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NH Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios
New Hampshire childcare programs are licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Bureau of Child Care Licensing.
Updated February 2026·6 min read
New Hampshire Ratio Requirements
New Hampshire DHHS sets minimum staff-to-child ratios under He-C 4002 regulations for licensed child care centers.
| Age Group | Staff:Child Ratio | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (13-24 months) | 1:5 | 10 |
| Toddlers (25-36 months) | 1:6 | 12 |
| Preschool (3-4 years) | 1:8 | 16 |
| School-Age (5+ years) | 1:15 | 30 |
Source: NH DHHS, He-C 4002
Key NH Compliance Points
- Directors must have at least an associate degree in early childhood or related field
- Staff must be at least 18 years old to be counted in ratios
- All staff must complete annual professional development hours
Nearby State Resources
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