The NC Tri-Share Child Care Program creates a public/private partnership to share the cost of child care with employees. Employers, eligible employees, and the State equally split the price of child care for working families. Through this program, eligible employees receive child care benefits. This initiative is a collaborative effort of the NC Partnership for Children, Catapult Employers Association and Smart Start Network Regional Hubs.
The NC Tri-Share Child Care Program is funded through October 2025. Employers in the following counties are invited to participate: Cleveland, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, Lincoln, Gaston, Moore, Union, Montgomery, Richmond, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland, Chatham, Martin, Pitt.
If you are an employee whose employer operates outside of these counties, please complete the application and choose “other” for questions 3 & 4. We are working with the NC General Assembly to sustain and expand this program to more counties beyond the pilot phase. When you provide your county name we will note your interest and consider availability in this pilot program.
Important Notice:
Please complete the application in a single attempt, allocating 10-15 minutes and ensuring a stable internet connection, as answers won’t be saved if you exit or lose connection; note that questions marked with a red asterisk (*) are mandatory and must be answered before proceeding to the next question.
At the time of application have available the following information:
- Income details for yourself and any supporting adult(s).
- Most recent 1040 Tax Returns for applicant and supporting adult(s)
- If you cannot provide your most recent 1040 tax documentation, the following documents will be used to calculate annual household income: Pay stubs or employer note.
After successfully completing the application form, applicant will receive an email from Catapult within 2 business days containing a secure link to upload your Tax Forms, Pay Stubs, Employers Note or other proof of income.
FAMILY and INCOME DEFINITIONS & GUIDANCE (REVISED)
Family size includes:
- The NC Pre-K child
- Parents and stepparents living in the same household
- All of the NC Pre-K child’s minor brothers and sisters, half-brothers, half-sisters, stepbrothers and stepsisters living in the same household
NOTE: Minor siblings include anyone up to age 18 and still attending high school at the time the child’s application is submitted.
Additional Clarification:
- If a child is living with legal guardian(s) or legal custodian(s) then the family size consists of the NC Pre-K child, plus all of the child’s minor brothers and sisters, half-brothers, half-sisters, stepbrothers and stepsisters living in the same household. The adults and children of these adults are also included.
(REVISED)
- If a child is living with foster parent(s) or kinship provider(s) then the family size consists of the NC Pre-K child plus all of the child’s minor brothers and sisters, half-brothers, half-sisters, stepbrothers and stepsisters living in the same household. The adults and children of these adults are NOT included.
(REVISED)
- Incarcerated or institutionalized individuals are not included in family size.
Employee Eligibility Requirements:
- Receive payroll from a participating employer.
- Have a child under 12 enrolled in a licensed child care provider in the state of North Carolina.
Employee Eligibility Household Income Levels
To qualify, employees must have a household income between 185%-300% of the Federal Poverty Level and be otherwise ineligible for other subsidized child care. Salary levels are calculated each year and verified through federal tax form(s).
| Household Size | Yearly Income (185%-300% of federal poverty level) |
|---|---|
| Two Person | $36,482 - $59,160 |
| Three Person | $45,991 - $74,580 |
| Four Person | $55,500 - $90,000 |
| Five Person | $65,009 - $105,420 |
| Six Person | $74,518 - $120,840 |
| Seven Person | $84,027 - $136,260 |
| Eight Person | $93,536 - $151,680 |
Cost of Child Care Shared Three Ways
Enrollment Process
Employer Becomes an Approved Tri-Share Partner and Commit to Provide a New Benefit to Their Employees by Covering 1/3 of the Price of Child Care Plus 9% Administration Fee.
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Employee Submits Application to Receive 2/3 of the Price of Child Care.
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Employee Receives a Secure Link to Upload Federal Tax Forms.
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Employee Receives Notification of Status of Application, Indicating Whether it has Been Approved or Denied.
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Upon Approval, Employee Agrees to Pay 9% Administration Fee on Their 1/3 Cost of Child Care.
Benefits of Tri-Share
Affordable Child Care
Peace of Mind
Employee-Sponsored Benefit
Have questions or want more information? Email us at nctrishare@letscatapult.org.
Regional Hubs:
Cleveland County Partnership for Children
Participating Counties: Cleveland, Gaston, Henderson, Lincoln, Rutherford
Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children
Participating Counties: Martin, Pitt
Partners for Children and Families (Moore)
Participating Counties: Chatham, Cumberland, Hoke, Moore, Montgomery, Richmond, Scotland, Union
Are you an employer or child care provider? Click a button below to begin enrollment.
