FREE PreK in Northern Nevada

SPOTS AVAILABLE NOW

Spots for high quality pre-Kindergarten are available for 4-year-olds right now for this semester in the centers sponsored by United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra! Click here to visit the UWNNS website and learn more. Or click here to see all free PreK spots available in Northern Nevada.

Additional pre-Kindergarten education spots for the fall of 2026 can be free if your child is 4 years old by August 1, 2026.

What else makes you eligible? If you:

• Have an income below 250% of the federal poverty level (click here to see if that’s you), or
• Use a primary language other than English, or
• Your 4 year old has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Please check back to see if you qualify under new soon to be released expanded eligibility requirements.

Click HERE to see if you are eligible for FREE PreK (and other valuable programs). 

Click HERE to learn more about the UWNNS PreK Program and complete the interest form.

SAVE an average of $1000 per month in child care costs!

SPOTS COMING SOON FOR FALL 2026

PreK in Washoe County School District classrooms is expanding this fall! Don't miss out. Your child may also qualify for free breakfast and lunch!

Click HERE to complete the interest form for the 2026-2027 school year.

If your child will be age 4 by August 1, 2026, they may be eligible for FREE PreK in the Fall of 2026. There will also be additional eligibility criteria coming in the Fall so more families may be eligible.

Expanded Eligibility Criteria for Fall 2026 includes a child who is a member of a "vulnerable and historically underserved population." The state is currently finalizing the definition, but it may include:

• Children in single-parent households
• Children zoned for a 1 or 2 star rated elementary school 
• Children who have a parent who is incarcerated
• And more...

This list will be updated once the final definition is approved. Check back for updates or sign up for the First 5 Nevada newsletter for more information as it becomes available!

Your child deserves great early education.

Children who have been part of a quality PreK education program have had improved school readiness, better performance in school, higher graduation rates, and better chances for college or tech school.

Why is PreK important?

• Qualify PreK education benefits more than the child and family in the moment; children who have been part of a quality PreK education program have been shown to have improved school readiness, better performance in school, higher graduation rates, higher chances for college or tech school enrollment, better health, reduced poverty, and improved adult well-being, with particularly strong effects for vulnerable groups.
• Free PreK education programs will free up hundreds of spaces in more traditional childcare programs when eligible children move to the free PreK program.
• It is estimated that with this shift of children to free PreK, parents can save on average $1000/month in traditional childcare costs.

Click HERE to see if you qualify and to learn more about Free PreK options near you!