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. 

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. 

Now that the Missouri governor has signed the budget, which includes $2.5 million for the Missouri Child Care Exchange, MARC — in coordination with local stakeholders — will start work on a community-wide effort to recruit participating businesses and child care providers. 

“We look forward to getting to work on the Child Care Exchange in the Kansas City region,” said Dr. Toni Sturdivant, director of the Early Learning and Head Start Department at MARC. 

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 helps stabilize 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,” Sturdivant said. “And, many families struggle to find quality child care options within their budget. 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.”