2026 Market Rate Survey

In addition to the hands-on work of providing care for children, child care providers incur expenses that contribute to the total cost of care, including materials, meals, and rent and utilities. The Market Rate Survey (MRS) and Narrow Cost Analysis (NCA) are critical tools that help illustrate what it really takes to provide child care in New Hampshire — and set provider payment rates to reflect that reality. To make this process easier for providers, both the MRS and the NCA have been combined into one survey experience.

You will receive a link to the survey at the beginning of October. When the survey opens, please complete it as soon as possible. Responses are due by November 15, 2026.

The results of the Market Rate Survey (MRS) and Narrow Cost Analysis (NCA) help the state to set rates for the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program, which gives participating families choice in their child care arrangements.

Results will also appear in a report that helps illustrate the resources needed to provide care. This ensures that state planning efforts reflect actual provider experiences. For the state to make the most informed decisions, every provider in New Hampshire should complete the MRS and NCA, even if they do not accept child care scholarships.

This year, the Market Rate Survey (MRS) and Narrow Cost Analysis (NCA) will be collected through a new format, which will create a more user-friendly experience. The survey has been intentionally designed to make it easier to complete.

For MRS questions that would normally appear on your NH Connections Child Care Profile (for example, information on ages served), answering the survey will automatically update your profile for you. This will mean fewer requests from DHHS to update your profile in the near future.

The New Hampshire 2026 Market Rate Survey (MRS) and Narrow Cost Analysis (NCA) are being administered by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The University of New Hampshire has been contracted to help guide survey design, data collection, and data analysis.

The Market Rate Survey (MRS) and Narrow Cost Analysis (NCA) should be completed by someone with extensive knowledge about the program operations, such as a director or owner. It might be a good idea to gather all the information you need from everyone involved before you start. You'll be able to share your unique survey link with others in your organization if needed, but only one response should be submitted for each program. Survey topics include program capacity, staffing, tuition rates, and expenses. A list of information needed to complete the survey will be made available in advance (coming soon!).

All survey responses are automatically saved in real time. You can close the survey at any point and continue later using your unique link to pick up right where you left off.

Yes! If you need help completing the survey or someone else is better able to fill it out, you can forward your unique link to anyone assisting you. They will be able to see any answers you have already entered and can complete the sections best suited to them.

Only authorized staff at the NH DHHS Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration and contracted staff at the University of New Hampshire can access the information you provide.

The survey is secure, and your responses are confidential. Responses will only be used for cost analysis and resource planning. We expect to issue a final report by May 2027.

Every child care program that fully completes the 2026 Market Rate Survey (MRS) and Narrow Cost Analysis (NCA) will receive a $50 electronic gift card.

Each site will receive a separate link to the 2026 Market Rate Survey (MRS) and Narrow Cost Analysis (NCA) survey. Each survey should be completed separately with information only about that one site.

As with previous surveys, New Hampshire's Child Care Aware team is ready to help. Please contact ccrrta@caphr.org with any additional questions.