funded public or community share.

Licensed provider

Care delivery

Often must meet the program’s provider and availability requirements.

Last Updated: September 27, 2026