Return to Articles

5.01.2026

A Day Without Child Care – May 11th: Why It Matters to Nevada Families

On May 11th, families, child care providers, businesses and communities across Nevada and the nation will recognize A Day Without Child Care. 

This national day of action highlights just how essential child care is—not only for young children and their families, but for our entire economy.

For many families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, child care makes it possible to work, attend school, or care for loved ones. Yet child care programs are facing serious challenges, including staffing shortages, rising costs, and low wages for educators. 

A Day Without Child Care brings visibility to these challenges and calls for solutions that support children, families and the people who care for them.

Why This Day Is Important

Child care is more than supervision—it supports children’s early learning, social-emotional growth and school readiness. At the same time:

• Families struggle with affordability as child care costs continue to rise.
• Early childhood educators are underpaid, despite doing critical, skilled work.
• Programs are closing or reducing hours because they can’t recruit or retain staff.

When child care isn’t available, parents may miss work, lose income, or be forced to make difficult decisions that affect their family’s well-being. 

A Day Without Child Care helps show leaders and communities what’s at stake when the system doesn’t work.

What Happens on A Day Without Child Care?

Some child care programs may close for the day, open late, or ask families to participate in awareness activities. Others may remain open while still encouraging families to support the cause. 

The goal isn’t to inconvenience families, but to make the vital role of child care visible and spark action toward long-term solutions.

How Families and Parents Can Support the Cause

Even small actions can make a big difference. Here are ways Nevada families can participate:

• Learn and share: Talk with friends, family members, and coworkers about why child care matters to your family.
• Speak up: Contact your local, state, or federal representatives to ask for investments in affordable, high-quality child care and fair wages for early educators.
• Support your child care providers: Thank the educators and staff who care for your children and ask how you can support them.
• Share your story: If child care has helped—or hindered—your ability to work or attend school, consider sharing your experience through social media or community campaigns.
• Write a Letter to the Editor: Share your story publicly by submitting a letter to your local newspaper or online news source.
• Participate online: Use social media to raise awareness using hashtags like #DayWithoutChildCare and #ChildCareIsEssential.
• Get involved locally: Join parent groups, advocacy efforts, or community events focused on improving child care access in Nevada.

Moving Forward Together

Families, providers and policy leaders all play a role in building a child care system that works for everyone. A Day Without Child Care is a reminder that when we support early childhood educators and child care programs, we are investing in Nevada’s children—and in our shared future.

First 5 Nevada encourages families to learn more, speak up and stand with child care providers on May 11.

Click here to learn more about the national effort from Change Makers.