Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NH Board of Education
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in New Hampshire
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for preschool teachers, except special education in New Hampshire, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in New Hampshire
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Child day care agencies (including providers, facilities, and programs) must be licensed by the Child Care Licensing Unit under the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
- 2
For employment in a child care nursery, group child care center, preschool program, or school-age program, all child care personnel must provide documentation of education and experience, with such documentation to be kept on file at the child care program
- 3
Licensure of individuals is not required
- credentialing is voluntary
- 4
Lead Teachers in group child care programs, child care nurseries, preschool programs, and center-based night-care programs must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have a minimum of 1,000 hours experience working with children in a licensed child care program, and meet one of the following pre-service training/education options:
- 5
College courses totaling 18 credits in child development, early childhood or elementary education, or other field of study focused on children, with three credits in child growth and development
- or
- 6
Documentation of a non-expired Child Development Associates (CSA) credential in center-based programs awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition
- or
- 7
A credential from a teacher preparation program accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE)
- or
- 8
Documentation on file with the department that she or he was qualified for and employed in the position of lead teacher on or before the effective date of these rules in 2017.
- 9
Associate Teacher
- 10
Education: Specific course required.
- 11
Experience: No experience required.
- 12
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 13
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 14
- For employment in a child care nursery, group child care center, preschool program, or school-age program, all child care personnel must provide documentation of education and experience, with such documentation to be kept on file at the child care program.
- 15
- Lead Teachers in group child care programs, child care nurseries, preschool programs, and center-based night-care programs must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have a minimum of 1,000 hours experience working with children in a licensed child care program, and meet one of the following pre-service training/education options:.
- 16
- College courses totaling 18 credits in child development, early childhood or elementary education, or other field of study focused on children, with three credits in child growth and development
- or.
- 17
- Documentation of a non-expired Child Development Associates (CSA) credential in center-based programs awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition
- or.
- 18
- A credential from a teacher preparation program accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE)
- or.
- 19
- Documentation on file with the department that she or he was qualified for and employed in the position of lead teacher on or before the effective date of these rules in 2017.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- center, preschool program, or school-age program, all child care personnel must provide documentation of education and experience, with such documentation to be kept on file at the c
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NH Department of Health and Human Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$37,500 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#20 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (For employment in a child care nursery, group child care center, preschool program, or school-age program, all child care personnel must...; Lead Teachers in group child care programs, child care nurseries, preschool programs, and center-based night-care programs must be at lea...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to NH Department of Health and Human Services and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Hampshire
With a median salary of $37,500, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Hampshire earn 1% above the national median of $37,120. New Hampshire ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,490Median annual salary
$37,500Hourly estimate
$18.031% above national median
Difference: +$380
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPreschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking
#20 of 50 statesfor Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nebraska | $50,270 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $46,570 |
| #3 | California | $45,880 |
| #4 | New York | $45,580 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $45,030 |
Nearby States Comparison
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $37,500 | Specific course required | No exam required | 18 years |
| Maine | $37,070 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $44,760 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $45,030 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maine | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Vermont | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NH Department of Health and Human Services
129 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH, 03301
Phone: 6032719025
Related Careers in New Hampshire
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,100 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $85,980 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,830 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,680 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in New Hampshire?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations.
What education do you need to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in New Hampshire?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in New Hampshire.
What is the typical Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Hampshire is $37,500. Salaries range from $31,420 (10th percentile) to $48,630 (90th percentile).
How does the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in New Hampshire compare to the national average?
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Hampshire earn 1% above the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $37,500.
How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire employs approximately 2,340 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to New Hampshire from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Hampshire?
The licensing agency is NH Department of Health and Human Services. Review agency details at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/childcare-parenting-childbirth/child-care-licensing.
How often do you renew a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license in New Hampshire?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.