The early childhood system evolves as fast as our children grow. From new legislation and programs to the best practices in health care, keep checking here for the latest news, insights and advice to help navigate your child’s early years.
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Families play a powerful role in shaping the future of early childhood programs—and the Kids First Nevada Coalition is making it easier than ever to get involved. The coalition brings together parents, caregivers, educators, community organizations, and leaders from across Nevada with one shared goal: to build a stronger, more coordinated early childhood system so every child can thrive.
Looking for Pre-K options for your child? A new, easier way to apply is here! The Nevada Ready! Pre-K Common Application lets families complete one simple online form to explore and apply to multiple programs at once—making it easier to find the right fit close to home, work, or school. Many families may now qualify for FREE Pre-K thanks to expanded eligibility.
While improvements have been made, we know that too many families in Nevada still can’t access the programs they need. Understanding how Nevada’s state budget works—and why new, sustainable revenue is needed—helps explain why early childhood advocacy is so important right now.
Nevada’s Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Title V Program is working to better understand the needs of mothers, children and families across the state. And researchers at UC Davis are conducting a study to explore how past life experiences of mothers may influence health care decisions for their babies, including vitamins and vaccinations during and after pregnancy. Find links to participate in this article.
Quality child care and early education play an important role in helping young children grow, learn and feel safe. For families across Nevada, reliable, quality child care also makes it possible for parents to work, attend school, and support their households.
Nevada’s future is shaped by the experiences of its youngest children—and families play the most important role in helping the early childhood system work the way it should. When families speak up, participate, and share their stories, the entire system becomes stronger, more responsive, and better aligned with what real Nevada families need. Get involved today!
The Federal Poverty Guidelines, commonly known as the Federal Poverty Level or FPL, are used to determine eligibility for many programs and services. Read more about the changes and how they may help more families get access to the programs and services they need.
The Early Childhood Support Network (ECSN), a program of The Children’s Cabinet supports licensed child care providers by offering trained substitute educators when unexpected staffing needs arise. By helping programs maintain required adult-to-child ratios at all times, ECSN ensures classrooms remain safe, compliant, and open for the families who depend on them.
The choices Nevada makes about early childhood policies affect families today and for years to come. The 2026 Legislative Interim is a key moment to shape those choices before laws are written and voted on. By staying engaged, sharing your experiences, and learning alongside others, families help build a stronger future for Nevada’s youngest children.
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First 5 Nevada, a program of The Children's Cabinet, is supported by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0099, awarded to the Nevada Department of Education, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Department of Education, the Office of Child Care, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
