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FOR PARENTS
Current research shows just how important high quality early care and education is in the first five years of a child’s life.  But in today’s economy, finding affordable, quality child care is not an easy task. The average New Hampshire family spends 18% of its annual income on child care. A low-income family can spend as much as 25% of its annual income. But while parents are struggling to cover the costs of care for their children, the average child care provider in New Hampshire makes $14,000 a year with limited or no benefits. ( Addressing New Hampshire’s Child Care Challenge, The Governor’s Business Partners for Early Learning, 2000) Because the economics of child care don't work, Child First  advocates in the community for additional support for this vital profession.

How can we help parents with their child care challenges?

  • Click here to download our Parent Survey to help you rate the quality of your child care (Microsoft Word document).
  • Some families are eligible for Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) scholarships to help pay for child care. Call the Department of Health & Human Services District Office in Keene, NH at 357-3510 for information on eligibility guidelines.
  • You can access information on valuable child care tax credits from the National Women’s Law Center at http://www.nwlc.org.
  • The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) offers information on the connection between quality early care and education and brain development. Access this at http://www.naeyc.org/ece/research/neurons.asp.

is a Program of Southwestern Community Services
funded in part by the NH Department of Health & Human Services
Child Development Bureau

69 Z Island Street, Keene, NH 03431
Call Toll-Free: 800-529-0005
603-352-7512 ext.4163
Copyright 2005