Understanding New Hampshire’s Child Care Challenges

A recent poll conducted by Alex Lundry of Redbud Consulting indicates that New Hampshire voters are increasingly worried about the state’s child care challenges. The survey reveals significant concerns about the state of child care for families with young children. Notably, 58 percent of respondents feel that these families are struggling, while only a mere 2 percent believe they are thriving.

Child Care Sentiment Among New Hampshire Voters

The poll highlights a lack of confidence among voters regarding available resources for families. Only 13 percent of participants expressed that they are “very confident” about the support system present in their communities. This trend reflects a more pessimistic outlook than the national average, raising questions about the broader implications for the state’s workforce and its ability to retain younger residents.

economic Impact on Families

According to Rebecca Woitkowski of New Futures, economic factors play a significant role in family planning decisions. Many families in New Hampshire face limited options for child care. This scarcity leads to reluctance in having more children due to the high costs associated with child care that aligns with their values and needs.

The survey also revealed startling perceptions regarding affordability. A mere 10 percent of respondents considered child care in the state to be affordable. Almost half of those surveyed classified child care as “very expensive,” indicating a pressing financial burden on families. Additionally, about one-third of participants noted difficulty in finding suitable child care services.

Support for Child Care Scholarships

The poll shows strong backing for a proposed child care scholarship program aimed at assisting working families. Woitkowski clarified that these scholarships differ from Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). While not providing a full dollar-for-dollar supplement for child care costs, they offer discounts based on needs. This program can be utilized across various settings, such as home care, community centers, and churches.

• Supports families with children from birth through age 13.
• Designed to cater to working parents struggling to afford child care.
• Encourages parental choice in selecting care options.

Woitkowski emphasized the economic benefits of the scholarship program, asserting its potential to drive growth and stability for New Hampshire families. This initiative seeks to improve access and alleviate some of the financial stress associated with child care, making it easier for families to thrive.

The findings of this poll reflect critical insights into New Hampshire’s child care challenges and underscore the need for policies that better support working families in the state.