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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 Process: Step-by-Step

1. Contact Child Care Licensing at 702-486-3822 or email.

2. Obtain State of Nevada Business License

You will be contacted by your surveyor and signed up for new facility orientations.

3. Contact your assigned surveyor

4. Attend background training

  • Complete your Consent & Release form and submit your fingerprints.
5. Organize your facility paperwork, including:
  • Facility statement and disaster plan
  • Training certificates and TB test
  • Purchase needed equipment and arrange your facility
  • Schedule consult visit if desired 
  • Upload all documents in CLICS
6. Schedule health inspection.

7. Schedule fire inspection.

8. Schedule your initial inspection towards licensure.

Application Process

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

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.