One State Cracked the Code to Affordable Child Care. Now Everyone is Watching.

Michigan's Genius Solution to the Child Care Crisis Goes National

LANSING, MI – For millions of working parents, the crushing cost of child care isn't just a budget concern—it's a career-ending crisis. But one state may have just cracked the code with a revolutionary model, and it's now being showcased on a national stage as the potential future of child care in America.

On Friday, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) announced that its MI Tri-Share Child Care program has been highlighted in a national case study by Results for America. The policy organization is praising the program as a groundbreaking and effective solution for expanding access to affordable child care, setting a new standard for the rest of the country.

The secret to its success? A powerful and surprisingly simple public-private partnership. The MI Tri-Share program splits the cost of child care three ways between the employee, their employer, and the state of Michigan. This innovative approach is being recognized as a highly promising and scalable model for other states desperate to solve their own child care challenges.

"The MI Tri-Share program is proof of what’s possible when we bring bipartisan commitment and cross-sector collaboration together to solve real challenges for families," said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, the director of MiLEAP. "This new case study affirms what we already know – MI Tri-Share works."

The program creates a triple win. By making child care dramatically more affordable, it empowers parents to stay in the workforce and advance their careers. This, in turn, provides a massive boost to employers, who can now more easily attract and retain essential talent in a competitive job market. Most importantly, it ensures Michigan’s children receive the quality care and early education that provides a strong foundation for future success.

What began as a state-level pilot program is now being presented as a national blueprint. With this high-profile recognition, Michigan's innovative approach is no longer a local secret but a beacon of hope for families and economies across the nation, proving that the child care crisis isn't unsolvable after all.