The information provided on this page is a basic outline of New Hampshire Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of New Hampshire. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
NEW HAMPSHIRE Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
129 Pleasant Street Concord, NH 03301-3852
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/oos/cclu/documents/he-c4002.pdf
(603) 271-4624
License renewal: required once every three years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
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6 Wks.-12 Mos. |
13-24 Mos. |
25-35 Mos. |
36-47 Mos. |
48-59 Mos. |
60+ Mos. |
|
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Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:5 |
1:6 |
1:8 |
1:12 |
1:15 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
12 |
15 |
18 |
24 |
24 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
10 |
12 |
16 |
24 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
350 sf. |
420 sf. |
560 sf. |
840 sf. |
1050 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 40 sf per Infant, 50 sf per Toddler, 65 sf per Preschool and Older
- The outdoor play area should directly adjoin the indoor space of the facility
- The outdoor play space should operate 5 or fewer hours per day.
Building Code Requirements
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 |
 |
 |
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CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
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1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
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6 |
Infants may have access to toys with a string or a chord that is up to 6 inches long. |
5 |
If a child stays for longer then 5 hours, there will be an opportunity for at least an hour of sleep or rest. |
2 |
Playpens are required to have no more than 2 3/8 inches in between the slats. |
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Did you know . . .
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All doors and exists should not have anything blocking it so children and staff can run out of the building if needed. |
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Toy boxes accessible to children will either have a safety lid or not a lid at all. |
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There should be no gaps that are between 3 1/2- 9 inches apart on handrails, guardrails, slats or anywhere where it is accessible to children. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019