The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee of the New Hampshire Legislature convened on May 16, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding child care in the state. Mary Anne Barter, chair of the New Hampshire Child Care Advisory Council, presented the council's annual report, highlighting the critical role of child care in supporting families and driving the economy.

Barter emphasized the council's dual focus: ensuring safe, affordable child care for families and recognizing child care as an essential economic driver. She noted that the average wage for child care providers in New Hampshire is approximately $15.62 per hour, underscoring the challenges in recruitment and retention within the sector.

A significant concern raised was the limited availability of child care liability insurance, with only five companies insuring child care programs nationwide. The council is collaborating with the state insurance department to explore potential solutions, including a training program aimed at reducing risks for providers.

Barter also addressed the impact of federal regulations on family child care, which have made it difficult for such programs to thrive in rural areas. The council is working to support family child care providers and has developed a guide to assist those interested in entering the field.

The meeting also touched on the need for streamlined licensing processes. Barter reported that the council has successfully reduced the number of regulations from over 100 pages to about 60, making compliance more manageable for providers.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of federal funding cuts on Head Start programs, which serve low-income families. The committee discussed the risk of increased waitlists for child care scholarships if Head Start funding is reduced.

Looking ahead, Barter outlined the council's goals, including enhancing partnerships with the business community and exploring alternative revenue streams to support child care sustainability. The council aims to position child care as a vital component of economic development in New Hampshire.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing crisis in child care availability and the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that families have access to affordable, quality child care, which is essential for both child development and economic growth in the state. The council plans to continue its advocacy and support for child care providers as it navigates these challenges.