New Hampshire Child Care Access Declined Since 2017
State reports show rising care costs and a drop in the number of licensed programs through July 2026.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Child Care
Live Poll
Is childcare affordability and access in your area getting better or worse for local families?
New Hampshire experienced a contraction in its child care sector between 2017 and 2025 as the number of licensed providers fell by 120. By July 2026, the state scholarship program maintained an enrollment of 5,851 children while facing funding constraints.
Why it matters
Child care shortages in New Hampshire reduce workforce participation and lower overall economic productivity. These limited slots, combined with federal funding caps, create ongoing challenges for families and the state economy.
Licensed child care providers in New Hampshire dropped by 120 programs from 2017 to 2025. During that same period, the average price for infant and four-year-old center-based care increased by 32%.
The players
New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program
This state-managed initiative provides financial assistance to eligible families for child care expenses using both state and federal funds.
The details
Childcare shortages caused estimated business revenue losses of up to $59 million and family income losses reaching $190 million in 2025. To support the scholarship program, the state has relied on federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds, though enrollment growth remains restricted by provider availability and limited public funding.
Timeline
2017-2025: Average child care prices rose by 32% while provider numbers fell.
2024: State policymakers implemented revisions to the scholarship program.
2025: Economic impacts from childcare shortages impacted businesses and families.
SFY 2023-2026: State funding for the program saw a 2% decline.
July 2026: Scholarship program enrollment reached 5,851 children.
Roadmap
The reliance on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds to bridge gaps in child care scholarships highlights the constraints of current state budget allocations. This trajectory indicates that funding gaps will continue to limit provider expansion until federal and state policies shift.
Families may face higher monthly out-of-pocket costs due to the 32% increase in average care prices since 2017. Parents should prepare for longer waitlists as the supply of licensed child care programs continues to shrink across the state.
The takeaway
Accessing affordable child care has become increasingly difficult as costs rise and the number of available programs decreases. Families are encouraged to explore state-sponsored scholarship resources early to navigate the competitive landscape of local care.
Further reading
For more on local initiatives and family services, visit the Child Care section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NH Business Review.
Live Poll
Is childcare affordability and access in your area getting better or worse for local families?
