What is a Tri-Share Child Care Program?
Tri-Share is a public-private partnership that makes child care affordable for working families who earn too much for traditional subsidies but still struggle with the cost. Instead of one party bearing the full burden, the bill is divided three ways — and in many states, your employer's share may even be offset by the federal 45F tax credit, making it nearly free for them to participate.
While the classic model is 33% each, some new pilots use a 40% Employer / 40% State / 20% Employee split to further reduce the burden on families.
By clicking Calculate My Tri-Share Costs, I state that I have read and understood the Terms and Conditions. All estimates are based on public data; ultimately your eligibility depends on multiple criteria and will be determined by the specific program administrators.
How Tri-Share Child Care Programs Work
Tri-Share programs typically operate through regional "Facilitator Hubs" that manage the administration between the state, the employer, and the provider. This removes the administrative burden from HR departments.
- Regional hubs identify employer and family needs.
- Employers join the network (often via a Facilitator Hub).
- Employees are verified for eligibility (income limits often apply, e.g., 185-300% FPL).
- Parents select a licensed provider of their choice.
- The Hub aggregates funds and pays the provider directly. The employee's share is usually deducted via payroll.
