Copyright © 2026

Acceptance of applications is now closed.  



Questions? Email ccwkc@mochildcareaware.org

Program Benefits for First Responders:


  • Lower Child Care Costs - Eligible families receive monthly support to significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Real-Time Access to Licensed and/or Registered Providers - Choose from a wide network of child care providers based in Missouri.
  • More Flexibility for Your Family - Pick the provider, location, and schedule that works best for you.
  • Easy to Apply - Once the parent application form is live it will ony take a few minutes to complete the online application from your phone or computer.
Applications are now closed.

The City of Kansas City, in coordination with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is launching a Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program designed to make child care more accessible, affordable, and easier to find for first responders.

Child Care Works Kansas City (CCWKC) is currently offered as a pilot program. 
Availability is limited, and not all families who apply will be eligible to receive a benefit. Participation and feedback during this phase help the City of Kansas City understand employee needs and shape how benefits can grow and scale over time.  

KCMO First Responders Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program

Designed to make care more affordable and accessible for the families who serve our community every day.

Who Is Eligible:

Full-time, active First Responders employed by the City of Kansas City, MO Fire and Aviation Dept and Kansas City Police Department. Participants must meet all of the following: 

  • Income: Prioritization of base household income between 150% and 555% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  • Other Child Care Assistance: Applicants receiving any other child care assistance funds or child care subsidy from the State are not eligible to receive funding through the Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program
  • Child Age: Children age 12 or younger, or up to 18 with a documented special need
  • Care Need: Full-time or part-time child care requirement
  • Provider: Use of a Missouri-based Licensed or Subsidy-Registered child care provider eligible under the Missouri Child Care Works (CCW) model. Need help finding an eligible provider? Contact CCWKC@mochildcareaware.org 

Download the CCWKC Family Onboarding Kit

For a complete overview of the application process, we invite you to download the CCWKC Family Onboarding Kit. This is your step-by-step guide to accessing the new Tri-Share child care benefit. 


Inside this kit, you’ll learn:
• How to apply for the benefit 
• What documents are needed to apply 
• A simple checklist to guide you through the entire process
• What your child care provider needs to know
• Frequently Asked Questions about the benefit

KCMO First Responders


Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) will serve as the third-party program administrator, as authorized by the City of Kansas City, MO and will utilize the TOOTRiS technology platform to administer eligibility, enrollment, payments, and reporting.

Applications are now closed.

Applications were accepted on a first come, first serve basis through May 31, 2026.  

Download the CCWKC Family Onboarding Kit

Through the program, the cost of child care is shared between the City of Kansas City, MO, DESE, and participating first responder employees.