Mission Statement
Promote and provide support, education, and resources to Nevada's child care community thereby increasing the development of high-quality child care environments for providers, families, and children.
ATTENTION: Potential Delays in Provider Payments
September 2024 - We are currently experiencing system delays in the Nevada Child Care System (NCCS), which may result in delayed payments for some providers. The Child Care and Development Program is working diligently to resolve these issues.
Changes to Child Care Subsidy Program Effective October 1
As the final COVID relief funding ends September 30, 2024, child care subsidy policy changes regarding income eligibility levels and the Monthly Family Copayment will be effective on October 1, 2024.
Income limits were temporarily increased with the pandemic relief funds to assist as many families as possible returning to work, job training, or education. Income limits must now be reset to operate within the normal child care budget.
A family’s current income and eligibility will not be re-evaluated until the certificate is due for renewal and all active certificates will be honored through their expiration date.
Income eligibility for child care subsidy assistance is based on an individual household’s size and annual income. Starting Oct. 1, the income eligibility level for new applicants will be set at 41% of state median income (SMI), meaning a family of four making up to $39,371/year will qualify for assistance.
Households submitting a renewal application will continue to be eligible for assistance if their income does not exceed 49% SMI, meaning the same family of four will continue to qualify for assistance if their income is at or below $47,053/year. Income and eligibility will not be re-evaluated until the current certificate is due for renewal and all active certificates will be honored through their expiration date.
Changes are also being made to the required Monthly Family Copayment to make them easier to understand and more budget friendly. The Monthly Family Copayment will be set at a flat rate instead of using the current sliding fee scale. Monthly Family Copayment amounts will be $0, $90, or $150 per month, depending on household size and income.
The updated income chart will be disseminated and posted on state websites by Oct. 1.
Webinar: Understanding Copayment Changes
Parents, providers, and CCR&R staff are invited to attend a webinar on Tuesday, September 24 to learn about the upcoming changes to copayments going into effect on October 1. This webinar will provide detailed information about the changes and offer an opportunity for questions and answers with Social Services Program Specialists from the Child Care & Development Program.
Date: Tuesday, September 24
Time: 12:00 PM & 5:30 PM
Welcome, Washoe County Providers!
We’re thrilled to welcome Washoe County child care providers to the State of Nevada Child Care Licensing Program! This exciting transition marks a significant step towards ensuring top-notch care and consistent standards for all our providers and families across Nevada.
CCDF State Plan
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) State Plan Agenda outlines Nevada's strategy for providing quality child care services to low-income families over the 2025-2027 period. The plan focuses on enhancing child care quality, increasing accessibility, and supporting workforce development.
New Family Copayment Contribution Guidelines
Reinstatement of Family Copayment Contributions: Effective April 1, 2024, Family Copayment Contributions have resumed, recalculated based on household size and income for affordability.
Sliding Fee Scale Implementation: The updated system implements a sliding fee scale, adjusting contributions from 0% to a maximum of 7% of household income to ensure equitable access to childcare services.
Policy Transmittals and Notifications: Providers and families have received official policy transmittals and notifications detailing the reinstatement of Family Copayment Contributions and the introduction of the sliding fee scale. These communications ensure transparency and understanding of the updated guidelines.
Payment Process: Providers follow a structured process for managing Family Copayment Contributions. For example, when a child transfers to a new provider, the previous provider communicates the Family Copayment Contribution details to ensure seamless financial transition. This approach guarantees clarity and continuity in payment handling, supporting uninterrupted childcare services for families.
Child Care Subsidy Program
The Division of Welfare and Supportive Services is the designated lead agency to administer
the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF).
The CCDF Child Care Program assists low-income families, families receiving temporary public assistance and those
transitioning from public assistance in obtaining child care so they can work. CCDF funds are also used for
Quality activities to improve the quality of child care by financially assisting child care providers in their
professional development and maintaining healthy, safe, appropriate learning environments for children 0 to 12
years of age. Other services under Quality include Resource and Referral for parents seeking child care and
consumer information on the aspects of quality child care. Resource and Referral services are available to
all Nevada families at no cost.
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Waitlist Duration for Subsidy Applications
There is no set time limit to how long a new applicant family may be on the waitlist. The waitlist is reviewed monthly. While the exact duration on the waitlist will vary, all new applications will be processed in chronological order, and families are guaranteed 12 months of subsidy coverage once they become eligible. Learn more in the Child Care and Development Program FAQ.
Child Care Quality
Child Care Quality programs include:
- Accreditation Support
- Southern Nevada's Child Care Training Program
- Tiered Reimbursement
- Child Care Registry
- Pre-K Standards Development
- Infant/Toddler Quality Improvement Grants
- Nevada Strong Start child care services centers
More information on these programs can be found on our Child Care Quality page.
Small Child Care Establishment Registration
If you are interested in becoming a Registered Small Child Care
Provider, please follow the link below for more information.
Questions, comments, or concerns?
Whether you have questions, comments, or concerns about child care services in Nevada, the agency wants to hear from you. Email staff ccdp@dwss.nv.gov to share your thoughts. Your feedback helps improve and better support the child care community across the state.