How to Get a Child Care License in Nevada

Getting Started

Whether you're an experienced child care provider or a passionate preschool teacher, congratulations on taking this important step! Nevada families need quality child care options now more than ever, and your services will play a vital role in supporting working families across the state. 

CCL requires background checks to be completed by every employee, resident, and/or volunteer of child care facility every five years to help ensure the safety and well-being of children served in licensed child care facilities, per NRS 432A.175. Background checks will include a local criminal check, national criminal check, a local/national child abuse and neglect check, and a local/national sex offender registry check.

If a background applicant has not resided in the State of Nevada in the last five years, a background check is required from the state the applicant is coming from.

Contact Child Care Licensing
3811 W. Charleston Blvd. Suite 210
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Phone 702-486-3822
Fax 702-486-6660

• Forms for Nevada Licensed Child Care Facilities
• CCL Process diagram

Types of Child Care Programs

Family Child Care Programs: Operated within a provider’s home and licensed to care for up to six children. 
Group Child Care Programs: Also home-based, but allow for up to 12 children with an additional caregiver. 
Child Care Accommodations: Child care provided in a business setting, offering care for up to three hours while customers remain on-site. 
Child Care Centers: Full-day programs offering educational curriculums for children in a designated center. 
Child Care Institutions: Facilities providing care, education, and other services to at-risk adolescents. 
On-site Child Care: Child care provided exclusively for employees’ children. 

Application Process

Below are the steps in submitting an application for a new child care facility in Nevada.

• Step 1 - Take the online Licensed Application Process (LAP) training
  • To access the LAPS training, you must have a log-in for the NEATS system. If you do not have a log-in, view the PDF below for instructions to create one.
  • Instructions to create a log-in to access the above LAP training (PDF)
  • Access the online LAP training
• Step 2 - Submit online application and required fee
  • Instructions for Online Licensing and Certification System
• Step 3 - Licensing agency will contact the prospective provider to schedule an initial licensing consultation

Background Process

• Step 1 - Complete the appropriate Consent and Release Form based on your location. Applicant and Owner/Director must sign third page of document. Incomplete forms will not be accepted and will be returned.
  • Consent and Release
• Step 2 - Obtain the appropriate fingerprint referral from your employer where applicable.
  • CCL Consent and Release Form
• Step 3 - Take the complete consent and release and referral to your local police jurisdiction for processing.
• Step 4 - Contact Nevada Department of Public Safety at 775-684-6262 for payment and submission information. Mail the money order and the fingerprint card to:
  • Nevada Department of Public Safety
  • Criminal History Repository
  • 333 West Nye Lane, Suite 100
  • Carson City, NV 89706
• Step 5 - Upon completion of fingerprinting a copy of the Consent and Release form and applicable work card(s) must be sent to Child Care Licensing for audit purposes.
• Step 6 - Once appropriate card(s) and/or reports are received, Child Care Licensing will notify the facility of the applicant’s background clearance status.

How-To Guide
Nevada Automated Background Check System
(NABS)

Nevada Child Care Training & Space Requirements

In addition to obtaining a business license and passing a background check, providers must meet several other requirements:
Training: Complete specific child care training and health & safety courses. You can register for these online.
Space Requirements: Your home must have a fenced outdoor space (minimum 6-feet height). If renting, you will need written permission from your landlord or HOA.
TB Test: A tuberculosis test is required.

If you do not have an outdoor space, you may still be eligible to provide care through the Friends & Family Neighbor (FFN) program.

Forms

Whether opening a brand new child care facility in Nevada, or maintaining a licensed facility, there are a number of forms that must be filled out and submitted. For accessible links to these forms, including both online and downloadable versions, refer to this page.

Training and Education

Navigate to this page for information and links to training opportunities designed for child care providers and workers throughout Nevada.

Online Licensing System Video Tutorial

Watch the video below or download a slideshow to help you get started with the Child Care Unit's online licensing system.

• Child Care Online Licensing System tutorial video (YouTube)
• Child Care Online Licensing System tutorial slideshow (PDF)