Abstract
In this primer, authors Tyrus Parker and Jess Carson summarize available data on the cost of operating a child care program in New Hampshire. Using data from a 50-state cost calculator as well as three local child care programs, the authors find that despite high child care costs for families, tuition alone is largely insufficient revenue for program operation. As a result, child care program operators must make difficult tradeoffs around program offerings, program quality, and compensation for educators. The authors call for rigorous data collection and modeling to support planning a sustainable financial model for the Granite State’s early care and education sector.
Department
Carsey School of Public Policy
Publication Date
Winter 1-22-2026
Series
Primer 6
Publisher
Durham, N.H. : Carsey School of Public Policy, University of New Hampshire
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Parker, Tyrus and Carson, Jessica A., "Operating on Thin Margins: The Cost of Providing New Hampshire Child Care" (2026). Carsey School of Public Policy. 566.
https://scholars.unh.edu/carsey/566
Rights
© 2026 University of New Hampshire. All rights reserved.