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NH Ranked 12th Most Expensive for Child Care

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A report recently issued by the Economic Policy Institute validates concerns expressed by many advocacy groups at the affordability of childcare in the Granite State.

According to the report, the average cost for infant care in New Hampshire is $11,810 annually, while care for four-year-olds is about $9,500.

Washington D.C. topped the list with annual infant care costs of $22,631, while Mississippi was last at $4,822 per year.

In the report, the EPI noted that the average family in New Hampshire would have to spend approximately 14% of its annual income on infant care for just one child. According to the federal government’s existing standards, childcare is deemed “affordable” if it comprises 10% or less of a family’s income.

Citing a median annual salary of slightly more than $21,000, the EPI noted that childcare workers also face economic hardships. The EPI report substantiates earlier research by the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire in which it argued that child care expenditures represent a significant burden for families with fewer economic resources.

NH has also been ranked 13th highest quality for childcare, which has led some to contend that higher quality childcare simply costs more and that a focus on lowering costs could compromise childcare quality.

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