VIDEO: A new pilot program could help Kansas City police, fire, and EMS workers save on child care expenses. The Tri-Share Childcare Pilot Program for first responders is expected to help with recruitment and retention for families with 24-hour, non-traditional work schedules who can pay top dollar for child care.
Under the new Tri-share program, costs will be split three ways with a reimbursement model among the state, city, and employee. The Kansas City City Council recently approved it, so emergency personnel could see substantial savings sooner rather than later. According to Care.com, child care expenses are roughly $730 per week in Kansas City.
The city will monitor the program and could expand it further. “When we brought this through the city council, some members talked about expanding it to all city employees, so we are looking at additional models. We wanted to make sure we brought this to fruition first,” said Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw. Licensed day cares across the city will be involved in the program for at least one year.
