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2.01.2025

Child Care Resource Checklist: Resources to Find Child Care for Your Family

You can use the checklist below to see if you qualify for any child care or early learning programs. Use the links in this document to find out more about each program, including specific eligibility requirements and how to apply. Prior to answering the questions, you will need to know:

• County of Residence or Location Where Care is Needed
• Age(s) of Child(ren) Needing Care
• Type of Care Needed – Full Time, Part Time, and/or Before/After School Care
• Household Size and Income (total number of people that live in your home and the total gross income – before taxes are taken out – for all members of the household)
• To find your FPL (federal poverty level), use the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines based on your household size and annual household income level.

Child Care Checklist:

Is the parent or guardian of the child(ren) needing care currently participating in the TANF NEON program? If so, you may be eligible for the following programs:

• Child Care Subsidy – All TANF NEON participants are categorically eligible for the child care subsidy program. If you were denied subsidy or placed on the waitlist, contact the subsidy provider (The Children’s Cabinet or Las Vegas Urban League) and let them know that you are currently participating in the TANF NEON program.
• Early Head Start (ages 0-3) – All TANF NEON participants are categorically eligible for the Early Head Start program. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.
• Head Start (ages 3-5) – All TANF NEON participants are categorically eligible for the Head Start program. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.

Is the child currently in foster care or have an open case with a child welfare agency? If so, you may be eligible for the following programs:

• Child Care Subsidy – All families with an open child welfare case are categorically eligible for the child care subsidy program. If you were denied subsidy or placed on the waitlist, contact the subsidy provider (The Children’s Cabinet or Las Vegas Urban League) and let them know about you or your child’s involvement with child welfare.
• Early Head Start (ages 0-3) – All families with an open child welfare case are categorically eligible for the Early Head Start program. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.
• Head Start (ages 3-5) – All families with an open child welfare case are categorically eligible for the Head Start program. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.
• NV Ready! PreK – Child Care Programs (age 3 or 4 by August 1st of current school year – age eligibility varies by location)
• Southern NV – United Way of Southern NV – accepting enrollments throughout the year, based on space
• Northern NV – United Way of Northern NV & the Sierras – accepting enrollments throughout the year, based on space

Is your family experiencing homelessness? If so, you may be eligible for the following programs:

NOTE: Homeless is defined as an individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children who are staying: temporarily with other people; in emergency or transitional shelters; in motels, campgrounds, cars, parks, or any other public or private place not designed for humans to live in; or in substandard housing (poses a risk to health or safety of occupants).

• Child Care Subsidy – All homeless families are categorically eligible for the child care subsidy program. If you were denied subsidy or placed on the waitlist, contact the subsidy provider (The Children’s Cabinet or Las Vegas Urban League) and let them know about your living situation.
• Early Head Start (ages 0-3) – All homeless families are categorically eligible for the Early Head Start program. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.
• Head Start (ages 3-5) – All homeless families are categorically eligible for the Head Start program. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.

Are you, another parent or guardian, child, or anyone else residing in the home a tribal member? If so, you may be eligible for the following programs:

• Clark County Only: Moapa Tribal Child Care Subsidy Program is available if ANY member of the household is a tribal member OR tribal descendant, regardless of relationship to child; this program has no income or work status requirements.
• Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada is available if a parent/child is a tribal member. Contact the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada for additional eligibility requirements and how to apply.
• There are several other Tribal Nations in Nevada that have their own child care assistance programs. If you are a member of a Tribe, contact your Tribe to see if they have any programs available.

Are you or another parent or guardian an active member of the military? If so, you may be eligible for the following programs:

• Early Head Start (ages 0-3) – Active military families are categorically eligible for the Early Head Start program. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.
• Head Start (ages 3-5) – Active military families are categorically eligible for the Head Start program. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.

Has the child needing care been diagnosed with any special needs (medical, behavioral health) OR do you suspect that the child may have developmental delays? If so, you may be eligible for the following programs:

• • NV Ready! PreK Child Care Programs are available to children age 3 or 4 by August 1st of current school year (age restrictions vary by location) and many have slots reserved for children with special needs. Children with an existing IEP (Individualized Education Plan) may receive priority access. Find out more by contacting the agency in your area:

• Southern NV – United Way of Southern NV – accepting enrollments throughout the year, based on space
• Northern/Rural NV – United Way of Northern NV & the Sierras – accepting enrollments throughout the year, based on space

• Early Head Start (ages 0-3) has limited space for children w/developmental delays who do not meet other income/eligibility criteria. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.
• Head Start (ages 3-5) has limited space for children w/developmental delays who do not meet other income/eligibility criteria. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.

• NV Early Intervention Services – NEIS provides assessments and assistance to children from birth up to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities.

• Child Find is for children age 3 and older (up to age 21) who may have developmental delays or disabilities. This program offers no cost early education services and supports through local school districts. Click on the link to learn more or visit your local school district or elementary school for more information.

Did the child turn age 3 on or before August 1, 2024 AND the family income is at or below 250% of FPL? If so, you may be eligible for the following program:

• • NV Ready! PreK Child Care Programs

• Southern NV – United Way of Southern NV – accepting enrollments throughout the year, based on space
• Northern NV – United Way of Northern NV & the Sierras – accepting enrollments throughout the year, based on space

Did the child turn age 4 on or before August 1, 2024 AND the family income is at or below 200% of FPL? If so, you may be eligible for the following program:

• • NV Ready! PreK Child Care Programs

• Southern NV – United Way of Southern NV – accepting enrollments throughout the year, based on space
• Northern NV – United Way of Northern NV & the Sierras – accepting enrollments throughout the year, based on space

Is your family currently receiving assistance through the SNAP or WIC programs or receiving SSI (Social Security Disability Income)? If so, you may be eligible for the following programs:

• Early Head Start (ages 0-3) – Families receiving SNAP, WIC, or SSI are categorically eligible for the Early Head Start program. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.
• Head Start (ages 3-5) – Families receiving SNAP, WIC, or SSI are categorically eligible for the Head Start program. Click the link to identify the closest location. *NOTE: EHS/HS Programs operate on a school year (~August thru June) and may not accept applications until the Spring/Summer before the start of the school year.

Is your child currently enrolled in the Nevada Medicaid program AND age 5 or older (school age)?

All Nevada Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) offer free Boys & Girls Club Membership, which offers before/after school care for school age children at reduced fees. Members who are income eligible for the child care subsidy program may be able to access the program at no cost.

Contact your MCO provider using the Member contact information on your insurance card for more information. Ask for assistance with the “Added Benefits” program.

• Silver Summit also offers a 5 week summer camp program for children age 6-8
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield also offers a $100 added benefit for child care
• United Healthcare also offers a no-cost child care navigator program

Does your family live in the City of Henderson? If so, you may be eligible for the following programs:

• Financial Assistance Program is for children ages 0-13. Eligible families must qualify for subsidy, but not currently receiving subsidy assistance due to being put on a waitlist or funding limitations with the subsidy program. 
• Learn more about the Child Care Subsidy Program, including eligibility requirements on the First 5 Nevada website by clicking here. 
• COH Scholarship Program is for children ages 3-5, not in diapers, AND must live in either the Downtown or Eastside Redevelopment Areas (click link for boundary map).

Does your family live in the City of Reno? If so, you may be eligible for the following program:

• • City of Reno Scholarship – Fee Assistance Program is available for eligible families to participate in their all-day camps, before and after school programs, and/or recreation programs. Click the link to learn more or call 775-334-2046.

Other Financial Assistance Programs

• Employer Programs: Check with your employer to see if they offer any type of child care benefit program.

Many employers offer benefit programs for their employees, including child care assistance. Contact your human resources or benefits department to see if your employer has any programs.

• College/University Students: Check with your college or university to see if they offer child care scholarships or discounted rates. Several colleges and universities throughout Nevada have their own child care programs and some have financial assistance that may be available to students and/or faculty and staff.

• Other Financial Assistance: Check to see if you qualify for any other financial assistance programs that may offset expenses to help cover the cost of child care.
• Use the First 5 Nevada Eligibility Screener to see what other financial assistance programs you may qualify for, including: TANF, SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP
• Check your eligibility for local housing (mortgage/rent) and/or other assistance programs. Contact your local Family Resource Center for programs/resources in your area.

• Some programs, such as Boys and Girls Club, YMCAs, and others offer low or reduced cost care. You can also use the Child Care Resource & Referral Portal for additional resources.

Need additional assistance? Contact us to get connected with a First 5 Nevada Community Navigator.