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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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.
Becoming a parent is one of life's greatest joys, but it can also be one of its biggest challenges. From sleepless nights with a newborn to toddler tantrums and preparing for preschool, every stage brings new questions. Am I doing this right? Is my child developing on track? How do I handle difficult behaviors? Parent training and education programs provide families with trusted information, practical tools, and supportive communities to help parents feel more confident and connected.
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.
Get ready for kindergarten with a fun-filled family event hosted by University of Nevada, Reno Extension. The Kickoff to Kindergarten school readiness fair will feature hands-on activities, information about Nevada Pre-K standards, the CCSD Book Bus, dental screenings, a produce market, and a special appearance by Carl from PBS KIDS’ Carl the Collector. Families with children ages 3–5 are encouraged to attend and prepare for a successful start to school.
Are you pregnant or have a child under 3 years old? Do you live in one of the following zip codes: 89101, 89106, 89030, 89031, or 89032? Take the UNLV School of Public Health Survey to help shape programs and resources for families in your community!
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.
On June 9, 2026, families from across the country will gather—both in Washington, D.C., and virtually—for Strolling Thunder™, a national advocacy event led by ZERO TO THREE’s Think Babies™ campaign. Learn why advocacy matters in advancing policies that support babies and toddlers during the most critical years of development and meet the family representing Nevada this year.
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!
First 5 Nevada Past Issues
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.
