More Support for In-Home Child Care in North Carolina
Across North Carolina, families and in-home child care providers have been watching closely as state leaders look for ways to make child care more affordable. Over the past two years, there has been growing attention on programs that help working parents pay for care while also giving small, home-based providers more financial stability.
For many families, the starting point is North Carolina’s Child Care Subsidy Program, which is funded through the federal Child Care and Development Fund. This program helps eligible working families cover a large portion of their monthly child care costs. According to the N.C. Division of Child Development and Early Education, thousands of children across the state receive assistance each year, including those enrolled in licensed family child care homes.
For providers like Tanya Wilson, who runs a licensed family child care home in Johnston County, subsidy payments can make a big difference. “When families have help paying, they’re less stressed, and I know my payments will come in on time,” Wilson said. “That stability helps me focus on the kids instead of worrying about finances.”
State officials have also been reviewing reimbursement rates in recent budget discussions in Raleigh. Providers have long said that subsidy payments do not always reflect the true cost of care. In 2024 and 2025, lawmakers discussed efforts to raise reimbursement rates to better match market prices in different counties. While changes vary by region, the broader goal has been to strengthen the child care system so providers can remain open and families can keep working.
The Rise of Tri-Share
Another program gaining attention is the NC Tri-Share Child Care Program. First launched as a pilot in 2024 and expanded in 2025, Tri-Share splits the cost of child care between three groups: the employee, the employer, and the state of North Carolina. The idea is simple. When all three contribute, families pay significantly less out of pocket.
Smart Start of North Carolina has played a key role in expanding Tri-Share across the state. In a 2025 announcement, leaders described the program as a way to support both businesses and working parents. Employers benefit because workers are more likely to stay on the job when they have reliable child care. Families benefit from lower monthly payments. Providers benefit from consistent enrollment.
In places like Guilford County and New Hanover County, early participation in Tri-Share has shown promise. Some parents have reported saving hundreds of dollars per month. For in-home providers, this can mean fewer sudden withdrawals when a family’s budget becomes tight.
Why This Matters for Home-Based Providers
Family child care homes are often small businesses run out of private residences. They are especially important in rural communities and in neighborhoods where large centers are not available. In counties across eastern and western North Carolina, home-based providers may be the only licensed option within several miles.
When subsidy programs are strong and cost-sharing models like Tri-Share expand, these small businesses are more likely to survive and grow. Stable funding helps providers pay for food, learning materials, utilities, insurance, and licensing costs. It also helps them maintain safe environments that meet state standards.
While there is still debate about long-term funding and how to fully address workforce shortages, many providers say the recent focus on affordability is encouraging. As one provider in Mecklenburg County shared during a local early childhood meeting in late 2025, “We don’t want special treatment. We just want a system that recognizes the true cost of caring for children.”
North Carolina’s child care challenges are not solved yet. But with continued attention to subsidy funding and shared-cost programs, families and in-home providers are seeing signs that the state is moving in a more supportive direction.
