Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program

Overview 

Over the past three years, Kentucky has made significant improvements to the state's long-standing Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to better meet the needs of low-income families. The state increased family eligibility from 160% of the Federal Poverty Level to 85% of the State Median Income, made all childcare employees eligible regardless of income, raised provider reimbursement rates, and reimburses providers based on enrollment rather than attendance.

These improvements are part of a broader state effort to expand access to high-quality childcare for working families across income ranges, which also included establishing the complementary Kentucky Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP). 

Why It Matters 

Many low-income Kentucky families cannot afford high-quality childcare without assistance. CCAP helps low-income parents pay for childcare, making it possible for them to work or continue their education while their children receive quality care. 

The recent improvements to the CCAP program aim to increase accessibility and stability of childcare: 

• Increased income threshold: Raising eligibility to 85% SMI has allowed thousands more families to qualify for assistance. 

• Enrollment-based reimbursement: Paying providers based on enrollment and care schedule rather than attendance has created much-needed financial stability for childcare businesses. 

• Support for childcare workforce: Making all childcare workers eligible regardless of income has improved the retention of childcare staff. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Financial assistance through subsidies 

• Notable Feature: Families now remain eligible for a 12-month period, giving them stable, uninterrupted support 

• Launch Date: Major improvements were implemented in 2022, 2023, and 2024

• Eligibility: Families with household incomes at or below 85% of State Median Income 

• Current Funding: Part of a $112.45 million state allocation for 2024-2026, which funds multiple childcare initiatives 

• Participants: Approximately 42,000 children enrolled 

• Program Coverage: Statewide, serving families in all Kentucky counties 

Background

CCAP was initially established to provide financial assistance to eligible families, enabling access to affordable childcare while promoting self-sufficiency and child development. Funded through a combination of federal Child Care and Development Fund allocations and state appropriations, CCAP has evolved significantly to address changing family needs and economic conditions. 

In January 2022, CCAP eligibility increased from 160% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, then further expanded to 85% of the State Median Income in July 2022. These changes resulted in an additional 2,999 families and 4,425 children becoming eligible for the program. 

In July 2021, subsidy rates for participating childcare providers were also increased to the 80th percentile of the state's Market Rate Survey, ensuring more competitive payments and boosting the financial stability of the childcare sector. 

How it Works

The program provides subsidy funds directly to childcare providers on behalf of eligible families: 

• Parents apply through multiple channels including online through the state’s portal, “kynect,” by phone, or in person 

• Eligibility is determined based on income, residency, and work/education requirements 

• Families select from approved childcare providers that best meet their needs 

• The state pays providers directly based on the number of children enrolled, while families contribute a co-payment determined by their income 

The Division of Child Care and the Division of Family Support jointly administer the program under the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Community Based Services.

Key Features

• Family Choice: Any licensed, certified, or registered childcare provider may participate in the program, giving families choice in selecting care arrangements 

• Extended Eligibility Period: Families may remain eligible for a full year even if employment changes 

• Transitional Assistance: Families leaving CCAP due to increased income receive six months of assistance at 50% of their previous rate, helping to mitigate the "benefit cliff" 

• Childcare Workforce Support: Childcare staff working at least 20 hours weekly are eligible for CCAP for their own children, regardless of household income 

• Enrollment-Based Reimbursement: Providers receive stable payments based on enrollment rather than daily attendance, ensuring more consistent income 

• One-Stop Application System: Families can access all state childcare assistance programs through the online “kynect” portal, reducing paperwork and simplifying the process of finding the support they need 

Policy Levers

• Funding Appropriations: Funding allocation significantly increased to $112.45 million for the 2024-2026 biennium 

• Eligibility Expansion: Income threshold set at 85% of State Median Income reaches more working families 

• Extended Eligibility Period: 12-month certification with 90-day job search grace periods provides stability to families with young children 

• Market-Based Reimbursement: Provider payments set at the 80th percentile of market rates help keep childcare providers in business 

• Enrollment-Based Payments: Switching to enrollment-based reimbursement gives providers stable income 

Results

CCAP has demonstrated significant impact on Kentucky families and the childcare system: 

• Growing Participation: 35,717 children from 20,865 families enrolled as of September 2023 

• Expanded Access: Nearly 7,800 children from 5,300 families receiving assistance due to the increased income threshold 

• Impact on the Childcare Workforce: Over 3,200 childcare workers and 5,600 of their children now benefit from automatic eligibility 

• Provider Stability: Enrollment-based reimbursement and higher payment rates have strengthened the childcare system statewide 

Learn More

• Program Website: Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program

• Application Portal: Kynect benefits

• Contact Information: (855) 306-8959 for applications and eligibility inquiries

• Administrative Regulations: 922 KAR 2:160 - Child Care Assistance Program

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Kentucky Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership

Overview 

The Kentucky Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) helps middle-income families access high-quality childcare by sharing costs among employers, employees, and the state. Kentucky's General Assembly launched the program as a pilot in 2023 and established it as a permanent program in 2024. 

Part of a broader state effort to expand access to high-quality childcare, ECCAP targets moderate-income working families, complementing the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program, which serves lower-income families. Both programs are administered through a single online portal, making it easier for families to find the right support for their needs. 

Why It Matters 

Many Kentucky families earn too much to qualify for traditional childcare subsidies yet still struggle to afford high-quality care for their young children. 

ECCAP offers a sustainable solution by distributing childcare costs among three stakeholders: employers, employees, and the state. This approach helps employers attract and retain talent while enabling more parents to enter the workforce. 

The program also fills a critical gap in childcare support by helping families across income levels, providing higher state match percentages for lower-income families who typically struggle most with childcare costs. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Shared cost partnership between employers, employees, and the state 

• Notable Feature: Moderate-income families pay on a sliding scale based on household income 

• Launch Date: July 2023 

• Eligibility: Kentucky employees who are not eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program, who work for participating employers, and who use licensed childcare providers enrolled in Kentucky's All STARS Program 

• Current Funding: Initially funded with $15 million allocated for fiscal year 2023-2024, with 25% set aside for small-business employers; $2 million per year allocated for 2024-2026 

• Participation Rates: 

  • Families: 98 families benefiting as of early 2024 

  • Children: 135 children receiving care 

  • Employers: 185 applications submitted to date 

• Program Coverage: Statewide availability across Kentucky 

Background

In 2022, the Kentucky General Assembly established ECCAP to address the high cost of childcare, which prevents many Kentucky parents from participating in the workforce. Launched as a pilot program with a $15 million allocation in 2023, ECCAP transitioned from pilot status to permanent status in 2024. 

ECCAP was created shortly after several major enhancements to the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) which were implemented throughout 2021 and 2022. The two childcare programs are designed to work together: CCAP helps low-income families while ECCAP serves families who earn too much to qualify for CCAP. 

How it Works

The program operates through a three-way cost-sharing model: 

• Employers choose how much to contribute, making payments directly to the employee's childcare provider 

• State matches the employer contribution based on a sliding scale relative to employee household income 

• Employees pay for the remaining childcare costs 

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) administers the program, managing applications and making payments to childcare providers. Both ECCAP and CCAP applications are processed through Kentucky's “Kynect” system — a unified online portal for both programs. 

Key Features

• Public-Private Partnership: Combines employer and state resources for sustainable childcare funding 

• Flexibility for Employers: Employers determine how much they contribute, giving them flexibility based on their workforce needs and budget constraints 

• Small Business Support: 25% of funding is reserved specifically for small business employers, ensuring the program reaches diverse workplaces 

• Sliding Family Payment Scale: State match ranges from 50% to 100% based on household income, providing more support for families with lower incomes 

Policy Levers

• Funding: Initial $15 million allocation with 25% set aside for small businesses 

• Eligibility Parameters: Program targets working families who earn too much to qualify for CCAP assistance 

• Three-Way Cost Sharing: Model divides costs between employers, families, and the state 

• Income-Based Match: State contribution varies from 50-100% based on family income, maximizing support for those who need it most 

• Pilot-to-Permanent Transition: Transitioned from pilot to permanent program in 2024 after demonstrating effectiveness as a pilot program 

Results

ECCAP has shown promising early results: 

• Family Reach: 98 Kentucky families and 135 children benefiting from the program as of early 2024 

• Employer Engagement: 185 applications submitted, with about $86,000 disbursed in state matching funds 

• Complementary Impact: Together with CCAP, ECCAP helps form a comprehensive approach to childcare assistance that serves families across varying income levels 

Learn More

• Program Website: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services - ECCAP

• Application Portal: Kynect - ECCAP Program

• Contact Information: Email: PartnershipChildCare@ky.gov or call 1-844-209-2657

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North Dakota Working Parents Child Care Relief Program

Overview 

The North Dakota Working Parents Child Care Relief Program (WPCCR) is a pilot initiative that matches up to $300 monthly in employer contributions to their employees' childcare expenses. Launched in 2023 as part of a broader childcare initiative, the program helps families with incomes from 75% to 150% of state median income access high-quality childcare. The program targets working families who earn too much for traditional assistance but still struggle with childcare costs, complementing the state's Child Care Assistance Program. 

Why It Matters 

Many parents with young children — especially those with infants and toddlers — struggle to work because they earn too much for traditional childcare assistance but can't afford the full cost of quality licensed care. 

The WPCCR program addresses this challenge by creating a three-way partnership: employers contribute either $150 or $300 monthly working parent, the state matches that amount dollar-for-dollar, and parents apply these combined funds toward licensed childcare. This approach helps employers attract and retain workers while enabling more parents to join or remain in the workforce. 

By targeting support to families with children under age five, the program focuses resources on the period when childcare is most expensive and when young families typically have lower incomes relative to their childcare expenses. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Cost-sharing pilot between employers and state government with dollar-for-dollar matching up to $300 monthly 

• Notable Feature: Bridges the gap for families who earn too much for traditional assistance but still struggle with childcare costs 

• Launch Date: March 2023 

• Eligibility: Families with children under age five, income from 75%–150% of state median income, employed by participating businesses 

• Current Funding: Part of a $66 million state appropriation for childcare programs approved by the Legislative Assembly in 2023 

• Program Coverage: Available statewide across North Dakota 

Background

The WPCCR program emerged from a successful employer-partnership program in Hamilton County, Iowa. North Dakota adapted this concept as part of a comprehensive approach to childcare support. 

In 2023, the North Dakota Legislative Assembly passed legislation allocating $66 million to address childcare challenges across the state. This investment funded both the WPCCR pilot and significant enhancements to the Child Care Assistance Program, creating a coordinated system to serve families at different income levels. 

The pilot's initial outreach to employers began in March 2023, with enrollment and access for parents continuing throughout 2023 and 2024. The program is scheduled to run through September 2026 or until funding is exhausted. 

How it Works

The program operates through a straightforward cost-sharing model: 

• Employers provide a monthly childcare benefit of either $150 or $300 per eligible child 

• The state matches the employer contribution dollar-for-dollar 

• Parents apply these combined funds (up to $600 monthly per child) toward their licensed childcare provider's fees 

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services determines eligibility and processes employer payments, which go directly to families to apply toward their childcare costs. 

Key Features

• Employer Engagement: Creates direct business involvement in addressing childcare shortages through financial participation 

• Flexible Benefit Levels: Employers can choose to participate at either $150 or $300 monthly contribution levels, with the state matching equally 

• Focus on Young Children: Targets families with children from birth to age five, when childcare costs are highest 

• Middle-Income Support: Helps families in the "gap" who earn too much for traditional assistance but too little to comfortably afford quality care 

Policy Levers

• Public-Private Partnership: Combines employer and state resources to create a sustainable funding approach to childcare assistance 

• Eligibility Parameters: Income limits target middle-income families 

• Complementary Programming: Designed to work alongside the Child Care Assistance Program, creating a comprehensive system that serves families across income levels 

• Time-Limited Pilot: Program established with a September 2026 end date or until funding is exhausted, so the program can be evaluated before potentially continuing it 

Results

As a relatively new program, comprehensive data on WPCCR outcomes is still emerging. Early reports from participating employers show promising signs: 

• Workforce Retention: Employers report improved employee retention, particularly among healthcare workers balancing shift work with childcare needs 

• Expanded Employer Participation: By June 2024, 41 North Dakota employers had opted to participate, offering childcare benefits to their employees 

• Family Savings: For participating families, the program can reduce childcare expenses by up to $3,600 annually per child, making quality care more affordable 

Learn More

• Program Website: Working Parents Child Care Relief Program

• Parent Resources: Information for Parents

• Employer Resources: Information for Employers

• Contact Information: Email:  NDwpccr.info@nd.gov; Phone: 701-328-2115

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North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program

Overview 

The North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program helps low-income families pay for childcare so parents can work or attend school. In 2023, the state’s Legislative Assembly approved increased provider payment rates, reduced family co-payments, and additional funding to support care for infants and toddlers. Building on this momentum, the state policy team implemented extended eligibility periods, improved access for families engaged in job searching, and simplified the application process for homeless households. Together, these efforts strengthen the program and complement the Working Parents Child Care Relief Program in supporting North Dakota families across a range of income levels

Why It Matters 

Many North Dakota families cannot afford childcare without help, making it hard for parents to work or continue their education. The Child Care Assistance Program directly addresses this problem by reducing what families pay for childcare, making it possible for parents to join the workforce while their children receive quality care. 

The program has recently focused on improving affordability by eliminating co-payments for the lowest-income families (below 30% of state median income) and reducing co-payments for most others to less than 6% of their overall income, as federally recommended.. Higher payments to providers caring for infants and toddlers help address the higher costs of caring for the youngest children, when care is most expensive and often hardest to find. 

The program is especially important in parts of North Dakota considered "childcare deserts," where families have few options for care. By ensuring providers receive reliable payments, the program helps keep childcare businesses open while giving parents the financial support they need. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Financial assistance that reduces what low-income families pay for childcare 

• Notable Feature: Families now remain eligible for an 18-month period, giving them stable, uninterrupted support 

• Eligibility: Income up to 75% of state median income for new applicants; 85% for existing participants 

• Current Funding: $42 million for 2023-2025, including $22 million for program expansion, $15 million for infant and toddler care incentives, and $3 million for quality-rated provider payments 

• Participation Rates: 

  • Children: 5,028 children served monthly 

  • Providers: 1,275 licensed providers enrolled (97% of all licensed providers) 

• Program Coverage: Statewide across all North Dakota counties 

Background

The North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program has undergone significant improvements since 2023, following the passage of legislation that allocated $42 million to enhance the program through multiple phases of improvements implemented throughout 2023 and 2024. 

Key enhancements include eliminating co-payments for families with incomes below 30% of state median income, increasing reimbursement rates for infant and toddler care, providing bonus payments to quality-rated providers, extending the eligibility period from 12 to 18 months, and creating a special benefit for childcare workers that covers 100% of their childcare costs. 

These changes are part of a coordinated effort to address North Dakota's childcare challenges, working in conjunction with the Working Parents Child Care Relief Program to support families across different income levels. 

How it Works

• Eligible families apply through an online portal or their local Human Service Zone office 

• Families choose any participating childcare provider that best fits their needs 

• The program pays providers directly, with families paying a portion of costs through co-payments based on their income 

• Families remain eligible for 18 months before needing to renew, providing stable support 

The program encourages parent choice by allowing families to select from a wide range of providers – including centers, homes, and providers who match their cultural preferences, schedules, and children's needs. 

Key Features

• Parent Choice: Families can choose from nearly all licensed providers across the state (97% participation rate), allowing parents to find care that matches their values, schedules, and children's needs 

• Extended Support: 18-month eligibility period gives families uninterrupted assistance, reducing paperwork and ensuring stable childcare arrangements 

• Higher Payments for Infant/Toddler Care: 30% bonus payments above standard rates for providers caring for infants and toddlers help address the higher cost and limited availability of care for the youngest children 

• Reduced Family Costs: Eliminated co-payments for families below 30% of state median income and reduced co-payments for most other families 

• Quality Incentives: Additional payments of 5-15% for quality-rated providers encourage higher standards of care 

• Childcare Worker Benefit: Complete waiver of co-payments for childcare workers who work at least 25 hours weekly, helping retain qualified staff in the childcare sector 

Policy Levers

• Funding Investments: Recent legislation allocated $42 million, including $22 million to serve more families, $15 million for infant and toddler care incentives, $3 million for quality provider bonuses, and $2.3 million to eliminate co-pays for the lowest-income families 

• Application Flexibility: Extended application timeframes (30 days, and 90 days for families experiencing homelessness) make it easier for families to complete the process 

• Income Guidelines: Recently adjusted to 75% of state median income for new applicants while maintaining 85% for existing participants 

• Job Search Support: Four months of childcare assistance while parents search for work or educational opportunities 

• Direct Provider Payments: Changed from family to provider payments, ensuring more reliable income for childcare businesses 

Results

The North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program has shown significant progress through its recent enhancements: 

• Expanded Reach: Currently serves 5,028 children monthly, with plans to increase to 6,460 children by the end of the 2023-2025 period 

• Provider Participation: 1,275 licensed providers (97% of all licensed providers in the state) participate in the program, giving families broad choice 

• Improved Affordability: Eliminated co-payments for the lowest-income families and reduced co-payments for most others 

• Enhanced Provider Support: Increased payment rates and 30% bonus payments for infant and toddler care help sustain childcare businesses 

Learn More

• Program Website: North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program

• Program Information: Child Care Assistance Program FAQs

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Minnesota Early Learning Scholarships

Overview 

The Minnesota Early Learning Scholarships program helps families with children from birth to kindergarten entry to access high-quality early childhood programs. This market-based approach focuses on children with the highest needs, empowering parents with the flexibility to choose from a range of program options including centers, home-based programs, faith-based care, schools, or Head Start. 

Why It Matters 

Low-income children often arrive in kindergarten up to two years behind their peers, creating achievement gaps that persist throughout their education. Yet, many lower-income Minnesota families do not have sufficient resources to access high-quality early care and education programs that can help their children enter kindergarten ready to succeed. 

The Early Learning Scholarships program addresses this problem with a market-based solution that increases parents' capacity to make the right choices for their children. It puts families — not programs — at the center, enabling families to access high-quality early care and education programs that best fit their needs and circumstances. At the same time, it creates market incentives that increase the supply of high-quality options in communities where such programs were previously unsustainable. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Financial scholarships for eligible families to access quality-rated early childhood programs 

• Notable Feature: Empowers parents to choose from diverse program types instead of routing families to specific programs 

• Launch Date: First piloted with private funding, then established statewide in 2013 

• Eligibility: Families with incomes at or below 47% of State Median Income 

• Current Funding: $197 million per year for fiscal years 2024-2025, up from $70 million in 2023 

• Program Coverage: Statewide across Minnesota 

Background

The Minnesota Early Learning Scholarships program was first developed as a pilot initiative by Minnesota's business community, pioneering a "scholarship" approach driven by parent choice in early childhood. The program was designed to empower parents with information about high-quality early care and education options and the financial resources they need to access those programs. 

The model is based on the fundamental principle that parent-driven solutions yield better results than top-down, government-run programs. It is designed around four core principles: start early in life before gaps grow too large; target the most disadvantaged children; focus on outcomes; and empower parent choice. 

After demonstrating effectiveness in the pilot phase, the program was scaled up statewide with government support and funding, now reaching families across Minnesota. 

How it Works

The program's success is driven by three key components: 

• Parents apply for scholarships and, if eligible, receive funds to pay for their chosen early learning program 

• Families can select any program certified through the Parent Aware rating system, including centers, homes, schools, churches, and Head Start 

• Scholarship dollars are paid to the designated Parent Aware Rated Program of the parent’s choice.

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families administers the program, with scholarships distributed through regional administrators across Minnesota's 13 Economic Development Regions. 

The program prioritizes low-income children and those who are especially vulnerable, including children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, who have teen parents, or whose parents are in drug treatment or incarcerated. 

Key Features

• Continuous Eligibility: Families receive a one-time authorization that remains valid until the child enters kindergarten, providing stability for families with young children 

• Flexible Award Structure: Starting July 2024, scholarship amounts are based on the child's age, program type, county location, and Parent Aware rating status, with minimum amounts of $15,000 per year for center settings and $12,000 for home settings 

• Parent Choice: Families select from a variety of program types based on their values, work schedule, and child's needs 

• Information Support: Provides parents with the information about options that they need to make informed choice among early care and education programs 

• Quality Requirements: Families use scholarships for providers with a Parent Aware quality rating, with the highest amounts going to the highest rated providers, to ensure public funding supports high-quality programs 

Policy Levers

• Funding Appropriations: Legislators increased funding from $70 million to $197 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2025 

• Eligibility Parameters: Income eligibility set at 47% of State Median Income to target families with financial need 

• Priority Categories: Defined specific priority populations to ensure children with the highest needs receive funding first 

• Quality Standards: Required participation in the Parent Aware quality rating system ensures public funds support effective programs 

• Program Integration: Plans to combine the Early Learning Scholarship program with the federally funded childcare subsidy program into a single funding stream by 2028 

Results

The Minnesota Early Learning Scholarships program has demonstrated positive outcomes: 

• Kindergarten Readiness: Early studies showed that children who participated in scholarship-funded programs demonstrated improved kindergarten readiness, with readiness rates increasing from roughly 50% to 70% for participating children. 

• Supply Expansion: The scholarship approach has successfully increased the supply of high-quality early learning options in communities where such programs were previously financially unsustainable 

• Empowering Parents: The program places decision-making authority directly with parents rather than government agencies, respecting families' ability to choose what works best for their children's unique needs. This parent-driven approach has led to higher program satisfaction and better matches between children's needs and the services they receive. 

Learn More

• Program Website: Early Learning Scholarships - Minnesota Department of Education

• Parent Aware: Parent Aware for Families

• Parent Aware Evaluation: Evaluation of Parent Aware: Minnesota's Quality Rating System

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New Hampshire Child Care Workforce Assistance Pilot

Overview 

The New Hampshire Child Care Workforce Assistance Project (CCWAP) provides childcare assistance to childcare workers whose household income falls between 85% and 100% of the State Median Income. This six-month pilot project, running from January through June 2025, helps childcare workers afford care for their own children, addressing a key barrier to retaining qualified staff in the childcare sector. 

Why It Matters 

Childcare workers in New Hampshire often face a financial dilemma: they earn too much to qualify for traditional childcare assistance but too little to comfortably afford care for their own children. This creates a significant barrier to remaining in the profession. 

By targeting assistance to childcare workers in this income gap, CCWAP addresses a critical workforce issue. The program limits family contributions to 7% of household income, making childcare more affordable for the very professionals who provide this essential service to other families. This approach recognizes that childcare workers are both professional caregivers and parents themselves, many of whom struggle with the same childcare costs that challenge the families they serve. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Childcare assistance for childcare professionals 

• Notable Feature: Reduces childcare costs for workers in the childcare sector, supporting workforce retention 

• Launch Date: January 1, 2025 

• Eligibility: Childcare professionals working at least 25 hours weekly in licensed facilities with household income between 85% and 100% of State Median Income 

• Current Funding: $2 million allocated for the six-month program 

• Program Duration: January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025 

• Program Coverage: Statewide across New Hampshire 

Background

The Child Care Workforce Assistance Project was established through Senate Bill 404, which passed in 2024 with strong bipartisan support. The program was created as a direct response to staffing challenges in the childcare sector, where low wages and high turnover significantly impact the availability of care for New Hampshire families. 

The program is designed as a six-month pilot to evaluate its effectiveness as a workforce retention strategy before considering permanent implementation. The state allocated $2 million to fund this initial phase as a targeted investment in stabilizing the childcare workforce. 

How it Works

The program operates through a cost-sharing model where families contribute a portion of childcare expenses: 

• Families pay 7% of their annual income toward childcare costs 

• CCWAP covers the remaining childcare expenses up to approved rates 

• Payments are made directly to childcare providers 

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services oversees the program, contracting with a private management organization to manage day-to-day administration, application processing, and payment disbursement.  Payments to providers are issued monthly through an electronic payment system, streamlining administrative processes and ensuring reliable compensation. 

Key Features

• Income-Targeted Approach: Serves childcare workers with incomes between 85% and 100% of State Median Income who fall into the gap between assistance eligibility and affordability 

• Workforce Support: Specifically helps childcare professionals afford care for their own children, addressing a key barrier to workforce retention 

• Cost-Share Model: Caps family contributions at 7% of annual income, making childcare costs manageable 

• Direct Provider Payments: Benefits are paid directly to childcare providers, ensuring their financial stability 

• Pilot Evaluation: State will assess the program's impact on workforce retention and stability to inform future policy decisions 

Policy Levers

• Funding Allocation: Legislators allocated $2 million for the six-month pilot program 

• Eligibility Parameters: Set income requirements to target families who fall into the gap between existing assistance programs and affordability 

• Program Duration: Six-month implementation enables legislators to evaluate effectiveness before considering permanent funding 

• Work Requirements: Established minimum weekly work hours (25 hours) in licensed childcare facilities 

Results

As a newly implemented pilot program, results are not yet available. Following the program's completion in June 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services will evaluate its impact on: 

• Childcare workforce retention and recruitment 

• Financial stability for childcare workers 

• Overall capacity and stability of New Hampshire's childcare system 

The state will provide a detailed report to the legislature by November 2025, which will inform decisions about potential continuation and expansion of the program. 

Learn More

• Program Website: NH Connections - Child Care Workforce Assistance Project

• Managing Agency: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

• Contact Information: Email: CCWAP@Pyramidmodel.org for information and assistance

• Legislative Information: Senate Bill 404

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Colorado SWIVL Video Coaching for Childcare Workers

Overview 

Colorado's SWIVL Video Coaching program improves the quality of childcare for infants and toddlers from low-income families by making professional coaching for childcare staff more accessible and affordable. While research shows that coaching is exceptionally effective for improving childcare workers' skills, conventional, in-person coaching is expensive and often impractical. This program uses automated video recording technology so that staff can record and receive feedback on their classroom interactions, enabling much wider use of coaching to improve the quality of care that staff provide to young children.

Why It Matters 

Coaching is an exceptionally effective way of improving the quality of childcare staff's work with young children. But the conventional, in-person approach is expensive and often not feasible, especially in rural areas where long travel distances make regular in-person coaching impractical.

SWIVL technology solves this problem by using a robotic base that automatically tracks staff who are wearing a wireless small microphone capturing high-quality video and audio without an observer in the room. This allows off-site coaches to provide specific, evidence-based feedback and guidance based on real classroom interactions. The technology is particularly useful in improving the quality of staff working with vulnerable infants and toddlers, including those living in poverty, in foster care, experiencing homelessness, and with special needs.

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Hands-free video recording and coaching with SWIVL technology 

• Notable Feature: Robot automatically tracks caregiver activity while capturing clear audio from multiple small microphones

• Launch Date: 2020

• Eligibility: Childcare providers serving low-income infants and toddlers 

• Current Funding: Project funding drawn from annual $3.1 million federal Early Head Start grant 

• Participation Rates: 

  • Providers: 40 licensed childcare centers and family childcare homes 

  • Classrooms: 80-90 impacted 

  • Children: 250 children served 

• Program Coverage: Adams, Arapahoe, Garfield, Mesa, Morgan, and Pueblo counties 

Background

Early Learning Ventures set up the Colorado SWIVL Video Coaching program with funds from an annual $3.1 million grant from the federal Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership initiative. The program aims to improve the quality of both family and center-based childcare serving vulnerable infants and toddlers.

Conventional, in-person coaching, while effective, is often not feasible both because of its cost and because of difficulty in regularly visiting providers that are spread far apart across more rural areas. SWIVL technology provides a practical solution by allowing remote observation and guidance.

How it Works

The program operates through an innovative technology platform:

• The SWIVL Robot tracks caregiver movement automatically using a wearable marker

• Wireless microphones capture high-quality audio of teacher-child interactions

• A secure cloud platform stores videos and allows time-stamped comments from coaches

Caregivers can record themselves during regular daily activities without a coach present. Later, coaches review the footage and provide specific feedback tied to exact moments in the video. This approach reduces classroom disruption, increases coaching precision and effectiveness, lowers costs, and makes quality coaching available to many more providers than would otherwise be possible.

Key Features

• Remote Coaching Capability: Reduces travel time and costs while making effective coaching more widely available across all areas 

• Hands-free Recording: Robot automatically follows the caregiver throughout regular activities, eliminating the need for camera operators 

• Multi-Audio Technology: Wireless microphones capture clear conversations between caregivers and children, even in noisy environments 

• Time-Stamped Feedback: Coaches can link comments to specific moments in the video, making feedback more precise and actionable 

Policy Levers

This project has been implemented by a private organization with federal Early Head Start funding. However, it provides a valuable model for states aiming to improve the quality of care and education programs by increasing the effectiveness of ECE staff.

Key components include: 

• Technology Investment: Allocated federal funding to implement cutting-edge video coaching technology 

• Remote Service Delivery: Expanded access to coaching in rural and underserved areas 

• Quality Improvement Framework: Aligned with Colorado Early Childhood Coach Credential to ensure qualified coaching staff 

• Ensures Data Privacy: Implemented secure technology platform that protects sensitive information about children and staff 

Results

The Colorado SWIVL Video Coaching program is still new, with comprehensive evaluation data not yet available. Early feedback shows promising outcomes: 

• Coaching Efficiency: Coaches can observe more classrooms and provide more detailed feedback without increased travel time 

• Teacher Self-Reflection: Educators report greater self-awareness and confidence in their work with young children 

• Meeting Standards: Video evidence helps ensure that caregiver practices align with standards for high-quality care 

• Quality Enhancement: Improved interactions between caregivers and children, creating better childcare environments for infants and toddlers 

Learn More

• SWIVL for Early Childhood: SWIVL Early Childhood Education

• Managing Agency: Early Learning Ventures

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Montana Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarships

Overview 

The Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program helps low-income Montana families pay for childcare while supporting parental choice through a range of eligible provider options. The program serves families with incomes up to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, allowing parents to work or attend school while their children receive care in settings that best match their needs — from licensed childcare centers and family childcare homes to license-exempt care with trusted family, friends, and neighbors. 

Why It Matters 

Childcare in Montana costs about $11,700 annually for an infant in a center — up to 28% of household income for some families. This high cost puts quality childcare out of reach for many low-income families, making it difficult for parents to work or pursue education. 

Best Beginnings addresses this problem by significantly reducing families' childcare expenses. By limiting family co-payments to no more than 9% of household income, the program makes childcare affordable across a range of provider types, helping parents join the workforce while ensuring they can choose care arrangements that align with their values, work schedules, and children's needs. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Childcare scholarships with sliding-scale family co-payments 

• Notable Feature: Family co-payments capped at 9% of household income 

• Launch Date: Program expanded in July 2023 

• Eligibility: Families with incomes up to 185% of Federal Poverty Level 

• Current Funding: $14 million for the 2024-2025 biennium ($7 million per year) 

• Participation Rates: 

  • Children Served: 6,500 in State Fiscal Year 2024 

  • New Children Added: Approximately 700 additional children gained eligibility through the 2023 expansion 

• Program Coverage: Available statewide across all Montana counties with multiple provider types 

Background

The Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program provides financial help to qualified low-income families while respecting their childcare preferences. Families can use scholarships with licensed childcare centers, family childcare homes, group homes, as well as license-exempt options like Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care and Relative Care Exempt (RCE) providers. This flexibility allows families to choose arrangements that best suit their cultural values, work schedules, and children's needs. 

In 2023, Montana's Legislature passed House Bill 648, making significant improvements to the program. The bipartisan legislation expanded eligibility from 150% to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level and established a new payment structure capping family contribution at 9% of household income — a substantial reduction from the previous system where some families paid up to 20% of their income for childcare. These changes took effect July 1, 2023, making affordable childcare more accessible across various provider types for hundreds more Montana families. 

How it Works

Best Beginnings operates through a straightforward scholarship model that supports parental choice: 

• Families apply for scholarships 

• Families select from multiple provider types, including licensed centers and homes or license-exempt FFN and RCE providers 

• Program covers a portion of childcare expenses 

• Families make monthly co-payments based on their income 

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services administers the program through its Early Childhood and Family Support Division. After approval, payments go directly to the family's chosen eligible childcare provider—whether a licensed center, family home, or license-exempt relative or trusted individual. 

Key Features

• Expanded Eligibility: 2023 legislation increased the income threshold from 150% to 185% of Federal Poverty Level, allowing more families to qualify 

• Payment Cap: Family co-payments limited to 9% of household income, significantly reduced from the previous structure where some families paid up to 20% of their income 

• Sliding Fee Scale: Family co-payments are proportionate to income, ensuring affordability across different financial situations 

• Provider Diversity: Families can use scholarships with licensed childcare centers, family childcare homes, and license-exempt options like FFN and RCE care, supporting parental choice and ensuring access to care that aligns with family preferences 

• Quality Framework: The program balances formal standards for licensed providers with flexibility for families to choose trusted individuals from their own communities. 

Policy Levers

• Funding Allocation: Legislators provided $14 million for the 2024-2025 biennium ($7 million each year) 

• Income Eligibility: Expanded from 150% to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level through House Bill 648 

• Payment Structure: Established a cap on family co-payments at 9% of household income, down from previous higher rates 

• Provider Flexibility: Program design enables scholarships to be used across diverse childcare settings, including license-exempt care options that increase access and boost parental choice 

Results

Best Beginnings has improved childcare access for Montana families: 

• Children Reached: About 6,500 children received assistance in State Fiscal Year 2024 

• Cost Reduction: Family co-payments reduced to a maximum of 9% of household income, down from previous rates where some families paid up to 20% of their income for childcare 

• Expanded Access: Program now serves approximately 700 additional children through the 2023 eligibility expansion from 150% to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level 

• Enhanced Choice: Families can select from a range of provider types — from licensed centers to trusted relatives — while receiving financial assistance 

Learn More

• Program Website: Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program

• Managing Agency: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Early Childhood and Family Support Division

• Additional Resources:
  Child Care Resources
  Family Connections Montana

Back to Solutions in Action ⟶

Washington State Early Learning Facilities Grants

Overview 

The Washington State Early Learning Facilities (ELF) Grant Program provides money to eligible organizations for planning, renovation, purchase, and construction of childcare facilities. Established in 2017, the program aims to increase the supply of high-quality childcare for young children in childcare deserts across Washington State, while also helping existing providers meet health and safety standards so they can continue operating. 

Why It Matters 

Childcare providers often cannot afford to establish, renovate, or expand their physical facilities due to high costs and limited funding. This facility infrastructure gap directly limits the availability of childcare slots. 

Additionally, smaller providers often must close when they are unable to afford required health and safety upgrades to aging facilities. The high demand for smaller Early Learning Facilities (ELF) grants for renovation, specifically — 179 applications requesting $21 million for only $7 million available — underscores this critical need. 

By targeting facility infrastructure gaps through strategic capital investments, the ELF program increases childcare availability in the communities facing the greatest need. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Competitive grants for facility development 

• Notable Feature: Prioritizes support for rural communities, where childcare shortages are most acute and 86% of non-working parents cite childcare as a barrier to employment 

• Launch Date: 2017 

• Eligibility: Childcare providers and other community organizations serving low-income children 

• Current Funding: $49,106,000 from the 2023-2025 biennium funding cycle, including $42,050,000 for major projects and $7,056,000 for smaller health and safety renovations 

• Participants: 

  • Projects: 113 projects total in 2023-2025: 49 major projects and 64 renovation projects 

• Program Coverage: Statewide, with emphasis on underserved areas 

Background

The ELF program was established in 2017 to address Washington's critical need for high-quality childcare facilities. The initiative focuses on expanding childcare capacity through targeted investments in facility development, renovation, and acquisition. 

The program began with a $10 million gift from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and has expanded to over $180 million in total funding awarded since inception. In the 2023-2025 funding cycle alone, the state allocated $49.1 million, demonstrating significant state commitment to the program. It now operates through four specific funding mechanisms: competitive grants for eligible organizations, competitive grants for public school districts, direct legislative appropriations for special projects, and a dedicated grant and loan program operated by community-based financial institutions. The program has created or saved over 12,500 childcare slots since 2017. 

How it Works

The program operates through four funding mechanisms: 

• Competitive grants for eligible organizations 

• Competitive grants for public school districts and tribal compact schools

• Direct legislative appropriations 

• Grant and loan program operated with community financial partners 

The Washington State Department of Commerce administers the program in collaboration with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Additional partners include the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and community-based financial institutions like the Washington Community Reinvestment Association. Projects are funded on a competitive basis, evaluated by potential impact, sustainability, and commitment to serving low-income children. 

The program prioritizes projects in rural locations, low-income neighborhoods, and childcare deserts to address the severe childcare shortages in these areas. 

Key Features

• Flexible Program Design: Funds a wide range of organizations — including childcare providers, housing developers, schools, governments, tribes, and faith-based groups — to better meet community needs, such as extended hours for parents working non-traditional schedules in agriculture and warehousing 

• Supports Diverse Infrastructure Needs: Offers multiple funding categories to meet various needs — from small health and safety renovations (average grant $110,250) to pre-development planning ($20,000 maximum) and major construction — with over half of recent projects supporting smaller providers with critical health and safety upgrades 

• Targeted Support: Prioritizes facilities in rural communities, where 86% of non-working parents cite childcare as a barrier to employment and families often travel longer distances for care or childcare deserts where demand exceeds supply

• Quality Assurance: Requires a ten-year commitment to providing childcare services and participation in Washington's Early Achievers quality rating system, ensuring long-term community benefits and high standards 

Policy Levers

• Funding Appropriations: State legislators allocated $49,106,000 total in the 2023-2025 funding cycle 

• Eligibility Parameters: Legislators established broad eligibility criteria to include diverse provider types while ensuring focus on children from lower-income households

• Quality Standards: Program requires participation in Early Achievers quality rating system, ensuring public funds support high-quality childcare environments 

• Administrative Structure: The Department of Commerce administers the program in consultation with DCYF and other partners through an Advisory Group

Results

The ELF program has demonstrated significant impact since its inception: 

• Capacity Expansion: Created or saved over 12,500 childcare slots statewide through more than $180 million in awarded funding since 2017 

• Rural Impact: Funded facilities in rural communities including Pullman, Eastsound, Walla Walla, Port Townsend, Shelton, Hoquiam, Raymond, Chehalis, and Valley. For example, Valley Early Learning Center secured $1.1 million in grant funding toward construction of a permanent facility that could increase its capacity by 60%. 

• Boosting Parent Choice: Funding has been distributed to a wide variety of provider types—including YMCAs, community centers, faith-based organizations, tribal facilities, and both non-profit and for-profit businesses — creating a diverse marketplace that enables parents to select a childcare option that best fits the needs of their family. 

• Recent Impact: In March 2024, $30.4 million was awarded to 42 providers, creating 2,422 new childcare slots across 15 counties 

Learn More

• Program Website: Washington State Early Learning Facilities Program

• Managing Agency: Washington State Department of Commerce

• Contact Information: earlylearningfacilities@commerce.wa.gov

• Partner Agencies:
  Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
  Enterprise Community Partners
  WCRA

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Texas Workforce Commission's Employer Child Care Solutions

Overview 

The Texas Workforce Commission's Employer Child Care Solutions Initiative provides technical assistance to businesses considering employer-supported childcare options. The program provides expert guidance (rather than direct childcare funding), empowering employers to create sustainable childcare solutions. It helps employers assess workforce childcare needs, develop business plans, and implement childcare solutions that work for both employees and businesses across Texas. 

Why It Matters 

Families and employers alike face challenges when employees cannot access affordable, high-quality childcare because parents with young children often cannot work without reliable childcare. 

The Employer Child Care Solutions Initiative addresses this challenge by giving businesses expert technical assistance to provide childcare to their employees. The program engages employers in creating new childcare capacity, particularly in areas that lack sufficient childcare. 

This creates more childcare options for workers with young children while helping businesses attract and keep the workforce they need. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Technical assistance for employer-supported childcare solutions, including an employer needs assessment. 

• Notable Feature: Expert guidance (rather than direct funding) for businesses to develop customized on-site or near-site childcare programs 

• Launch Date: Fiscal Year 2025 

• Eligibility & Program Coverage: Any employer with employees working in Texas, regardless of whether the employer's main operations are located within the state 

• Current Funding: Federal childcare funds; complemented by a $25 million Child Care Expansion Initiative for FY 2025 specifically for new licensed childcare centers providing on-site or near-site childcare through employer partnerships 

Background

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) approved the development of the Employer Child Care Solutions Initiative in March 2023 as part of a larger effort to strengthen childcare infrastructure throughout the state. Created to address the critical link between childcare availability and workforce participation, the initiative dedicated up to $12 million to provide technical assistance to employers exploring the possibility of providing childcare programs. This technical assistance is complemented by a $25 million Child Care Expansion Initiative for FY 2025, which specifically supports new licensed childcare centers that provide childcare on or near parents' workplace. 

How it Works

The initiative operates through a step-by-step technical assistance process, with services available on a first-come, first-served basis: 

• TWC finds qualified technical assistance providers 

• A list of qualified providers is published on TWC’s webpage 

• Employers select the technical assistance provider they prefer and work directly with that provider 

• Providers deliver customized assessments and planning help to the employers who have selected them 

The technical assistance includes five key services: employee needs assessment, feasibility studies, options analysis, site selection, and business planning. This approach ensures employers develop childcare solutions that meet their specific workforce needs. 

Key Features

• Business-Centered Approach: Childcare solutions that work for both employers and employees 

• Comprehensive Technical Support: Expert guidance (rather than direct funding) for employers through the entire process of developing employer-supported childcare solutions, with a focus on creating employer-supported site-based childcare 

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Employee needs assessments help ensure childcare solutions address actual workforce needs and community conditions 

• Statewide Accessibility: Available to employers across Texas regardless of location or industry 

Policy Levers

• Funding Allocation: The initiative is funded through federal childcare funds; complemented by the $25 million Child Care Expansion Initiative for FY 2025 

• Program Structure: The initiative provides expert guidance (rather than direct funding), helping employers develop sustainable childcare solutions 

• Integration Strategy: The initiative works with recent policy changes including the implementation of the Texas Child Care Connection (TX3C) system in January 2025, which introduced a new statewide application, changes to provider payments, and enhanced attendance monitoring 

Results

The Employer Child Care Solutions initiative is just launching in FY 2025, so results are not yet available. The focus for FY 2025 is finding specialized technical assistance providers and helping employers create on-site or near-site childcare programs for their workers. 

Learn More

• Initiative Website: Employer Child Care Solutions

• Contact Details: Texas Workforce Commission Contact Page

• Press Release:  TWC Approves Additional Funding to Support Employers, Child Care Providers, and Families

Back to Solutions in Action ⟶

Iowa Child Care Business Incentive Grants

Overview 

The Iowa Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program (CCBI) provides funds to Iowa businesses to build or expand licensed childcare centers either on site or in the local community. This employer-focused initiative helps address Iowa's childcare shortage by encouraging businesses to invest in building new childcare facilities for their employees and communities. Projects include on-site employer centers, community partnerships, and school-based facilities. 

Why It Matters 

Iowa faces a critical childcare shortage with a deficit of nearly 48,000 state-licensed slots beyond the 115,535 available, representing a more than 40% gap statewide. This shortage makes it hard for parents with young children to work. 

CCBI's public-private partnership model addresses this problem through an employer-centered approach, positioning businesses as active participants in creating childcare solutions. By providing matching grants to employers, the program helps build new childcare facilities. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Public-private cost sharing between the state and employers. 

• Notable Feature: Directly engages businesses in building new childcare facilities for their employees 

• Launch Date: 2022, with an expanded, enhanced program (CCBI 2.0) launched in 2024 

• Eligibility: Iowa businesses with at least 75 full-time employees that are not primarily childcare providers 

• Current Funding: $10.3 million allocated in 2024 for CCBI 2.0: $22.6 million allocated for 2022 CCBI.  

• Participants: 

  • Businesses: Sub-recipients in the latest funding round for CCBI 2.0: 14 sub-recipients for CCBI.

• Program Coverage: Statewide, with priority for counties that have the greatest need for more childcare capacity 

Background

The Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program (CCBI) was established in 2022 under the administration of Governor Kim Reynolds with initial funding of $22.6 million from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. 

The program was created to address Iowa's significant childcare shortage by encouraging businesses to invest in building childcare facilities for their employees. 

In November 2024, Governor Reynolds announced the re-opening of the grant program with CCBI 2.0. This led to the announcement in 2025 of $10.3 million in new awards to create nearly 875 additional childcare slots across the state for a total of over 2300 new slots from these awards.

How it Works

The CCBI program operates through a matching grant structure: 

• The business is required to pay for 50% of th awarded amount.

• To ensure accountability: 

  • No grant funds are released until the match requirement is validated 

  • The program operates on a reimbursement basis with no advance payments 

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) administers the program. Businesses apply during designated application periods and, if selected, must complete construction, obtain licensing as a childcare center, and open for operation by the established program deadline. Recipients must maintain a state childcare license and operate at over 50% capacity for at least five years following the award. 

Key Features

• Employer-Driven Model: Engages businesses as active participants in addressing childcare needs for their employees 

• Infrastructure Focus: Funds are used exclusively to build new or expanded facilities including on-site employer centers, community partnerships, and school-based facilities 

• Targeted Funding Levels: Maximum award amounts of $3 million for new facilities and $1.5 million for expansions 

• Reimbursement Structure: Program operates on a reimbursement basis with no advance payments, ensuring financial accountability 

Policy Levers

• Funding Allocation: Initial $22.6 million authorized in 2022 and additional $10.3 million allocated in 2024 from ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds 

• Eligibility Parameters: Minimum business size requirement of 75 full-time employees ensures focus on employers with substantial workforce needs 

• Match Requirement: 50/50 private match doubles the impact of public funding while ensuring employer commitment 

• Geographic Priorities: Prioritizes projects in counties with high childcare needs, focusing on areas showing the greatest documented gaps between childcare demand and supply 

Results

The Iowa CCBI program has shown measurable progress in addressing childcare shortages: 

• Capacity Creation:2024 grant is projected to create 225 new childcare slots statewide; previous CCBI grant is expected to create roughly 1,525 slots (2022). 

• Business Participation: 9 new businesses received funding in the latest round, bringing total participation to approximately 24 employer projects since 2022 

• Facility Development: Projects include diverse childcare settings such as on-site employer centers, community partnerships, and school-based facilities 

• Public-Private Investment: 50/50 match requirement has effectively doubled the program's financial impact, with the total investment reaching approximately $33 million across all funding rounds 

Learn More

• Program Website:  Iowa Workforce Development Child Care Grants

• Application Details:  2024 Child Care Business Incentives 2.0 Funding Opportunity

• Latest Announcement:  Gov. Reynolds Awards Iowa Businesses $14 Million in Grants to Create & Expand Child Care Options

• Contact Information: Jesse Dougherty at (515) 725-5487 or Email: communications@iwd.iowa.gov

Back to Solutions in Action ⟶

New Jersey Early Childhood Apprenticeships

Overview 

The New Jersey Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot Program helps childcare staff earn Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) certifications through on-the-job training, mentorship, and coursework. Run by the New Jersey Department of Human Services together with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the program addresses the shortage of infant and toddler staff able to work effectively with infants and toddlers. 

Why It Matters 

New Jersey has a shortage of qualified infant and toddler childcare staff, making it hard for families to find care for children under age 3. 

The Apprenticeship Program enables staff to earn credentials and improve their skills while working in childcare settings. The program aims to improve the quality of care for children during the critical developmental period from birth to age three by increasing the effectiveness of infant/toddler staff. 

This approach helps childcare centers get the high-quality staff they need while enabling childcare workers to advance their careers without leaving their jobs. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: On-the-job training combined with educational coursework leading to Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) certification 

• Notable Feature: Equal focus on site-based, workplace training through mentorship and formal education 

• Launch Date: November 2024 

• Eligibility: Adults with a high school diploma or GED who are employed full-time in infant/toddler classrooms at participating centers 

• Current Funding: Up to $15,000 per apprentice 

• Participants: 

  • Centers: 14 childcare centers across New Jersey 

  • Apprentices: Up to 20 participants statewide 

• Program Coverage: Statewide with participating centers in 11 counties 

Background

The New Jersey Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot Program was created to address the need for more qualified infant and toddler educators. The program was designed with input from childcare centers and workforce development experts to ensure it met the practical needs of both employers and employees. Planning began in January 2023 when New Jersey received federal Preschool Development Grant Birth to 5 funds and was launched in November 2024.  

The pilot phase runs approximately from November 2024 to May 2026, with apprentices expected to complete requirements within 18 months. During this phase, the apprenticeship program was registered with the US Department of Labor in February 2024.

How it Works

The program operates through a three-way partnership model: 

• Childcare centers employ apprentices and provide on-the-job training 

• Mentors with specialized infant/toddler expertise guide apprentices 

• The state provides funding and educational resources for mentors, educators, and employers

Participating centers choose candidates (either newly hired or existing staff) for apprenticeship positions in infant/toddler classrooms. Each apprentice works with a carefully-selected mentor who provides structured on-the-job training while the apprentice completes educational requirements for the Infant/Toddler CDA credential over an 18-month period. The state contracts with a private management organization to track and document program participants through the New Jersey Workforce Registry. All apprentices are awarded a full scholarship towards their CDA coursework, assessment fees, books (if necessary). Apprentices that successfully obtain their CDA Credential are eligible for a merit award of $500 through the scholarship program.

Key Features

• Dual Training Approach: Combines 2,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training with 144 hours of CDA-focused classroom instruction 

• Mentor Support System: Each apprentice works with a dedicated mentor who has special expertise with infants and toddlers 

• Financial Incentives: Includes funding for mentor compensation, apprentice support, and administrative costs, plus a 3% wage increase for participants after they complete the program 

• Educational Assistance: The state pays roughly $2,600 per apprentice for their CDA course tuition, books, and credential fees, through the NJ ECE Scholarship Program 

• Training and Support: Employers are offered extensive business training through a partnership with the Early Education Business Consultants that includes training, learning labs and individualized coaching and technical assistance. All mentors complete approximately 40 hours on orientation, training, and small group coaching provided by the Early Childhood Leadership Institute (ECLI) at Rowan University. Apprentices are also invited to participate in bi-monthly communities of practice through ECLI.

Policy Levers

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Program legislation requires the Department of Human Services and the Department of Labor to create a coordinated workforce development approach 

• Funding Allocation: $300,000 total funding for the pilot program through the federal Preschool Development Grant Birth to 5 program

• Program Standards: Legislation sets clear requirements for participating centers, mentors, and apprentices to ensure program quality 

• Career Advancement Requirements: Requires a 3% minimum wage increase for apprentices who complete the program to increase retention and promote career growth 

Results

The New Jersey Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot Program is still new, with initial outcomes not yet available. 

• Initial Engagement: 14 childcare centers received grants to support up to 20 apprentices statewide 

• Geographic Distribution: Program reached 11 counties in its first phase, establishing a statewide presence 

• Future Evaluation: Program will track results to gauge impact on workforce development and care quality, with findings potentially informing decisions about program continuation or expansion. 

Learn More

• Program Website: New Jersey Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program

• Managing Agencies:
  New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development
  New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
  Sponsor: Public Consulting Group (NJ Workforce Registry)

• Program Information: Program Guidelines and FAQs (scroll down for FAQ)

• Contact information: NJWorkforceRegistry@pcgus.com

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Seattle Preschool Family Child Care Program

Overview 

The Seattle Preschool Family Child Care Program component brings licensed childcare providers into Seattle’s city-wide preschool program. What began as a two-year pilot in 2017 has evolved into an established part of the Seattle Preschool Program — increasing preschool options for 3- and 4-year-old children by including home-based programs, which better meet the needs of some families. Costs are based on family income to make high-quality preschool accessible to families across economic circumstances.  

Why It Matters 

Many families prefer home-based preschool programs where their children's cultural practices are respected, and their native language is spoken. 

The Seattle Preschool Program addresses this by incorporating family childcare providers in the city-wide preschool program framework, expanding from the original pilot of 9 providers to 22 providers in the 2024-2025 school year. The approach keeps the small, personal nature of family childcare while improving program quality through targeted supports and professional development. 

The program gives families an alternative to center-based programs, which is important to those families who prefer the smaller, more familiar setting of a home-based provider. By using a sliding fee scale based on family income, the program removes financial barriers that might otherwise prevent families from accessing high-quality preschool. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Home-based preschool through licensed family childcare providers 

• Notable Feature: First city preschool program to include family childcare providers  

• Launch Date: Fall 2017 as a pilot; became permanent program component in 2019

• Eligibility: Seattle children ages 3-4; live within Seattle city limits 

• Current Funding: $2.5 million annually from the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy 

• Participation Rates: 

  • Providers: 22 participating providers (2024-2025); Expanded from 9 family childcare providers in 2021 

• Program Coverage: City of Seattle 

Background

The Family Child Care component of the Seattle Preschool Program launched in fall 2017 as a two-year pilot. It was developed as part of the city-wide preschool program, which voters approved in November 2014 through Proposition 1B, authorizing a $58 million property tax levy. 

The initial pilot was planned by a Family Child Care (FCC) Advisory Committee formed by the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning, including FCC owners, center directors, parent educators, and representatives from community organizations serving immigrant and refugee populations. A key design principle was making the program affordable through income-based fees. 

Following the success of the pilot, the Family Child Care component became a permanent part of the Seattle Preschool Program, funded through the 2018 Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy. 

How it Works

The program operates through a hub network model: 

• Family child care providers run preschool in their licensed home programs

• Hub organizations recruit and contract providers, manage program finances and Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) subsidy payments, and give providers hands-on support and training

• Seattle’s Department of Education & Early Learning (DEEL) oversees the program, sets the standards, and runs the SPP sliding-fee subsidy; it works with Hubs to make sure providers meet the standards

This partnership keeps roles clear—DEEL oversees, Hubs manage finances and provide support, and providers teach—so the program runs smoothly.

Key Features

• Administrative Support: Hub organizations handle paperwork, allowing providers to focus on education 

• Parent Choice: Respects parent preferences for the kind of program they want their young children to be in 

• Affordability: Program costs are determined on a sliding scale based on family income, making high-quality preschool accessible to families across different economic backgrounds 

• Quality Standards: Integration with Washington State Early Achievers Program ensures consistent quality 

Policy Levers

• Funding: Municipal tax levy funds support program operations and provider payments 

• Quality Standards: Same quality requirements across different provider types ensure educational quality 

• Support Structure: Hub organizations provide necessary "back office" support for home-based providers 

• Sliding Fee Scale: Tuition based on family income ensures program accessibility for diverse families 

Results

The Preschool Program’s Family Child Care component has grown from a small pilot to an established part of the city's preschool system: 

• Provider Growth: Expanded from 9 to 22 family childcare providers between 2021 and 2024 

• Program Access: Now part of the broader Seattle Preschool Program which serves nearly 2,500 children annually in neighborhoods throughout Seattle 

• Economic Diversity: The sliding fee scale has enabled families across income levels to access quality preschool 

• Innovation: Program recognized as unique for including home-based providers in a city preschool program and has become a model for other municipalities 

Learn More

• Program Website: Seattle Preschool Program

• Managing Agency: Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning
  Email: preschool@seattle.gov
  Phone: 206-386-1050

• Partner Organizations:

  • Voices of Tomorrow

  • Tiny Tots Early Learning Collaborative (TTELC) — a partnership between Tiny Tots Development Center and Voices of Tomorrow

  • BrightSpark

Back to Solutions in Action ⟶

North Carolina Tri-Share

Overview 

The NC Tri-Share Child Care Program is an initiative established to promote collaboration between employers, employees, and the State in addressing the challenges of childcare affordability. By sharing the financial responsibility of childcare expenses, the program aims to alleviate the burden on working families while fostering a supportive environment for employee retention and productivity. This program divides the price of care evenly between the State, employers, and eligible employees which are those with a household income between 185-300% of the federal poverty level.   

Why It Matters 

Many North Carolina families earn too much to qualify for traditional childcare assistance but too little to afford high-quality care, creating barriers to workforce participation. Parents with young children, particularly those with infants and toddlers, need access to affordable, high-quality childcare to remain in the workforce. 

The Tri-Share Program offers a solution by dividing childcare costs equally among three stakeholders: employers, employees, and the state. This approach helps employers attract and retain workers while enabling more parents to enter or remain in the workforce. The program specifically targets the "missing middle" - working families who fall outside the parameters of other assistance programs yet struggle with childcare costs. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Equal cost-sharing between state, employers, and employees 

• Notable Feature: Targets families who earn too much to be eligible for subsidy but struggle to afford childcare 

• Launch Date: September 2024

• Eligibility: Families earning between 185% and 300% of Federal Poverty Level who are employed by participating businesses and are otherwise not eligible for subsidy 

• Current Funding: $900,000 per year allocated for FY 2023-2025 or until funds are expended 

• Program Coverage: Initially 15 counties through three regional hubs; now open to all 100 North Carolina counties 

Background

The North Carolina Tri-Share Child Care Program was established through the 2023 Appropriations Act (Session Law 2023-134) as a pilot initiative to make high-quality childcare affordable and accessible for working families, help employers retain and attract employees, and help stabilize childcare businesses across the State. The program was designed to fill a critical gap in childcare support for families who earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance but still struggle with the high costs of quality childcare. 

The program received $900,000 per year in state funding, distributed among three Regional Hubs in fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 or until funds are expended.  Initially launched in 15 counties, the program has since expanded statewide to all 100 counties in North Carolina. 

How it Works

 The program divides childcare costs equally three ways: 

• Employers pay one-third 

• Employees pay one-third 

• State of North Carolina pays one-third

Three designated Smart Start Local Partnerships serve as Regional Hubs to administer the program at the community level. The NC Partnership for Children provides overarching leadership and backbone management, while the Catapult Employers Association serves as a third-party administrator to manage the application and benefits administration. 

Key Features

• Regional Hub Model: Leverages existing Smart Start Network infrastructure and relationships to ensure local coordination and support through three regional hubs, now serving all North Carolina counties.   

• NC Partnership for Children:  Backbone support enables streamlined processes for each Regional Hub including communications materials and application process. NCPC engages the General Assembly on progress, manages contracts, projections and expenditures as well as evaluation.  

• Targeted Eligibility: Specifically serves families earning between 185% and 300% of the federal poverty level who are not eligible for other public childcare assistance. 

• Employment Requirement: Participants must be employed by businesses that have formally joined the program, encouraging employer engagement 

• Public-Private Partnership: Creates a balanced distribution of financial responsibility that makes quality childcare more accessible to working families 

Policy Levers

• Funding Appropriations: State legislators allocated $900,000 for fiscal years 2023-2025 to support program implementation and the state's portion of the cost-sharing model.  A technical correction in 2024 allows for the program to continue until funds are expended. 

• Eligibility Parameters: Income requirements set at a household income of 185-300% of federal poverty level, which target families who fall into the gap between assistance eligibility and affordability 

• Regional Administration: Legislation established the Regional Hub model utilizing existing Smart Start Local Partnerships to manage local recruitment and implementation and specified NCPC to manage streamlined processes in a 2024 legislative technical correction. 

• Program Duration: Current funding authorization extends until funds are expended, creating a multi-year window for implementation and evaluation 

Results

While still early in its development, the North Carolina Tri-Share Child Care Program has begun expanding statewide from its initial pilot phase. The program's current funding allows capacity to serve approximately 300 children (price of care differs greatly across the state as well as in classrooms with differing ages of infants and children). The enrollment numbers as of April 2025 are as follows: 

• 16 employers have enrolled with 5 pending approval 

• 24 childcare providers - 5 pending approval 

• 9 children - 13 pending approval 

For participating families, the program substantially reduces childcare costs, lowering monthly payments by two-thirds. This significant decrease helps families better manage other essential expenses such as housing, food and transportation. Many childcare providers themselves have enrolled as employers, helping to retain their own staff. 

To increase participation, Smart Start and the NC Department of Commerce ran a "NC Tri-Share Week" in March 2025, providing information sessions to over 90 interested employers, Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development staff. Program administrators are also working with the North Carolina General Assembly regarding potential sustainability and expansion beyond the current implementation period. 

Learn More

• Program Website: Smart Start - NC Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program Overview

• Employee Information: Smart Start - NC Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program for Employees

• Employer Information: Catapult Employers Association - NC Tri-Share Employee Child Care Benefit

• Recent Press: “Tri-Share, a state pilot to reduce child care costs, opens to businesses statewide”

• Administrative Contact: North Carolina Partnership for Children

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New Hampshire Child Care Scholarships

Overview 

The New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to eligible families for childcare expenses, enabling parents to work, seek employment, pursue education, or participate in treatment programs. In January 2024, the program expanded income eligibility to 85% of State Median Income and incorporated a sliding scale for family payments to expand access to more families. 

Why It Matters 

Childcare costs in New Hampshire create significant financial barriers for working families. In 2022, the average annual cost for infant center-based care exceeded $15,000, making high-quality childcare unaffordable for many families without assistance. 

The Child Care Scholarship Program addresses this challenge by providing direct financial support to reduce the burden of childcare expenses. By limiting family payments to no more than 7% of household income, the program makes childcare more affordable for eligible families, allowing parents to work or go to school and improving family economic stability. 

Following eligibility expansion in early 2024, program participation increased by 21.3% in the first half of the year, demonstrating the high demand for childcare assistance among New Hampshire families. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Income-based financial assistance for childcare costs 

• Notable Feature: Sliding-scale payment structure caps family payments at 7% of household income 

• Launch Date: Significant expansion implemented January 2024 

• Eligibility: Families earning up to 85% of State Median Income (approximately $89,180 annually for a family of three) 

• Current Funding: Supported through a combination of federal Child Care and Development Block Grant and state funds 

• Participation Rates: 

  • Children: 4,348 children enrolled as of October 2024 

• Program Coverage: Statewide availability across New Hampshire 

Background

The New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program was established to provide financial assistance to low and moderate-income families, ensuring access to affordable childcare while enabling parents to work or further their education. 

In January 2024, the state legislature expanded income eligibility limits to 85% of State Median Income and restructured the family payment model to reduce financial burdens on participating families. These changes aligned with the State Fiscal Years 2024-2025 budget priorities and have resulted in increased program participation. 

How it Works

The program provides financial assistance through direct payments to qualified childcare providers on behalf of eligible families: 

• Eligible families apply through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services 

• Family payment amounts are determined by family income: Families at or below 100% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) pay nothing, those between 100-138% FPL pay $5 weekly, and families earning more than 138% FPL pay 7% of their income 

• The state pays the remaining childcare costs directly to the provider 

The program also increases payments to providers that accept scholarships, encouraging providers to participate in the program. This ensures that a diverse range of providers are available to parents, enabling them to choose childcare that fits their values and needs. 

Key Features

• Expanded Eligibility: Income limits increased to 85% of State Median Income, enabling more moderate-income families to qualify for assistance 

• Sliding Scale for Family Payments: Family contributions are limited to 7% of household income, meaning lower payments for families at lower income levels 

• Parent Choice: Families can select from licensed centers, licensed family homes, or approved license-exempt providers 

• Increased Provider Rates: The maximum provider payment rate was increased from the 55th percentile to the 75th percentile of the childcare market rate survey. Provider participation has improved, thereby increasing childcare options for families. 

Policy Levers

• Income Thresholds: Expanded eligibility to families earning up to 85% of State Median Income increases access for moderate-income households 

• Payment Structure: Family payments determined on a sliding-scale based on their income 

• Provider Payment Rates: Increased rates for providers accepting scholarships improves provider participation and thus increases childcare options for families to choose from 

• Funding Allocation: Combined federal CCDBG and state funds support program expansion and sustainability 

Results

The New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program has demonstrated positive impact since its recent expansion: 

• Enrollment Growth: 21% increase in scholarship enrollment in the first half of 2024 following eligibility expansion 

• Current Participation: 4,348 children enrolled as of October 2024 

• Financial Impact on Families: Reduced childcare costs to no more than 7% of household income for eligible families, compared to potential costs exceeding 15% without assistance 

• Improved Access: Families earning up to $89,180 annually (for a family of three) are now eligible for assistance 

Learn More

• Program Website: NH Connections - Child Care Scholarship

• Administrative Contact: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Economic and Housing Stability.
  Contact the NH Child Care Advisory Council: mariannebarter@gmail.com; Phone: 603-226-7900

• Provider Information: New Hampshire Connections

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Michigan Tri-Share

Overview 

The Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program divides childcare costs equally among businesses, their employees, and the state. This Innovative program helps families with incomes between 200% and 325% of the Federal Poverty Level pay for high-quality childcare to encourage their workforce participation. 

Why It Matters 

Michigan families who earn too much to qualify for traditional childcare subsidies but too little to afford high-quality care face significant barriers to workforce participation. The Tri-Share program offers a solution for those families by distributing childcare costs equally among three stakeholders: employers, employees, and the state. This approach helps employers attract and retain talent while enabling more parents to enter the workforce. 

The program fills a critical gap in childcare support by serving families with incomes between 200% and 325% of the Federal Poverty Level, who typically do not qualify for other assistance but still struggle with childcare costs. This targeted approach helps address the diverse financial challenges faced by families with young children. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Equal cost-sharing between state, employers, and employees 

• Notable Feature: Pioneered successful "tri-share" cost-sharing model 

• Launch Date: March 2021 

• Eligibility: Families earning between 200% and 325% of Federal Poverty Level 

• Current Funding: $3.4 million for FY 2024-2025. Initial $1.1 million in state funding for the pilot phase in FY 2021, with an additional $2.5 million invested in state funds in FY22. The state also matched employer investments at a rate of 2:1, up to $3 million. 

• Participation Rates: 

  • Employers: 195 participating employers 

  • Families: 514 families served 

  • Children: 713 children benefiting 

  • Providers: 351 childcare providers 

• Program Coverage: 59 counties and Detroit 

Background

The Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program originated from discussions among community leaders, business owners, and policymakers in western Michigan. It was designed to help families who earn too much to qualify for Michigan childcare subsidy programs but still struggle to afford the high costs of childcare. 

The three-way cost-sharing concept was first proposed by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce in response to employer concerns about childcare as a significant barrier to workforce participation. The initiative was introduced in March 2021, beginning as a pilot program in three regions — rural, suburban, and urban — and has subsequently expanded across the state. 

The bipartisan nature of the initiative underscores a broad consensus on the importance of addressing childcare challenges, which has led to its ongoing success and expansion across Michigan. 

How it Works

The program divides childcare costs equally three ways: 

• Employers pay one-third 

• Employees pay one-third 

• State of Michigan pays one-third 

Regional "Facilitator Hubs" manage the program locally, handling administration, connecting families with providers, and processing payments. These hubs serve as connectors between employers, employees, and childcare providers, handling tasks including recruiting employers and providers, determining employee eligibility, billing the state and employers, and paying childcare providers directly. 

Key Features

• Regional Hub Model: Ensures local coordination and support while maintaining consistent statewide standards 

• Income-Targeted Approach: Specifically addresses the needs of families in the gap between subsidy eligibility and affordability 

• Employer Engagement: Engages businesses as active participants in helping their employees access childcare 

• Cost Reduction: Reduces family childcare expenses from 15% to 5% of monthly income 

Policy Levers

• Program Structure: Legislators established the three-way cost-sharing model and regional hub administration system 

• Funding Appropriations: State legislators allocated funding to support program operations and expansion across Michigan 

• Eligibility Parameters: Income requirements set at 200-325% of Federal Poverty Level target families who fall into the gap between subsidy eligibility and affordability 

• Geographic Implementation: Initial pilot targeted diverse communities (rural, suburban, urban) to ensure program adaptability statewide 

Results

The Tri-Share program has demonstrated positive results since its launch: 

• Program Growth: Expanded from 3 to 13 hubs, now serving 514 families and 713 children across 59 counties and Detroit, with projections indicating a substantial increase in enrollment in the coming years. The program aims to serve 7,500 children across 5,000 households statewide by the year 2028. 

• Employer Engagement: Participation increased from 54 to 195 employers since June 2022. 

• Employee Engagement: Participating employers have reported significant improvements in employee retention rates of up to 80%. Four out of five surveyed employees agreed or strongly agreed that Tri-Share makes them more likely to keep working and stay in their current job. 

• Provider Network: 351 childcare providers now participate in the program, receiving reliable payments which are typically deposited bi-weekly by the facilitator hubs. This financial stability contributes to the sustainability and quality of childcare services. 

• Cost Impact: As of April 2023, parents enrolled in the program were saving an average of $464 per month, or an annual saving of $5,568. 

Learn More

• Program Website: MI Tri-Share Child Care Program

• Program Information:

MI Tri-Share Pilot Evaluation

Tri-Share Brochure

Tri-Share One Pager

Tri-Share Child Care Program Guidance

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Iowa Childcare Solutions Fund

Overview 

The Iowa Childcare Solutions Fund (CSF) pilot program is a public-private partnership that matches private, locally raised funds with state funding to address community-specific childcare shortages across Iowa. This innovative program aims to raise wages for childcare providers without raising costs for families, enabling communities to increase the availability of childcare. 

Why It Matters 

Childcare providers often struggle to hire and retain workers, which leaves them with insufficient staff to operate and causes childcare shortages. This is primarily caused by staff wages that are too low. The Iowa Childcare Solutions Fund (CSF) addresses this problem through a unique funding model that distributes costs between private contributors and state government. This approach allows childcare providers to increase wages and benefits for workers, improve retention, and expand capacity without passing additional costs on to families. 

The program specifically targets a fundamental challenge in the childcare market: Providers cannot raise wages without increasing prices for families, which, in turn, makes childcare too expensive for many families who need it. 

Quick Facts

• Core Model: Public-private funding partnership with 2:1 state matching for locally raised funds, with a maximum state contribution of $3 million. 

• Notable Feature: Supports childcare worker wages without increasing costs for families 

• Launch Date: Fiscal Year 2024 

• Eligibility: Licensed or registered childcare providers in good standing in participating communities 

• Current Funding: $5.3 million total ($2.4 million private donations, $2.9 million state funds) 

• Participants: 

  • Providers: 105 childcare providers 

  • Workers: 223 childcare workers hired or retained; 1,200 workers received some form of wage increase. 

  • New Childcare Slots: 275 slots added 

  • Businesses: 373 local businesses contributed to the Fund 

• Program Coverage: Ten communities across Iowa 

Background

The CSF pilot program emerged from a successful local initiative in Iowa's Hamilton County, which demonstrated the effectiveness of using a collaborative funding model to address childcare staffing shortages. Hamilton County's initiative used a mix of public and private funds to increase provider wages by 36% in four different childcare centers. As a result, about 100 additional children were able to receive care. 

The Iowa Women's Foundation (IWF) recognized the potential of this approach and advocated for its expansion to help improve women's economic prosperity across the state. 

In October 2023, the state committed to a 2:1 match for every private dollar raised, up to $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. Over $2.4 million in private funding was raised across 10 communities for the pilot program launched in November 2023. 

How it Works

The CSF operates through a funding model that combines private and public resources: 

• Local businesses, organizations, and individuals contribute private funds 

• State provides a 2:1 match for every private dollar raised, up to $3 million. 

• Funds are directed to childcare providers so they can improve worker wages and benefits 

The program is overseen by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Iowa Women's Foundation, which provides technical assistance and coordinates monthly meetings between participating communities. At the local level, economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, or established foundations typically handle the funds, ensuring professional financial management and community accountability. 

Key Features

• Local Decision-Making: Communities tailor solutions to their specific childcare challenges rather than implementing a one-size-fits-all approach 

• Business Engagement: Creates a direct pathway for employer involvement in addressing a workforce barrier while providing tax advantages for contributions 

• Collaborative Action: Monthly coordination meetings between pilot communities foster knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving 

• Wage Enhancement: Directly addresses the typically low pay for childcare workers, which leads to high turnover and staffing shortages 

Policy Levers

• Funding Allocation: State leaders allocated up to $3 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement the program 

• Matching Structure: Established 2:1 state matching formula to incentivize private contributions 

• Program Parameters: Created flexibility for communities to develop locally relevant solutions while maintaining statewide program standards and keeping quality at the forefront of these local funds

• Implementation Framework: Designated the Iowa Women's Foundation to provide technical assistance and coordination support to participating communities. Local communities then establish a task force of citizens and Child Care Resource and Referral professionals to collect data from participating child care providers

Results

The CSF pilot program has demonstrated promising results: 

• Workforce Impact: 223 childcare workers hired or retained across 105 participating providers 

• Capacity Increase: 275 new childcare slots created in participating communities --- about 22 new childcare slots per 1,000 children 

• Private Investment: $2.4 million raised from 373 local businesses across seven reporting communities 

• Economic Effect: Projections indicate that statewide expansion could create 8,000 new jobs, enable 5,000 more parents to join the workforce, add 11,000 new childcare slots, and increase Iowa's GDP by $13 billion over ten years 

Learn More

• Program Website: The Iowa Women's Foundation's Childcare Solutions Fund

• Program Report: Iowa's Childcare Solutions Fund: A Model for Closing the Childcare Gap

• Contact Information: Iowa Women's Foundation (IWF) is the contact point for communities interested in establishing their own Childcare Solutions Fund
  Email: info@iawf.org; Phone: (319) 774-3813

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Iowa Child Care Connect

Overview 

Iowa Child Care Connect (C3) is an online platform launched by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services in August 2024 to provide families with up-to-the-minute information on childcare availability across the state. This first-of-its-kind tool helps parents locate available childcare options along their daily route to work or school, addressing a critical information gap in the childcare marketplace. 

Why It Matters

Many Iowa families face significant challenges finding available childcare options that match their needs, often having to contact multiple providers only to discover no vacancies exist. This time-consuming process creates additional stress for working parents who need reliable childcare arrangements to enter into or stay in the workforce or school. 

The Iowa Child Care Connect (C3) platform aims to reduce stress and remove barriers to workforce participation for Iowa parents by streamlining their search for the childcare they need. C3 transforms the childcare search process by providing parents with up-to-date vacancy information in a user-friendly format. By integrating directly with childcare providers' management systems, the platform automatically collects and displays current availability data, eliminating the need for outdated vacancy reports that quickly become irrelevant to families seeking care. 

Quick Facts 

• Core Model: Near real-time childcare vacancy tracking system 

• Notable Feature: First platform in the nation to provide comprehensive, current childcare vacancy information responsive to specific family needs 

• Launch Date: August 2024 

• Eligibility: Open to all Iowa families seeking childcare 

• Current Funding: $500,000 annually for maintenance and operations 

• Initial Investment: $5.2 million in federal pandemic assistance funding 

• Participation Rates: 

  • Providers: Approximately 3,500 childcare providers statewide 

• Program Coverage: Serves all communities statewide 

Background 

Iowa Child Care Connect was launched in August 2024 following recommendations from the Governor's Child Care Task Force, which identified the need for a better way to connect families with available childcare options. Prior to C3's implementation, Iowa families had to rely on outdated vacancy information, often having to call numerous providers in their search for childcare openings. At the same time, providers that had vacancies lacked an effective way to communicate with families seeking care. 

The platform was developed through a collaboration between the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa State University, and Resultant, a data and technology consulting firm. Initial funding came from $5.2 million in federal pandemic assistance, reflecting growing awareness of childcare's role in economic recovery and workforce participation. 

How It Works 

Iowa Child Care Connect operates through a streamlined data integration system: 

• Childcare providers' management systems automatically share vacancy data with the state database 

• Families access this information through a user-friendly website 

• The system displays available options based on location, route, and specific family needs 

Regional support centers throughout the state help coordinate between providers, families, and the platform, ensuring the system remains accurate and up-to-date. 

Key Features

• Reducing Paperwork: System design reduces reporting requirements for providers, aiming to encourage their participation on the platform 

• Instant Updates: Automatic data collection from provider management systems ensures information remains current without creating administrative burden 

• Route-Based Search: Families can find childcare options along their daily commute routes, with travel times calculated in both miles and minutes 

• Comprehensive Filtering: Users can search by provider type, age groups served, hours of operation, quality ratings, and acceptance of Child Care Assistance payments 

• Geographic Visualization: Interactive maps help families visualize available options in relation to their homes, workplaces, and travel routes 

Policy Levers

• Technology Investment: Legislators allocated $5.2 million in federal funding for initial development and $500,000 annually for ongoing operations 

• Data Integration Framework: Policymakers established standards for data sharing between private providers and state systems, ensuring privacy protections 

• Public-Private Partnership: Established a program framework enabling collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and technology firms to create a comprehensive solution 

Results

Iowa Child Care Connect has demonstrated promising early results: 

• Provider Participation: Approximately 3,500 childcare providers statewide now share vacancy data through the platform 

• System Integration: Successfully connected multiple childcare management systems to create a unified data stream 

• Search Efficiency: Families can now access comprehensive childcare vacancy information through a single platform rather than contacting providers individually 

• Administrative Relief: Reduced paperwork for childcare providers by automating data collection from existing management systems 

Learn More

• Program Website: Iowa Child Care Connect

• Managing Agency:
  Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
  Email: info@earlychildhoodsc.org

• Search Tool: Iowa Child Care Search Tool

• Helpful Links:
  Iowa Child Care Connect (C3)
  C3 Child Care Search
  C3 Child Care Data Dashboards

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First Five South Carolina

Overview 

First Five South Carolina (first5sc.org) is a comprehensive online portal that connects families with children from birth through age five to over 60 publicly funded programs. Launched in February 2022, the initiative allows families to check eligibility and apply for multiple programs using a single platform. 

The program's design as a single point of entry simplifies what was previously a confusing maze of services for families seeking assistance. This innovative approach has gained national recognition, establishing First Five SC as a leading model for state early childhood systems across the country. 

Why It Matters

South Carolina families have long struggled to navigate the complex system of programs that support children's development during the crucial early years. First Five SC removes these barriers by providing a single access point for families to find information, check their eligibility, and apply for the programs they need. 

The "one-stop" portal organizes programs into practical categories that match family needs, rather than government structures, enabling parents to easily find and access programs for their young children. The user-friendly interface works on smartphones or computers, making the platform accessible to families across the state.  

The platform's success in creating a centralized access point for information, eligibility screening, and enrollment in public early childhood programs offers a valuable model for other states seeking to cut red tape for families with young children. 

Quick Facts 

• Core Model: Centralized online portal with common eligibility screening and application.

• Notable Feature: Single application process for a broad range of early childhood programs reduces paperwork for families.

• Launch Date: February 2022 

• Eligibility: All South Carolina families with children from birth through age five 

• Current Funding: Supported by the federal Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative, and recurring state funds. 

• Participation Rates: 

  • Unique Visitors: 361,551 (February 2022 - December 2024) 

  • Eligibility Screenings: 31,432 completed 

  • Applications: 3,555 submitted through common application (May 2023-December 2024) 

• Program Coverage: Statewide access to over 60 publicly funded programs

Background 

Launched in February 2022, First Five SC emerged from stakeholder discussions in 2019 that identified barriers families faced when trying to learn about and participate in family support programs. The portal was developed by the South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council together with state agencies and community partners, funded by a grant from the federal Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five program. 

The initiative began as an information source and eligibility screener, then added a common service application that allows families to enter information once to apply for any participating early childhood program. This feature has been praised by families for saving time and simplifying the application process. 

The South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council oversees the program, with administrative support from SC First Steps, and works closely with numerous state agencies and community partners. This collaborative, cross-agency approach has been essential to creating a more efficient system for supporting families with young children. 

How It Works 

First Five SC functions as a comprehensive online platform: 

• Families visit the First Five SC website to access information about 60 public programs organized into five categories: Child Care & Early Education; Health & Safety; Special Needs & Early Intervention; Food & Nutrition; and Parenting & Family Support 

• Parents enter basic information into a common eligibility screener, including child's age, household income, and family circumstances 

• The system identifies which programs families qualify for in their community 

• Families can complete applications for multiple programs using information they have already entered

Key Features

• Common Eligibility Screener: Families enter information once to determine potential eligibility for a range of programs simultaneously, dramatically reducing the time needed to get information from multiple state agencies. 

• Unified Application Process: Families enter their information once, which is then automatically filled into application forms for multiple participating early childhood services, eliminating a major frustration for families. 

• Geographic Service Locator: The "Find a Provider" feature helps families locate services near them, ensuring connections to accessible providers within their communities 

• User-Centered Design: The portal organizes information into practical categories that align with families' needs instead of government structures, helping families easily find what they need 

• Mobile Accessibility: First Five SC is user-friendly on mobile phones, making the platform accessible to families who rely on smartphones for internet access

Policy Levers

• Funding: State leaders secured and directed Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative funding to create and maintain the unified portal 

• Interagency Collaboration Framework: Policy established the structure for unprecedented cooperation among state agencies to share eligibility criteria and build the unified system 

• Digital Access Expansion: Investment in online systems increased accessibility of public services, particularly for families unable to visit multiple state offices in person because of transportation or scheduling challenges. 

Results

First Five SC has demonstrated substantial public engagement and service access improvements since launch: 

• Family Engagement: 361,551 unique visitors accessed the portal between February 2022 and December 2024, with 155,881 unique visitors seeking information on all publicly funded early childhood services in the 2023-2024 fiscal year alone 

• Effective Targeting: 77% of those checking for services were eligible for at least one program in 2023-2024, suggesting the platform effectively reaches families who qualify for assistance 

• Service Access Efficiency: Families report finding services in minutes that previously took them months to locate, demonstrating dramatic improvement in access to support.

Learn More

• Program Website: First Five SC

• Contact Information:
  Phone: 803-734-0479
  Email: info@earlychildhoodsc.org

• Additional Resources:
  First Five SC Toolkit
  South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council

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