Nevada Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Nevada childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.5205 (Minimum staffing ratios; staff required to remain awake during duty hours at night — ratios specified separately for daytime hours of operation 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and night hours 9:00 p.m.-6:30 a.m.; Nevada has no dedicated operating-hours rule, so this time-of-operation staffing section is the closest verified umbrella).

Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.5205 (Minimum staffing ratios; staff required to remain awake during duty hours at night — ratios specified separately for daytime hours of operation 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and night hours 9:00 p.m.-6:30 a.m.; Nevada has no dedicated operating-hours rule, so this time-of-operation staffing section is the closest verified umbrella)

Nevada childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.400 (Discipline).

Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.400 (Discipline)

Nevada childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.350 (Information to be provided by facility; criteria for admission into facility that provides care for ill children) — see also NAC 432A.374 (Medical care: Isolation of ill or injured child; transportation of child; report).

Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.350 (Information to be provided by facility; criteria for admission into facility that provides care for ill children) — see also NAC 432A.374 (Medical care: Isolation of ill or injured child; transportation of child; report)

Nevada childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.376 (Medication); see also NAC 432A.585 (Procedures for use and administration of medication, for facilities that provide care for ill children).

Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.376 (Medication); see also NAC 432A.585 (Procedures for use and administration of medication, for facilities that provide care for ill children)

Nevada childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.280 (Plan for emergencies; drills; posting of plans; daily sign-in sheets; fire safety; maintenance and availability of reports).

Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.280 (Plan for emergencies; drills; posting of plans; daily sign-in sheets; fire safety; maintenance and availability of reports)

Nevada childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.280 (daily sign-in sheets documenting arrival/departure of children and staff); see also NAC 432A.340 (Information to be provided by parent; maintenance of record for each child — release/medical authorization).

Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.280 (daily sign-in sheets documenting arrival/departure of children and staff); see also NAC 432A.340 (Information to be provided by parent; maintenance of record for each child — release/medical authorization)

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Nevada?

Childcare licensing in Nevada is regulated by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS), Child Care Licensing (CCL) program. (Statewide child care licensing is consolidated under DWSS; the last county program, Washoe, transferred to the state on July 1, 2024.). Official licensing information is published at https://www.dss.nv.gov/programs/child-care-licensing-ccl/.

How many handbook policy sections does Nevada require?

Nevada requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

How often does Nevada inspect licensed childcare centers?

Inspections may be unannounced and must be made at least two times during the 12-month licensing period (i.e., approximately once every 6 months), per NAC 432A.190 (Inspections; investigations) and NRS 432A.180. Fire safety inspections by the State Fire Marshal (or designee) are conducted at least annually per NRS 432A.180 (Inspection of child care facilities and small child care establishments by Division, State Fire Marshal and Administrator; publication and availability of reports).

What happens if a Nevada center is out of compliance?

For licensure violations, the Division may, under NRS 432A.186 (Administrative sanctions): impose an administrative penalty of not more than $1,000 per day for each violation, together with interest not to exceed 10 percent per annum; prohibit the facility from accepting additional children; limit the number of children to which the facility may provide care; appoint temporary management; or any combination of these sanctions. Under NRS 432A.190 the Division may deny, suspend, or revoke a license for any chapter/regulation violation and may impose an administrative fine, with an opportunity for a hearing. Separately, operating a child care facility without a license or with a suspended license may result in a court-imposed civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not less than $10,000 nor more than $25,000 for a second or subsequent offense (NRS 432A.210 — Operation of child care facility without license or with suspended license: cease and desist order; injunctive relief; civil penalties; use of money).