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
November 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.
New Child Care Copayment Subsidy Changes
As of October 1, 2024, child care subsidy policy changes have taken effect, adjusting income eligibility levels and the Monthly Family Copayment, following the conclusion of the final COVID relief funding on September 30, 2024. Income eligibility for child care subsidy assistance is based on an individual household's size and annual income. As of Oct. 1, 2024, the income eligibility level for new applicants is set at 41% of state median income (SMI), meaning a family of four making up to $39,371/year will qualify for assistance.
View the new Child Care Household Size Monthly Income Chart.
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 in effect to the required Monthly Family Copayment to improve clarity and make it more budget friendly. The Monthly Family Copayment is set at a flat rate instead of using the current sliding fee scale. Monthly Family Copayment amounts are $0, $90, or $150 per month, depending on household size and income.
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.
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.
Child Care Subsidy Program
The Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) serves as Nevada’s lead agency in administering the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The CCDF Child Care Program helps families that meet the State Median Income (SMI), as well as those receiving or transitioning from public assistance, secure child care services. CCDF funds support efforts to enhance the quality of child care by investing in provider training and promoting safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate care for children up to 12 years of age.
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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.
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 the Child Care Quality page.
Small Child Care Establishment Registration
A small child care establishment (SCE) is an unlicensed facility that cares for up to four children. Operators of these establishments can choose to register with Nevada’s Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS), which involves submitting information about employees and certain residents. This registration means that background checks, similar to those required for larger, licensed child care centers, apply to the operators, employees, and residents of SCEs.
If you are interested in becoming a Registered Small Child Care Provider, 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.