Skip Nav
State of Nevada Outline icon NV.gov
State of Nevada Seal Division of Social Services

Open and Operate a Facility

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

The Licensing Roadmap

The standard timeframe for licensing facilities is within 90 days of application submission

Please note that applications will not be accepted and will be withdrawn if the following are not in place prior to your initial application:

· A physical location for the child care facility that will be able to pass fire, health, building, and zoning codes

· A fenced outdoor play area (except for accommodation facilities and special events)

· All employees and/or household residents 18+ can pass a criminal background check, child abuse and neglect screening, and sex offender registry screening (see NRS 432A.170/NRS 432A.175)

· Financially prepared to pay for all applicable fees associated with opening a child care facility

· A qualified director (for center and institution facilities only – see NAC 432A.300/NRS 432A.1773)

Application Process:

Take the mandatory online Licensing Application Process (LAP) orientation training.

To access the LAP training, you must have a log-in for the NEATS system. If you do not have a log-in, the instructions to create one can be found here.

LAP training can be found here.

Obtain a State of Nevada Business License: NV Secretary of State SilverFlume portal.

Submit your initial child care facility application and pay the applicable fee: Submit online application and fee.

Within 30 days of application submission:

· Attend a consultation with your assigned surveyor where they will outline a checklist of items due and provide sample documents.

· Attend the required New Facility Training & Backgrounds Training. These are offered once a month.

· Apply with the State Fire Marshall and your Local Health Agency to schedule inspections.

· Contact local city and county jurisdictions to determine whether local permits and/or licenses are required. Apply for these if applicable.

· Facility Statement, Emergency Plan, Backgrounds Forms, and Curriculum must be uploaded to the application.

· For Centers and Institutions – Submit Director application.

Within 60 days of application submission:

· Take all required initial training courses, which can be found on the Nevada Registry website.

· Set up your child care facility for operation.

· All remaining required documentation must be uploaded to the application.

· Schedule the initial facility inspection with your assigned surveyor.

· If deficiencies were noted at your initial inspection, submit your Plan of Correction.

Within 90 days of application submission:

· Complete any corrections noted by surveyor.

· All required State Fire, Health, and city/county permits/licenses should be issued. If there are any delays, communicate this with your surveyor as soon as possible.

Application will be withdrawn if deadlines are not met. A new application may be submitted once the applicant is ready to meet all requirements.

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. 
  • Step 2 - Obtain the appropriate fingerprint referral from your employer where applicable.
  • 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.

Tip: When to completed the Consent & Release Form

  • When originally hired
  • When changing child care facilities
  • When being rehired
  • When obtaining a new background check

A memo will not be issued without this form. Background checks must be renewed every five years. All child care providers, caregivers, and teachers must be inputted within the licensing NABS system with uploaded and completed copy of their Consent and Release for licensing review.

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.