1. (a) Any person or entity who intends to operate a residential child care program shall create an account in “NH Childcare Information System (NHCIS)” at https://new-hampshire.my.site.com/nhccis/s/login or obtain an application packet from the unit.

2. (b) All applicants for licensure shall complete and submit an application by either applying online via the NHCIS portal described in (a) above, or by submitting an “Application for Residential Childcare” (February 2025), to the unit, certifying the following:

   “I understand that the department may investigate any criminal conviction record, finding of child abuse or neglect, or investigation of or final determination regarding any juvenile delinquency and will make a determination regarding whether the individual poses a current risk to the health, safety or well being of children;

   I understand that the department may delay its decision to approve or deny this application pending the outcome of any investigation, when the applicant, owner, or program director, are named as the perpetrator in any current investigation of any crime, or in an allegation of abuse or neglect;

   I understand that providing false information on this application or any of the attachments, or failing to disclose any information required on the application, or required to be submitted with this application, shall be considered grounds for license denial or revocation;

   I have read the NH residential child care program licensing rules, He-C 4001, and understand that failure to maintain the program in compliance with the applicable rules, may jeopardize my license/permit; and

   All information provided as part of this application and in the required attachments is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.”

3. (c) The applicant shall submit the following with the application:

   1. (1) Written approval from the local health officer, documenting that within the 12 months immediately preceding the date the unit receives the application, the premises has been inspected and approved by a local health officer or duly appointed designee;
   2. (2) A completed “New Hampshire State Fire Code Compliance Report” (February 2025), documenting that, within the 12 months immediately preceding the date the unit receives the application, the premises has been inspected and approved for compliance with the state fire code as defined in RSA 153:1 and as amended by rules adopted pursuant to RSA 153:3, including but not limited to, NFPA 1 and NFPA 101;
   3. (3) Documentation from the applicable town or city that the program has been granted zoning approval and any zoning requirements or restrictions, as applicable, or that no zoning approval is required;

   4. (4) Documentation of education and experience that shows that the program director meets the requirements for their position, as specified in He-C 4001.19(g), which shall include the following:

      1. a. Copies of transcripts, certificates, diplomas, or degrees as applicable; and
      2. b. A resume or other documentation of previous experience;
   5. (5) A copy of documents required by the secretary of state regarding the trade name, limited liability corporation, or corporation, as applicable, documenting approval to conduct business in New Hampshire, and that the entity is in good standing; and

   6. (6) Plans for all residential child care spaces to include:

      1. a. Room description and dimensions;
      2. b. Location of egresses;
      3. c. Fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers;
      4. d. Overall dimension of outdoor play space;
      5. e. Location of fencing and gates, if any;
      6. f. Location of stationary play or recreation equipment; and
      7. g. Location and description of hazards such as pools, bodies of water, or streets.
4. (d) The applicant, program directors, and all household members aged 10 years and older, shall submit for a background record check as specified in He-C 4001.31.
5. (e) The unit shall not consider an application complete until it receives all the information specified in (b), (c), and (d) above.

6. (f) Residential child care programs that have multiple buildings on the same or adjoining property may apply for a single license for those multiple buildings provided that:

   1. (1) In accordance with residential child care space requirements specified in He-C 4001.16, each residence has adequate square footage, common living space, and complete bathroom units for the number of residents who will reside in each building;
   2. (2) An individual who meets at least the minimum qualifications of a direct care staff is designated in charge in each building; and
   3. (3) All program staff and residents are aware of the identity of the direct care staff designated in charge in each building.
7. (g) Upon receipt of a complete license application, unit staff shall complete an inspection for compliance with He-C 4001.
8. (h) After the inspection in (g) above, the unit shall issue a 6-month permit or 3-year license, pursuant to He-C 4001.04 and RSA 170-E:31, III and V, that reflects the age range and maximum number of children approved by the local officials, the measured space, and the number of bathroom units.

9. (i) The permit or license shall:

   1. (1) Not be transferable to a new owner or to a new location; and

   2. (2) No longer be valid when:

      1. a. The licensee has surrendered a license or permit;
      2. b. The license has expired and a complete application form with attachments has not been received by the unit; or

      3. c. The license or permit has been revoked or suspended, and the licensee:

         1. 1. Did not request an administrative hearing; or
         2. 2. Requested an administrative hearing and a decision was issued upholding the revocation or suspension.

Source. #2664, eff 3-30-84, EXPIRED: 3-30-90 New. #8581, eff 4-20-06, EXPIRED: 4-20-14 New. #10576, INTERIM, eff 4-26-14, EXPIRES: 10-23-14; ss by #10705, eff 10-23-14; ss by #13151, eff 12-30-20 (see also Revision Note at part heading for He-C 4001); ss by #14214, eff 4-1-25