Child Care Licensing
Information and resources from the Child Care Licensing Unit, including applications and forms for the program
The Child Care Licensing Unit (CCLU) ensures that children attending NH child care programs are in safe and healthy environments and are provided with care, supervision and developmentally appropriate activities that meet each child's physical and emotional needs.
CCLU accomplishes this through on-site evaluations, monitoring, and investigations that ensure compliance with applicable NH Statutes and Administrative Rules, approval and issuance of licenses, and initiation of appropriate disciplinary action when necessary for compliance and the protection of children.
CCLU also provides consultation and technical assistance to help understand licensing regulations to existing licensed child care providers and persons who might consider applying for a child care program license.
CCLU licenses seven categories of child care programs: Family Child Care Homes, Family Group Child Care Homes, Group Child Care Centers, Child Care Nurseries, School Age Program, Night Care Programs, and Residential Child Care Programs.
The Child Development Bureau maintains contracts with a variety of agencies to provide resource and referral services for child care in the agency's community. Parents use the Resource and Referral Agencies to obtain lists of child care providers, including those licensed by the Child Care Licensing Unit.
Contact Information
Child Care Licensing Resources
Child Care Center/Family Child Care Program Applications & Forms
Application for Child Care Program License
If you are applying for a new child care license, read this first: Child Care Application Instructions
If you are renewing your existing child care license, read this first: Renewal Child Care Application Instructions
Licensure for a child care program begins with completion of an application package. Package 1 below includes copies of all the required items for a child care program license application package. All licensing materials must be submitted together in one package. An application package that is missing any of the required items will be returned to the applicant. To submit forms for the background record check, use the NH Connections Portal. Additional information on the background record check process can be found here.
- Application for Child Care Center
- Application for Family Child Care Program
- Child Care Personnel Health
- Health Officer Report
- Life Safety Compliance Report
- Zoning Verification
- Child Care Program Staff and Household List
Child Care Program License Sample Packet Forms, Checklists, Administrative Tips-Tools, Sample Formats.
Licensure for a child care program continues with an inspection and achieving compliance with all CCLU rules and statute, and maintaining compliance for license renewal. Package 2 below includes copies of the required items (various forms, checklists, administrative tips and tools, sample formats) to get and maintain your license to operate a child care program.
- Authorization to Administer Medication
- Authorization to Allow Child to Leave Supervision
- Authorization to Use Electronic Monitoring
- Certificate of Religious Exemption-Immunizations
- Child Care Center Emergency Preparedness Guide
- Child Care Personnel Health
- Child Care Registration and Emergency Information
- Children's Attendance Sample
- Combined Staff and Child Attendance Sample
- Child Care Program Emergency Procedures
- Family Child Care Business Policy
- Family Child Care Emergency Preparedness Guide
- Child Care Program Field Trip Authorization-Group
- Child Care Program Field Trip Authorization-Individual
- Child Care Program Field Trip Authorization-Water Activity
- Child Care Program Fire Drill Log
- Early Childhood Health Assessment Record
- Child Care Program Injury Report
- Playground Safety Self-Inspection Checklist
- Playground Safety Suggestions
- Child Care Program Staff Attendance Record
- Staff Only Attendance Sample
- Child Care Program Transportation Authorization
Note
Residential Child Care Program: a residential child care program that provides 24-hour care for 1 or more children unrelated to the operator of the program and apart from the parents. Residential child care programs are required to have a qualified program director and may be licensed as a Group Home, Child Care Institution, Homeless Youth Program, or Independent Living Home.