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Nevada Daycare Licensing Requirements

Updated March 2026Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Bureau of Child Care Licensing

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Overview

Nevada childcare licensing is administered by the Bureau of Child Care Licensing within the Division of Child and Family Services. Any facility providing care for 7 or more children must be licensed. AB 295 (2025) authorized the first statewide child care workforce development fund, providing stipends and tuition assistance to licensed center employees.

Staff-to-Child Ratios

Age GroupStaff : ChildrenMax Group Size
Infants (under 12 months)1:48
Toddlers (12–24 months)1:48
2 years1:612
Preschool (3–5 years)1:1326
School age1:1530

Required Documents Per Child

  • Enrollment Form

    Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.

  • Immunization Records

    Current immunization records per Nevada immunization schedule required on file.

  • Medical/Health Assessment

    Physician-signed health report required within 30 days of enrollment.

  • Emergency Contact Information

    Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.

  • Emergency Medical Authorization

    Parental consent for emergency medical care.

  • Allergy and Dietary Information

    Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.

  • Medication AuthorizationConditional

    Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.

Immunization Requirements

DTaPPolio (IPV)MMRHepatitis BVaricellaHibPCV

Exemption Policy

Medical and religious exemptions are permitted. Contact the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services for current exemption procedures.

Staff Requirements

Minimum Age

18 years

Background Check

State and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check and child abuse registry check required for all staff.

Lead Teacher Education

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or relevant ECE coursework required for lead positions.

Assistant Education

High school diploma or GED required. Pre-service training required.

CPR / First Aid

Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.

Continuing Education

Annual professional development training required. Contact DHHS for current hour requirements.

Director Qualifications

Director qualification requirements set by Nevada Bureau of Child Care Licensing.

Inspections & Licensing

Inspection Frequency

At least one unannounced inspection annually.

License Renewal

Annual license renewal required.

Application Process

Contact Nevada DCFS Bureau of Child Care Licensing to begin the application process.

Licensing Fee

Varies by capacity. Contact DHHS for current fee schedule.

Compliance Notes

  • 1AB 295 (2025): statewide child care workforce development fund providing stipends and tuition assistance for licensed center employees.
  • 2Child abuse registry check required in addition to criminal background check.

Official Sources

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