Recent polling in New Hampshire underscores the significant challenges surrounding child care in the state. According to a survey conducted by Alex Lundry from Redbud Consulting, a striking 58 percent of voters believe that families with young children are in distress, with only 2 percent perceiving them as thriving. These results signal a concerning trend, particularly as they indicate a more pessimistic view compared to the national average.
Current State of Child Care in New Hampshire
The poll highlights a general lack of confidence in the local resources available for families. Only 13 percent of respondents expressed that they are “very confident” that families in their communities possess adequate support. This reveals serious doubts about the state’s ability to address child care needs.
Impact on Family Decisions
Experts, including Rebecca Woitkowski from New Futures, emphasize the implications of this situation. Many families are faced with limited options when it comes to child care, influencing their decisions about having children. Woitkowski states, “New Hampshire families don’t have a lot of choice regarding child care, leading many to decide against having more children.” Economic factors heavily contribute to these decisions.
Affordability and Availability Issues
The poll also reveals disheartening statistics about affordability. Only 10 percent of participants indicated that child care is affordable. Moreover, nearly half view it as “very expensive,” highlighting a financial strain on many households. Regarding availability, about one in three respondents reported difficulty in finding suitable child care.
Support for Child Care Scholarships
One potential solution gaining traction is the proposed child care scholarship program aimed at working families. Woitkowski explains that this program differs from current Education Freedom Accounts. It provides discounts on child care costs rather than a full subsidy. The program is designed to support various child care settings, including home-based care and community resources, benefiting children from birth to age 13.
Benefits of Child Care Scholarships
- Assists working parents struggling with child care costs.
- Offers discounts rather than complete coverage, increasing affordability.
- Encourages parent choice and flexibility in selecting child care options.
These findings and proposed solutions in New Hampshire highlight a critical state of child care, with economic implications that affect not only families but also the broader workforce. Ongoing discussions are essential to address this urgent need.
