New Hampshire Childcare Licensing
New Hampshire Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
New Hampshire sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infants 6 weeks to 12 months must be supervised at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 12); a second staff person must be in the building when 5 or more children are present — He-C 4002.37. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core New Hampshire licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing Unit (CCLU) →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamNew Hampshire Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In New Hampshire, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infants 6 weeks to 12 months age group is 1:4 (max group size 12); a second staff person must be in the building when 5 or more children are present — He-C 4002.37.
In New Hampshire, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddlers 13 to 24 months age group is 1:5 (max group size 15) — He-C 4002.37.
In New Hampshire, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddlers 25 to 35 months age group is 1:6 (max group size 18) — He-C 4002.37.
In New Hampshire, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool 36 to 47 months age group is 1:8 (max group size 24) — He-C 4002.36.
In New Hampshire, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool 48 to 59 months age group is 1:12 (max group size 24) — He-C 4002.36.
In New Hampshire, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 60 months and older (in a group child care center) age group is 1:15 (max group size 30); a second staff person required when 11 or more children are present — He-C 4002.36.
In New Hampshire, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age 56 months or older (school-age program) age group is 1:15 (max group size 45) — He-C 4002.39(f).
New Hampshire sets maximum group sizes by age: infants (6 weeks-12 months) 12, toddlers (13-24 months) 15, older toddlers (25-35 months) 18 (He-C 4002.37(b))
He-C 4002.37(b)
and preschoolers (36-59 months) 24 and school-age children (60 months and over) 30 (He-C 4002.36(b)).
He-C 4002.36(b)
New Hampshire Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infants 6 weeks to 12 months | 1:4 (max group size 12); a second staff person must be in the building when 5 or more children are present — He-C 4002.37 |
|---|---|
| Toddlers 13 to 24 months | 1:5 (max group size 15) — He-C 4002.37 |
| Toddlers 25 to 35 months | 1:6 (max group size 18) — He-C 4002.37 |
| Preschool 36 to 47 months | 1:8 (max group size 24) — He-C 4002.36 |
| Preschool 48 to 59 months | 1:12 (max group size 24) — He-C 4002.36 |
| 60 months and older (in a group child care center) | 1:15 (max group size 30); a second staff person required when 11 or more children are present — He-C 4002.36 |
| School-age 56 months or older (school-age program) | 1:15 (max group size 45) — He-C 4002.39(f) |
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New Hampshire Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 (max group size 12); a second staff person must be in the building when 5 or more children are present — He-C 4002.37 for the Infants 6 weeks to 12 months age group.
Does New Hampshire cap maximum group size?
New Hampshire sets maximum group sizes by age: infants (6 weeks-12 months) 12, toddlers (13-24 months) 15, older toddlers (25-35 months) 18 (He-C 4002.37(b)); and preschoolers (36-59 months) 24 and school-age children (60 months and over) 30 (He-C 4002.36(b)).
How many staff do I need for my New Hampshire classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. New Hampshire ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
New Hampshire childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published New Hampshire administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing Unit (CCLU) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.