How CCAMO Is Helping Launch Missouri’s First Statewide Tri-Share Child Care Program

There’s a narrow income range where child care becomes especially hard to afford. Many families earn enough to be financially independent, but not enough to cover the full cost of licensed care for infants and toddlers. At the same time, rising tuition, limited availability, and strict eligibility rules for traditional subsidies leave working parents with few options to rely on for child care services.

This growing strain between child care costs and family income has become a statewide workforce issue. In response to this, Missouri Child Care Works offers a new solution, one that shares responsibility among families, employers, and funding partners. Coordinated statewide by Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO), the Tri-Share model makes child care more affordable and supports workforce stability across the state.

To see why this model is needed, it’s important to understand why child care costs have become such a challenge for Missouri families in the first place.

Why Missouri Child Care Costs Are a Challenge for Families

Child care in Missouri can take up a large portion of a family’s income. Many families pay hundreds of dollars each week for infant and toddler care; in some cases, the cost is nearly as much as the monthly rent.

The costs of child care are high because providers must meet the licensing standards, hire trained staff, and provide age-appropriate learning materials. These operational costs are passed on to families, driving up weekly tuition.

Limited availability of care slots also drives up prices. In many counties, especially rural areas or neighborhoods identified as child care deserts, there are simply not enough providers to meet demand. Families may have to travel long distances, juggle multiple centers, or wait months for a spot.

What Is the Missouri Tri-Share Child Care Program?

The Missouri Tri-Share Child Care Program, Missouri Child Care Works, is the state’s first program to share the cost of child care among three partners: families, employers, and state government or philanthropic funders. Instead of families paying the full tuition themselves, each partner contributes a portion, making quality child care more affordable and predictable.

This structure helps make quality child care approachable for working families who struggle to cover licensed care, while also supporting providers by spreading the responsibility across partners. This model creates a balanced way to pay for care.

How Tri-Share differs from traditional child care assistance

Traditional assistance programs are usually based on strict income limits and are fully funded by public dollars. The limited funding leaves out families who are outside the eligibility requirements. Tri-share fills that gap. It’s designed to specifically reduce the financial burden on families who earn just over the subsidy limits and are looking for stable care for their child.

Another difference is how employers participate in child care. Rather than treating it as a family-only responsibility, Tri-share recognizes it as a workforce issue. Employers contribute to helping employees stay focused and engaged at work.

What This Program Means for Child Care Providers

While affordability is usually discussed from the family’s side, Missouri Child Care Works addresses the existing challenges faced by child care providers.

Expanding Access Without Increasing Financial Stress

Tri-Share expands access by bringing new families into the system and allowing providers to maintain the tuition rates, thereby not compromising on quality care.

This also helps providers plan budgets and resources. With about $2.5 million in funding from the Children’s Trust Fund backing the program statewide, providers receive consistent revenue. This allows them to hire and retain trained staff, and expand capacity for more children without compromising quality.

Supporting Stable Enrollment and Community Trust

By spreading child care costs across multiple contributors, Tri-Share makes care more affordable for parents. This reduces financial disruptions and allows families to maintain a steady enrollment process.

Now with stable enrollment and reliable payments, providers can easily plan staffing, keep classrooms open, and maintain quality care. Creating a trustworthy and dependable child care community

How CCAMO Is Leading Missouri’s Statewide Tri-Share Initiative

Child Care Aware of Missouri serves as the central coordinator for Missouri’s Tri-Share Child Care Program, bringing together families, child care providers, employers, and funding partners. Selected by the Children’s Trust Fund of Missouri, CCAMO uses its existing network and expertise to design, manage, and scale the program across the state.

Using Technology Partnerships to Coordinate Tri-Share Across Missouri

Statewide coordination requires the right technology to connect families, providers, and employers. CCAMO partnered with TOOTRiS, a national child care technology platform, to manage enrollment, eligibility, payments, and communication in one centralized system.

This digital system makes it easier for employers and providers to manage the program, especially for small and mid-sized businesses. For families, it simplifies the process of finding care and accessing Tri-Share support.

Conclusion: The Future of Child Care Access in Missouri

Missouri Child Care Works represents a shift in how child care is viewed and supported across the state. By sharing responsibility among families, employers, and funding partners, the program costs can be cut up to 75%. The Tri-Share model recognizes that child care is an important structure for both families and the economy.

With Child Care Aware of Missouri coordinating the statewide efforts, Tri-Share lays the groundwork to improve child care access and help Missouri’s workforce.

FAQ

How can I reduce my child care costs as a working parent in Missouri?
Tri-Share helps lower your child care costs by sharing payments between families, employers, and funding partners. This can reduce your weekly or monthly child care expenses.

Can Tri-Share help families who don’t qualify for traditional child care subsidies?
Yes, Tri-Share is designed for families who earn too much to qualify for state subsidies but still face high child care costs. By sharing the cost with partners, you gain access to affordable care.

How do I find a licensed child care provider that accepts Tri-Share?
You can search CCAMO’s referral network or contact our team to find participating licensed providers near you.

How does the Tri-Share program work in areas with limited child care options?
CCAMO partners with local providers and employers to make care accessible, even in counties identified as child care deserts. Tri-share makes sure families receive affordable options.

How much can families save with Tri-Share child care?
On average, families can save up to 75% on child care costs, depending on contributions from employers and funding partners.