Kids First Coalition asks Caribou County for $25,000 to launch TriShare childcare program

Tennille Call and Saydie McMorris-Putt of the Kids First Coalition presented the TriShare childcare model to the Caribou County Board of Commissioners on June 8 and asked the county to provide a minimum $25,000 startup contribution to launch the program locally.

Call described TriShare as a three-way cost-sharing model that helps working families afford childcare by splitting costs among families, employers and public funds. According to materials presented to the board, the local ask would include $2,500 for administration, $1,000 for marketing and funding to support seven infants at the highest cost tier. Call and McMorris-Putt said TriShare has already launched in Bannock County with three participating employers and two active families.

Commissioners raised questions about funding sources and whether levied (tax) dollars should be used versus non-levied funds. The presenters said they will provide marketing material and survey templates to county staff and recommended first surveying local employers and employees to understand demand before the county commits funds. Saydie McMorris noted staff will work with Commissioner Huff to coordinate outreach and will get surveys to the clerk for distribution.

Why it matters: county buy-in would seed enrollment and employer participation for a program designed to stabilize workforce participation; presenters cited statewide data showing 22,000 Idaho parents cut work hours or left jobs in 2024 because childcare was unaffordable.

Next steps: the presenters will provide marketing and surveys to the clerk; county staff will circulate employer and employee surveys; commissioners asked to review survey results prior to approving any funding.

Quote: Tennille Call stated the group "requested a minimum $25,000 investment from Caribou County to launch the program locally."