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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 July 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 (6 weeks–12 months) | 1:4 | 12 |
| Young toddlers (13–24 months) | 1:5 | 15 |
| Older toddlers (25–35 months) | 1:6 | 18 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:12 | 24 |
| School-age | 1:15 | 30 |
Source: NH DHHS He-C 4002 (Child Care Program Licensing Rules; check current He-C 4002 PDF for program-type nuances)
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
NH Licensing Resources
For official New Hampshire childcare licensing information:
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