Michigan's MI Tri-Share Program Reaches 300 Employers, Enhancing Child Care Support

Michigan's MI Tri-Share program has achieved a significant milestone by enrolling its 300th employer partner, Family Health Care. This accomplishment is not only a testament to the program's outreach but also highlights its impact on child care expenses for Michigan families, amounting to over $14 million in savings to date. Amidst the backdrop of ongoing workforce challenges, the MI Tri-Share program operates by sharing child care costs between families, employers, and the state, aiming to foster retention in the workforce and stimulate economic growth.

Administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), the MI Tri-Share program offers essential support to families seeking affordable child care options. By bridging the financial gap through shared cost responsibilities, the initiative acts as a vital resource for employees, enabling them to engage fully in the workforce without the burdensome concern of child care expenses. As noted by Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, the Director of MiLEAP, “access to child care is critical to supporting Michigan’s workforce and economic future,” highlighting the intrinsic link between child care accessibility and workforce engagement.

This recent milestone was celebrated at the Mackinac Policy Conference, where stakeholders from various sectors discussed the effectiveness of cross-sector partnerships in addressing workforce challenges. The engagement of Family Health Care, which provides primary care and preventive services in rural Michigan, is especially notable. As the CEO of Family Health Care, Julie Tatko, remarked, participating in the MI Tri-Share program allows them to better support their employees while simultaneously investing in their community. This integration of child care benefits within workforce management strategies aids in mitigating turnover, attracting talent, and ultimately fostering a healthier economic landscape.

As the program progresses, proposed state legislation aims to solidify its long-term funding and support, signaling a robust commitment from Michigan lawmakers to sustain and enhance these collaborative efforts. Procurement professionals must take note of these developments, as the increasing emphasis on child care benefits within employment offerings presents new opportunities for vendors and service providers in the early education and family support sectors. Organizations contracting with Michigan state agencies or businesses are encouraged to explore integration with programs like MI Tri-Share, which could foster employee retention and align with state workforce development initiatives.

The MI Tri-Share program is also highlighting the crucial role of collaboration between government entities, employers, and community organizations, further underscoring the need for strategic partnerships in addressing child care challenges. As Michigan continues to prioritize investments in employer-supported child care solutions, contractors and policy advisors should remain vigilant of changes in procurement requirements and funding allocations related to these services, ensuring proactive participation in upcoming opportunities.

• The MI Tri-Share program has enabled 300 employers to participate, representing significant growth in workforce support.
• Total savings from the program for families in Michigan have surpassed $14 million.
• MiLEAP oversees the MI Tri-Share program, working with employers to facilitate the shared cost of child care.
• Proposed legislation to support MI Tri-Share indicates a commitment to long-term funding and sustainability.
• Family Health Care is headquartered in Baldwin and serves surrounding rural communities, highlighting the program's reach into less urbanized areas.
• Companies looking to improve workforce retention should consider incorporating child care support in their employee benefits packages.
• The success of MI Tri-Share exemplifies the impact of cross-sector partnerships in addressing workforce challenges
• Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea and Julie Tatko have emphasized the importance of accessible child care for economic stability.
• Additional partnerships and support from the Michigan Legislature are crucial for ongoing success and funding stability.