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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Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions families make during the early years. In Nevada, Child Care Licensing helps protect children by monitoring licensed child care facilities. Learn how to access reports and information so you can make an informed decision when choosing a licensed child care program.
When parents need someone they trust to care for their young children, they often turn to the people who know and love them best - a grandparent, another relative or even a family friend or neighbor. These caregivers are known as Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, and each September, FFN Appreciation Week recognizes the important role they play in helping children and families thrive. In 2026, FFN Appreciation Week takes place September 13-18, beginning on National Grandparents' Day.
Join families, advocates, and community partners on September 26 for the 19th Annual Step Up for Kids & Healthy Kids Festival in Las Vegas. This free community event connects families with valuable resources, fun activities, and organizations dedicated to children's well-being. Learn how Nevada communities are coming together to support children and families while celebrating opportunities for every child to thrive.
For many families, the first signs of a developmental delay bring more questions than answers. Parents may notice differences in how their child communicates, learns, moves, or interacts with others, yet they often are unsure where to begin or what resources are available. This article explores the real experiences of families in Nevada and offers insight on what to expect and what you can do to support your child.
Partners throughout the state host a variety of community events and trainings designed to engage families, provide valuable resources, and promote early childhood development. From workshops and educational sessions to fun, interactive activities for kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! All of the events and trainings provided on First 5 Nevada are offered at no cost to participants, unless otherwise noted. Visit our Community Events & Trainings page to see a list of upcoming events and trainings near you!
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.
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First 5 Nevada, a program of The Children's Cabinet, is partially supported with funding from the Administration for Children and Families Child Care and Development Fund through a subaward agreement with the Nevada Division of Social Services, Child Care and Development Program (Grant #G00996005). First 5 Nevada was initially developed with funding from 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 the Office of Child Care, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
