KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The City of Kalamazoo has partnered with Southwest Child Care Resources to improve access to childcare through the State’s Tri-Share cost-sharing program.
According to officials, the program shares the cost of childcare between the State, employer, and employee, which they say is designed to make childcare much more affordable for families.
They go onto say that Tri-Share is a voluntary program and is generally only available to families that work at a participating employer. But through this partnership, the City of Kalamazoo will cover the employer’s share of the childcare costs, opening the program to any eligible families that need childcare in Kalamazoo.
The City of Kalamazoo has committed $190,000 over three years to expand access to childcare through Tri-Share.
The funding is provided by the Foundation for Excellence and awarded through the Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo (SPK) Initiative. In the Kalamazoo area, Tri-Share is facilitated by Southwest Child Care Resources.
SPK Coordinator for the City Kevin Ford expressed enthusiasm about the Tri-Share Program, saying, “Investing in our children’s early development and supporting working families is a top priority for the City of Kalamazoo. The Tri-Share Program represents a significant step towards enhancing childcare access and affordability, fostering economic growth, and creating a brighter future for all our families.”
The goals of the Tri-Share program are increased access to quality childcare, affordability for working families, and supporting workforce retention and development.
“We saw a great opportunity here to expand this program to more people in need of affordable childcare,” continued Ford. “Children have a place to learn and develop and parents can go to work knowing their children are safe and cared for.”
Interested childcare providers, employers, and families can learn more about the Tri-Share Program at www.michigan.gov/tri-share.
Additional information, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and contact details, can be found via the facilitator at www.ccr4kids.org/trishare.
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