Coaching Support – Our provider success team provides individualized coaching for individuals looking to open a child care business. Contact us today to get started.

Step 1: Planning

Before You Begin the Child Care Licensing Application Process, PLAN! There are many things to consider before beginning. The following resources will assist you in assessing the child care need, selecting your site, doing necessary renovations, hiring staff, obtaining a business license (which is different from your child care license), and determining the amount of financing you will need along the way.

Webinar

• Go/No Go Webinar for Opening a Licensed Child Care

Planning Resources

• Nevada CCSC Resource Website – Starting or Expanding a Child Care Business Toolkit
• Steps to Opening a Licensed Center – English
• Requisitos para abrir un centro con licencia – Español
• Steps to Opening a Licensed Family Child Care – English
• Requisitos para abrir un cuidado infantil familiar con licencia – Espanol
• City Child Care Toolkits – These are city-specific guides to establishing a child care business within that jurisdiction. This Children’s Cabinet resource was developed in partnership with the city partners for our major metropolitan areas to assist prospective providers in easily navigating the local planning, zoning, and construction requirements for their area.  

Step 2: Applying for a Child Care License

The State of Nevada has the responsibility for initial licensing and monitoring of those caring for five or more unrelated children. Facilities include child care centers, on-site centers, care for ill children, special needs centers, pre-schools, nurseries for infants and toddlers, accommodation facilities, family care homes, group care homes, institutions, and outdoor youth programs.  

Licensing application, requirements, and contact information are available on the State of Nevada Child Care Licensing website. 

1. To access the Mandatory Child Care License Orientation Training:
   • Create a log-in to the NEATS system: Login Instructions
   • Register and complete online Licensing Application Process (LAP) orientation training. 
2. Obtain a State of Nevada Business License: NV Secretary of State
3. Submit an initial child care facility application and pay the applicable fee: Submit online application and fee

Step 3: Market Your Business

The Children’s Cabinet oversees a comprehensive database of licensed child care providers across the state of Nevada. This database is used to generate parent referrals to child care programs that meet the needs of the family and their children. After you register, you can update your program information as often as you would like through our provider portal.

Step 4: Explore ECE Shared Resource Center

Through grant support from the Division of Social Services Child Care and Development Program Nevada child care providers have access to an online resource hub focused on supporting the business of child care.

To access tools, resources, and templates, visit Nevada Strong Start Child Care Services Center.