Roundtable on childcare affordability brings local leaders, employers together

LACONIA — Local childcare agencies will participate in a conversation Thursday focused on childcare availability and affordability, as well as the workforce challenges it's currently causing.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lakes Region, Lakes Region Child Care Services and Lakes Region Community College, along with other community leaders and employers, will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, at the college, for “Child Care & Workforce: A Lakes Region Conversation.”

Across the Lakes Region, employers and families continue to face challenges related to childcare availability, staffing shortages, and affordability. This community conversation will explore how these issues impact businesses, working families, and the region's long-term economic vitality.

The idea came to Joanne Haight, of the Boys & Girls Club, after learning LRCC had one of the few remaining early education programs still in the state.

However, enrollment in that program is declining.

“According to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, we know between 2017-25, there was a 14% decline in licensed childcare programs. We also know, between 2023-25, according to the same source, [NH] lost 330 childcare educators, roughly a 6% decline,” Haight said. “We need people, everybody needs people. [Workforce] is tied to so many aspects.”

She referenced when the Sara M. Allen Early Learning Center opened at the Gale School, in Belmont, earlier this year. All of the enrollees there came from a waiting list, making a dent, but not chipping away at the overall childcare availability problem.

And those who can’t find childcare, can’t take new jobs, or keep a regular work routine.

“We’re in a unique area, and it’s wonderful we can collaborate” on potential ideas and solutions to the problem, Haight said. It’s why the organization invited leaders of the Lakes Region Chamber to attend, because of the organization's experience with workforce development.

“We are very involved in different and various aspects of workforce development and workforce initiatives,” said chamber Executive Director Grace McNamara. “Access to affordable and good quality childcare is a critical part of workforce development.”

During the community conversation, attendees will hear employer perspectives on how childcare affects recruitment, retention, productivity, and workforce participation. Participants can also learn about current childcare capacity challenges and workforce shortages.

The discussion will also explore efforts currently underway to develop the next generation of childcare and youth development professionals.

“I see it as a start. It’s an important conversation,” Haight said. “It’s really about the conversation, and where we build this up. It’s impacting a lot of people.”

To attend the event, contact Joanne Haight at jhaight@nhyouth.org or 603-505-2937.