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Licensed Daycare in New Hampshire

Search 858 verified daycare and childcare centers across New Hampshire, sourced directly from State Department of Children & Family Services . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

858
Licensed Centers
$1,230/mo
Avg Infant Care
$860/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

New Hampshire Childcare Licensing

In New Hampshire, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the State Department of Children & Family Services. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
State Department of Children & Family Services
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:6
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$1,230/mo
Avg preschool cost
$860/mo

Top Cities for Daycare in New Hampshire

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Nashua
86 centers
Manchester
33 centers
Somersworth
8 centers
Salem
7 centers
Plymouth
7 centers
Laconia
7 centers
Concord
7 centers
Whitefield
6 centers
Rochester
6 centers
Franklin
6 centers
Tilton
5 centers
Portsmouth
5 centers
Financial help

New Hampshire Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

New Hampshire families can apply for CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in New Hampshire

Montessori School
108 centers
Infant & Toddler Center
108 centers
Preschool Program
107 centers
Licensed Group Child Care Home
107 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
107 centers
Licensed Child Care Center
107 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 858 →
M

Manchester Learning Center #13

Milford, NH

Licensed Group Child Care Home
M

Manchester Childcare Academy #14

Mont Vernon, NH

Preschool Program
M

Manchester Little Stars Daycare #15

Nashua, NH

Head Start Center
M

Manchester Rainbow Learning Center #16

Nashua, NH

Before & After School Care
M

Manchester Bright Futures Daycare #17

Nashua, NH

Infant & Toddler Center
L

Little Hearts Manchester #18

Zcta 03064, NH

Montessori School
M

Manchester Kids First Academy #19

New Boston, NH

Licensed Child Care Center
M

Manchester Sunshine Daycare #20

New Ipswich, NH

Licensed Family Daycare Home
T

Tiny Tots of Manchester #21

Pelham, NH

Licensed Group Child Care Home
M

Manchester Early Learning Center #22

Raymond, NH

Preschool Program
M

Manchester ABC Childcare #23

Salem, NH

Head Start Center
M

Manchester Bright Beginnings #24

Lyndeborough, NH

Before & After School Care

Daycare in New Hampshire — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in New Hampshire is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the State Department of Children & Family Services database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in New Hampshire?
State minimums in New Hampshire are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:6 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in New Hampshire?
Full-time infant care averages about $1230/month; preschool runs around $860/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like New Hampshire trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in New Hampshire?
Yes. The primary state program is CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program). Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a New Hampshire daycare?
File a complaint with the State Department of Children & Family Services. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 858 Licensed New Hampshire Centers

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