Missouri Child Care Works Featured in New Buffett Institute Report on Shared-Cost Child Care Models
JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Missouri Child Care Works, a statewide child care cost-sharing initiative collaboratively administered by Kids Win Missouri and Child Care Aware of Missouri, has been featured in a new policy report from the Buffett Early Childhood Institute titled From Pilot to Policy: Lessons Learned from Five Tri-Share Models.
The report highlights innovative Tri-Share child care models from across the country, including initiatives in Michigan, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, and Rapid City, South Dakota. The Tri-Share approach brings together employers, families, and public and/or philanthropic partners to share the cost of child care, making quality care more affordable for working families while supporting workforce participation.
Missouri Child Care Works is recognized in the report for its role in advancing this collaborative model. The program is administered by Kids Win Missouri, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the well-being of Missouri’s children and families through policy, advocacy, and partnerships.
“Tri-Share is a practical solution to one of the biggest barriers working families face—affording reliable child care. When employers and public partners share costs with families, it strengthens both families’ economic security and the workforce. Missouri’s Child Care Works program reflects how thoughtful design and cross-sector collaboration can make this approach work for families and employers across the state,” said Linda Smith, Senior Director of Policy at the Buffett Early Childhood Institute and author of the report.
Missouri Child Care Works helps reduce the financial burden of child care by sharing costs among participating families, employers, and public partners. The program aims to support working parents, increase labor force participation, and promote economic stability across Missouri.
The Buffett Institute’s report is intended to inform policymakers, business leaders, and advocates seeking practical insights into how shared-cost child care models can move from pilot programs to sustainable public policy.
About Missouri Child Care Works
Missouri Child Care Works is a child care cost-sharing program that helps make quality child care more affordable for working families by partnering with employers and public partners across the state.
About Kids Win Missouri
Kids Win Missouri is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing policies and partnerships that improve the health, education, and economic well-being of Missouri’s children and families.
About Child Care Aware of Missouri
Founded in 1999, Child Care Aware of Missouri is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships.