Licensing rules · New Hampshire
Daycare ratios in New Hampshire
In a New Hampshire daycare center, one adult may care for up to 4 babies, 5 children at 18 months, 6 at 35 months, or 12 three- and four-year-olds. Groups are capped as well, from 12 babies up to 24 children at ages 3 and 4.
- Babies (6 weeks)
- 1:4
- Toddlers (18 months)
- 1:5
- 3-year-olds
- 1:12
- 4-year-olds
- 1:12
Daycare centers
Ratios and group sizes in New Hampshire centers
The most children one adult may care for, and the largest group allowed in one room, at each age. From New Hampshire's licensing rules as compiled in the 2025 national database.
| Child's age | Adults to children | Largest group |
|---|---|---|
| 6 weeks | 1:41 adult for 4 children | 12 children |
| 11 months | 1:41 adult for 4 children | 12 children |
| 18 months | 1:51 adult for 5 children | 15 children |
| 35 months | 1:61 adult for 6 children | 18 children |
| 3 years | 1:121 adult for 12 children | 24 children |
| 4 years | 1:121 adult for 12 children | 24 children |
| 5 years | 1:151 adult for 15 children | 30 children |
| 6 years | 1:151 adult for 15 children | 30 children |
| 7 years | 1:151 adult for 15 children | 30 children |
| 8 to 9 years | 1:151 adult for 15 children | 30 children |
| 10 years and older | 1:151 adult for 15 children | 30 children |
The national database reads each state's rule at these sample ages; New Hampshire's own rules give the exact age bands.
In the room
What the ratio means for your child
A ratio is the most children one adult may care for at once. At 1:4 for babies, a full infant group of 12 needs at least 3 caregivers in the room. The step from 1:6 at 35 months to 1:12 at age 3 is a big one, so expect a larger, busier room once your child turns 3.
The ratio is a minimum. Some centers staff above it, others run right at it, and it is easiest to slip at the start and end of the day. On your tour, count the adults and children in the room yourself.
When a room mixes ages, New Hampshire's rules set the ratio by the average age of the group.
Home daycares
Rules for home daycares in New Hampshire
New Hampshire home daycares may add some school-age children beyond their limit, so a home's group can include older children before and after school. A larger group home with two adults also has a cap on how many children younger than 3 it may have.
DaycarePal lists only 11 home daycares in New Hampshire. If you look at one, ask how many children of each age come on a typical day and who helps when the provider needs a break.
- As the national database records them
- Family child care home (one provider): up to 6 children (plus 3 school-age children).
- Group child care home (two or more providers): 17 children to 2 adults (includes 5 school-age children), with no more than 4 children younger than age 3.
Enforcement
How New Hampshire checks these rules
- Centers: New Hampshire reported routine inspections once a year, without notice.
- Family child care homes: routine inspections once a year, without notice.
Inspection schedules are from a 2017 national survey of state licensing agencies.
On the tour
Ask about ratios on a tour
- How many adults are in my child's room, and how many children?
- How do staff keep track of every child during outdoor play, nap and pick-up?
- Who may pick up my child, and how do you check?
- Is the ratio the same at the start and end of the day, when fewer staff are in?
More questions: the daycare tour checklist.
Questions
Questions about daycare ratios in New Hampshire
What is the infant ratio for daycare centers in New Hampshire?
1:4. One adult may care for up to 4 babies, and a group of babies may hold no more than 12.
What is the toddler ratio in New Hampshire?
1:5 at 18 months and 1:6 at 35 months, just before age 3, with groups of up to 15 and 18 children.
What is the ratio for 4-year-olds in New Hampshire daycares?
1:12, with up to 24 children in a group.
How many children can a New Hampshire home daycare have?
A family home daycare may care for up to 6 children, plus up to 3 school-age children. A group home daycare may care for up to 12, plus 5 school-age children.
How do I check whether a daycare keeps to the ratio?
Count the adults and children in your child's room on the tour, and ask how the center covers staff breaks, early drop-off and late pick-up.
Rules change. Before you rely on a number here, check New Hampshire's current licensing rules or ask the state licensing agency.
Source: National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations, Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families (licensingregulations.acf.hhs.gov), 2025 tables, retrieved October 7, 2026.