Program connects employers, employees with affordable daycare

Paul Welitzkin, The Petoskey News-Review
·2 min read

GAYLORD — Some businesses in Northern Michigan are struggling due to a lack of available workers, and officials said one of the barriers preventing many from entering the work force is the cost of child-care services.

The Mi Tri-Share Child Care program splits the cost of an employee's child care so it is shared equally among the employer, the employee and the state of Michigan.

The Mi Tri-Share Child Care program splits the cost of an employee's child care so it is shared equally among the employer, the employee and the state of Michigan. It is available in six Northern Michigan counties — Crawford, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego and Roscommon.
The Mi Tri-Share Child Care program splits the cost of an employee's child care so it is shared equally among the employer, the employee and the state of Michigan. It is available in six Northern Michigan counties — Crawford, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego and Roscommon.

Brandy Riopelle, project coordinator for the Otsego County Economic Alliance, is in charge of connecting employers and parents to the Tri-Share program for six counties in the region — Crawford, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego and Roscommon.

"This program really helps employees with daycare expenses and for the employer, it can help them to retain or recruit new workers in a competitive labor market," said Riopelle.

She said employers in all six counties are eligible and they can decide how many of their employees will be participating.

"If they want to do 10 employees they can make that call," Riopelle said. "Right now I have employers that have one or two employees taking advantage of the program. This program seems to have a niche market, which would be small independent businesses."

Riopelle said self-employed individuals can participate in the program. Ten employers have signed up so far, including a restaurant, vision provider, and a nonprofit organization. Treetops Resort of Gaylord is also participating.

"Do all 300 employees of Treetops need child care — no," said Riopelle. "There are only a few who need child care."

Large corporate employers "are not jumping on board because they have rules and regulations they must follow, especially if they can't extend it to all of their employees," said Riopelle.

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There are income requirements for employees and Riopelle said a family of four could earn as much as nearly $98,000 a year and still qualify.

"When I do an income eligibility for a family and if they qualify, then they are good for two years. I don't see this program going away anytime soon," she said.

Riopelle said the Tri-Share program can help with summer child care expenses along with before/after school care. Employers and their employees should contact Riopelle (989)731-7510 or through her email for more information.

— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Program connects employers, employees with affordable daycare