Home Daycare: Manchester vs Nashua

How many children can I care for in my home?

Small family daycares in Manchester typically allow 6-8 children with a state license. Larger operations need additional permits.

Do I need a zoning permit for a home daycare?

Small daycares are often allowed by right in residential zones. Larger operations in Manchester may need a conditional use permit.

How many kids can I watch in a Nashua home daycare?

Up to 6 unrelated children at a time as a licensed Family Child Care Home under NH RSA 170-E and N.H. Admin. Code He-C 4002 — the 6 includes any foster children and all the caregiver's own children except those 10 or older. Plus up to 3 additional school-age children may be cared for up to 5 hours on school days and all day on school holidays. A NH DHHS Child Care Licensing license is required whenever you care for 4 or more children unrelated to you (including your own children under age 5). Nashua Land Use Code Sec. 190-20 also requires a Major Home Occupation Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, with up to 420 sq ft of the dwelling devoted to the child care use.

Do I need a permit from Nashua to open a home daycare?

Yes — two approvals. (1) NH DHHS Child Care Licensing under RSA 170-E and He-C 4002 with background checks, medical statements, CPR/first aid certification, 18+ hours of annual training, and a home health-and-safety inspection. (2) Nashua Major Home Occupation Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment under Sec. 190-20 and Sec. 190-180 — Sec. 190-20 expressly authorizes up to 420 sq ft for child day-care use (versus 300 sq ft for other Major occupations). Plan for a public hearing and possible conditions on hours, drop-off/pick-up traffic, and outdoor play area.