Early Progress Found with Cost-Sharing in Missouri
American families continue to struggle to afford child care. In a 2026 national poll conducted on behalf of First Five Years Fund, 80% of voters said working parents’ ability to find and afford child care is in a “state of crisis” or a “major problem.”
Without sufficient federal funding to fill the gap, some states are implementing cost-sharing models — splitting child care costs among families, employers, state and local funding sources, and philanthropic entities — to provide relief.
In Missouri, Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO), in partnership with Kids Win Missouri, has implemented a unique initiative called Missouri Child Care Works (CCW). Just five months after launch, 34 employers are actively participating, with more than 160 seats reserved for employees — 50 of which are already in active use.
The model also helps businesses take advantage of the recently expanded 45F child care tax credit, allowing larger businesses to deduct up to 40% of qualified child care expenses and smaller businesses up to 50%.
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