Missouri Child Care Exchange will help families who need child care

A new initiative is set to transform child care affordability for working families in the Kansas City region. The Child Care Exchange program is designed to address the critical need for affordable child care options while supporting workforce recruitment and retention for employers.

With the governor’s support for including the program in the state budget, and its anticipated signing, the Child Care Exchange will be ready to launch as soon as funding becomes available. The program leverages cost-sharing among employees, employers, the state of Missouri (if eligible) and other potential local funding sources, ensuring families have access to high-quality child care.

MARC will support the exchange by connecting employers and child care providers to the exchange, continuing work to increase the number of child care options available all while supporting workforce attraction for employers and stabilizing the child care marketplace.

The key benefits of the program include:

• For employers: An easy and hassle-free way to support current and prospective employees with their child care needs.
• For families: Affordable child care supported by contributions from employers, government and other sources, simplifying enrollment at the provider of their choice.
• For child care providers: Consistent payment, stabilizing the child care marketplace.

“Research shows that a lack of affordable child care is a significant barrier for Kansas City area employers in recruiting and retaining employees. And, many families struggle to find quality child care options within their budget,” said Dr. Toni Sturdivant, director of the Early Learning and Head Start Department at MARC. “The Child Care Exchange program directly addresses these challenges, bringing relief to employers and working families alike. We are thankful to Gov. Kehoe for his leadership and support on this important issue.”

Upon the governor’s signing of the budget, MARC will initiate a community-wide effort to recruit participating businesses and child care providers.

Learn more about the Child Care Exchange program.