Idaho Expands Tri-Share Childcare Program Statewide
A $2.5 million grant will help bring the employer-sponsored childcare cost-sharing model across the state.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Child Care
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United Way of Southeastern Idaho announced in early October 2026 that it received a $2.5 million grant to expand the Tri-Share Childcare Program across Idaho. The model requires childcare costs to be divided equally between employers, employees, and public funds.
Why it matters
The funding aims to assist parents in entering the workforce by lowering the financial burden of childcare costs. By using an employer-based cost-sharing system, the program seeks to provide a sustainable solution for families struggling with high expenses.
The grant was one of 18 awards selected from a total pool of nearly 900 applicants. Under the program, parents pay their portion through payroll deductions while employers provide a matching contribution, with each party covering exactly one-third of total costs.
The players
United Way of Southeastern Idaho
This local branch of the national nonprofit organization focuses on improving community health, education, and financial stability.
Kids First Coalition
This organization serves as the administrator for the Tri-Share Childcare Program, overseeing the implementation of the cost-sharing model.
The details
The Kids First Coalition administers the program, which was originally developed in Michigan. Parents interested in the benefit apply through their current employers, who then facilitate the payroll-based cost-sharing arrangement.
Timeline
The Workplace Innovation Now Challenge was launched in the fall of 2025.
United Way of Southeastern Idaho announced the grant award in early October 2026.
The organization plans to spend the next 6 to 8 months building infrastructure and recruiting employers.
Culture Shift
This initiative follows the pattern set by the Michigan Tri-Share Childcare Program by adopting its specific cost-sharing structure for statewide implementation in Idaho. Such programs reflect a shift toward employer-integrated benefits to address labor participation barriers.
Working parents may soon gain access to a new payroll deduction benefit that offsets one-third of their childcare expenses. Eligible employees should monitor updates from their employers regarding when the program becomes available for enrollment in their specific workplace.
The takeaway
The program reduces the financial burden on working families by formalizing a three-way split between employers, employees, and public funds. Interested parents can prepare by reviewing their current employer benefits packages for upcoming announcements regarding program participation.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the Child Care section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by East Idaho News.
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