Expanding the Childcare Workforce Will Bolster Our Economy

Early childhood education supports the development of our next generation of leaders and leads to New Hampshire's future prosperity. Children who receive high-quality early childhood education are better prepared to succeed in school and achieve greater financial stability throughout their lives.

The lack of affordable and accessible childcare in New Hampshire has been a significant challenge for many years, with impacts felt by families, businesses, and the broader economy.

A new initiative run by Nashua Smart Start coalition and the Community Engagement Training Center is helping to increase the number of certified childcare workers in the state. In its first year, the Family Childcare Preparation Program has successfully graduated more than 100 participants, who are now certified and prepared to fill open positions across the region. Many graduates are fluent in languages other than English, including Spanish, Portuguese and Swahili, which makes them uniquely able to support more children and families who call New Hampshire home. 

The lack of childcare as well as its affordability is slowing the state's economy and impeding the ability of businesses to grow.

A recent report from the NH Fiscal Policy Institute (NHFPI) highlighted the significant impacts that the lack of childcare capacity has on the New Hampshire economy. Among the findings, Granite State families collectively may have lost nearly $178 million in wages in 2023 alone due to the lack of childcare. New Hampshire businesses may lose an estimated $56 million annually for the same reason. In 2024, an average of around 17,000 Granite Staters each month reported being unable to work due to lack of childcare. The economic impact extends well beyond families and businesses, with additional lost state tax revenues that fund public services we all depend on at the state and local level. Learn more in NHFPI’s report: “The Economic Impact of the Granite State’s Childcare Shortage,” published in early 2025.

Attracting and supporting entrepreneurs to start new childcare businesses will help to drive New Hampshire’s economic vitality. The “NH Guide to Becoming a Family Childcare Provider” is a comprehensive new resource guide that outlines the process and considerations for starting a childcare business in the state. Published by the NH Community Development Finance Authority and developed in collaboration with partners, this resource offers practical solutions to bolster childcare across the state.

The fragile nature of New Hampshire’s childcare system was demonstrated earlier this year by the sudden, unexpected closure of a center in Somersworth. With one day’s notice, the families struggled to find alternate childcare in the surrounding region. Without reliable and accessible childcare, many parents found themselves facing difficult choices. In this unique situation, the families found a way to reopen the childcare center themselves, against countless hurdles. The perseverance of the families is truly inspiring, yet it is an exceptionally fragile and temporary fix in need of a more permanent and sustainable solution.

New Hampshire families need more options for affordable childcare in order to maintain financial stability, remain in the workforce, and contribute to our state’s economic success. Increasing access to childcare is essential to our ability to sustain a strong economy and create prosperity for all Granite Staters.

Childcare supports the health and well-being of young children, setting them up for long-term success. It plays a critical role in supporting the success of families, businesses, and our state economy.

Let’s work together to create sustainable solutions to make child care more affordable and accessible for children all across the state.

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