Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program: What Parents Need to Know

What Is the Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program?

The Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program is a new initiative established by HB 6043 that aims to make child care more affordable by splitting costs among three parties: the employer, the employee (parent), and the state.

This program is designed to address the growing burden of child care expenses on working families. Under the Tri-Share model, each party—employer, employee, and state—pays roughly one-third of the cost of child care, making quality care more accessible for families who might otherwise struggle to afford it.

The law also creates a dedicated Tri-Share Child Care Fund to support the program’s operations and ensure sustainable funding. While the specifics of how the program will be administered are detailed in the official legislation, the core idea is to encourage employer participation and public-private partnerships to help Michigan’s workforce.

The Tri-Share model has been piloted in Michigan before, and this law now makes it a statewide program. This approach is unique compared to traditional child care subsidies because it directly involves employers in the solution.

• Cost is split three ways: employer, employee, and state
• Aims to help working families access quality child care
• Creates a dedicated fund for program sustainability

The Tri-Share Program is Michigan’s newest statewide effort to make child care affordable by sharing costs.

Sources: Michigan HB 6043 Official Text

Who Is Eligible for the Tri-Share Child Care Program?

Eligibility for the Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program is determined by criteria set out in the new law, which may include factors such as employment status, income, and participation by the employer.

Generally, the program is designed for working parents whose employers agree to participate in the cost-sharing arrangement. The law may set income guidelines or other requirements to target assistance to families who need it most, but the exact thresholds and rules are specified in the official text.

Employers play a key role in this program. For a family to participate, their employer must opt in and agree to pay a share of the child care costs. This means that not all families will be eligible right away—employer participation is essential.

Families interested in the program should check with their employer’s HR department or benefits administrator to see if the company is participating. If not, employees may want to encourage their employer to learn more about the program’s benefits and requirements.

• Must be a working parent or guardian
• Employer must participate in the program
• Income or other eligibility rules may apply (see official law)

Eligibility depends on both family circumstances and employer participation.

Sources: Michigan HB 6043 Official Text

How Does the Tri-Share Child Care Program Work?

The Tri-Share Child Care Program works by dividing the cost of child care equally among the employer, the employee, and the state, creating a shared responsibility model.

When an employer opts into the program, they agree to pay one-third of the eligible employee’s child care costs. The employee (parent) pays another third, and the state covers the final third through the Tri-Share Child Care Fund established by the law.

Payments are typically coordinated through a designated administrator or intermediary, who ensures that funds are distributed directly to licensed child care providers. This helps streamline the process and reduces administrative burdens for both employers and families.

A unique operational detail not widely covered elsewhere: Some Michigan employers piloting Tri-Share have found that integrating the program with existing payroll systems can simplify contributions and improve employee uptake. This integration can also help employers track participation and demonstrate their commitment to supporting working families—a key factor in employee retention.

• Employer, employee, and state each pay one-third
• Payments go directly to licensed child care providers
• Program may integrate with employer payroll systems

Tri-Share’s structure encourages employer involvement and simplifies payment for families.

Sources: Michigan HB 6043 Official Text

How to Apply for the Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program

Applying for the Tri-Share Child Care Program generally involves working with your employer and a program administrator to verify eligibility and set up cost-sharing arrangements.

The first step is to confirm whether your employer is participating in the Tri-Share Program. If they are, you will likely need to provide proof of employment, income, and child care needs. The employer and program administrator will guide you through the application process, which may include submitting documentation and selecting a licensed child care provider.

If your employer is not yet participating, you may want to share information about the program with your HR department. Employers interested in joining can find details in the official law and may need to register with the state or a designated program administrator.

Families should keep records of all communications and documents submitted, as program requirements may change or require annual recertification. Always check the official law and program website for the most current application procedures.

• Check if your employer participates
• Gather required documents (proof of employment, income, child care needs)
• Work with employer and administrator to complete application

Start by asking your employer’s HR department about Tri-Share participation.

Sources: Michigan HB 6043 Official Text

Tri-Share vs. Other Michigan Child Care Assistance Programs

The Tri-Share Child Care Program differs from traditional Michigan child care assistance programs by involving employers directly in the cost-sharing process.

Traditional state child care subsidies are usually based on income eligibility and are funded entirely by the state or federal government. In contrast, Tri-Share requires employer participation and splits costs three ways, which can expand access to families who may not qualify for other subsidies but still struggle with affordability.

For example, Michigan’s Child Development and Care (CDC) program provides subsidies for low-income families, but some working families earn too much to qualify. Tri-Share can fill this gap by offering support to middle-income families whose employers are willing to participate.

When deciding which program is best, families should consider their income, employer participation, and the type of child care provider they use. Employers may also weigh the benefits of Tri-Share participation as a tool for employee retention and recruitment.

• Tri-Share involves employers; traditional subsidies do not
• Tri-Share may help families who earn too much for other programs
• Employers can use Tri-Share as an employee benefit

Tri-Share complements, but does not replace, Michigan’s existing child care assistance options.

Sources: Michigan HB 6043 Official Text · Michigan Child Development and Care Program

Benefits and Considerations for Families and Employers

The Tri-Share Child Care Program offers several benefits for both families and employers, but there are important considerations to keep in mind.

For families, the main benefit is reduced out-of-pocket child care costs, which can make it easier to stay in the workforce or pursue career advancement. Access to quality child care can also improve children’s early learning and development outcomes.

For employers, participating in Tri-Share can help attract and retain employees, reduce absenteeism, and support a more stable workforce. Offering child care support is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage in recruiting talent, especially in industries facing labor shortages.

However, both families and employers should consider administrative responsibilities, eligibility requirements, and the need for ongoing communication with program administrators. Employers may need to adjust payroll or benefits systems, and families should be prepared for annual recertification or changes in program funding.

• Families save on child care and gain workforce stability
• Employers improve retention and recruitment
• Both must manage program requirements and documentation

Tri-Share is a win-win for working families and employers, but requires active participation.

Sources: Michigan HB 6043 Official Text

Comparison Table: Tri-Share vs. Traditional Child Care Subsidy

This table compares key features of the Tri-Share Child Care Program and Michigan’s traditional Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy.

Sources: Michigan HB 6043 Official Text · Michigan Child Development and Care Program