What's Happening?
Missouri has launched a new child care initiative called Missouri Child Care Works, which is being recognized as a national model for addressing child care shortages. The program, highlighted in a report by the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, is part
of a broader effort to implement shared-cost child care models across the United States. These models, known as Tri-Share, divide child care costs among families, employers, and public or philanthropic partners. The initiative targets working families who earn too much to qualify for traditional subsidies but still struggle to afford market-rate care. Missouri Child Care Works, launched statewide in late 2025 with a $2.5 million appropriation, is administered by Child Care Aware of Missouri in partnership with Kids Win Missouri. Key features include voluntary employer participation, flat monthly employer slot fees, and sliding-scale public and philanthropic support to reduce family costs.
Why It's Important?
The Missouri Child Care Works initiative is significant as it addresses a critical gap in child care subsidies that affects moderate- and middle-income families. By providing a structured model for shared-cost child care, the program aims to reduce workforce instability, employee turnover, and improve labor force participation. The initiative is designed to engage employers in supporting working families, thereby enhancing economic development. The program's design, which includes predictable employer costs and centralized administration, is intended to make participation more accessible for small employers and rural communities. This approach not only supports families but also stabilizes child care providers by consolidating payments, thus contributing to a more robust child care infrastructure.
What's Next?
As Missouri Child Care Works continues to develop, it may serve as a blueprint for other states looking to implement similar shared-cost child care models. The program's success could lead to broader adoption of Tri-Share models nationwide, potentially influencing federal policy on child care subsidies. Stakeholders, including employers, policymakers, and child care providers, will likely monitor the program's outcomes to assess its impact on workforce participation and economic stability. Future adjustments to the program may focus on expanding employer participation and increasing funding to support more families.
