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1.01.2026
FREE PreK Available Now! Less Than 700 Seats Still Available for the 2025–2026 School Year
Apply now—FREE PreK Seats are still available for the current school year!
Click HERE to see a list of programs with space available now! New sites added for Churchill, Lyon, Pershing and Washoe Counties.
Great news for Nevada families with a child who turned age 4 by August 1, 2025! Nevada Ready PreK and some Head Start programs still have openings for the 2025–2026 school year, and thanks to updated eligibility guidelines (including the new 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines), even more children may qualify for PreK this year. Although some classrooms are already full, select locations across the state still have seats available—but they are filling quickly.
First 5 Nevada, a program of The Children’s Cabinet, encourages families to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of this opportunity.
Why Early Education Matters
Nevada Ready PreK and Head Start programs give young children a strong start through hands-on learning, social-emotional growth, and caring, high-quality educators. Children build skills that prepare them for kindergarten—while having fun and gaining confidence in a supportive classroom environment.
Who is Eligible for Nevada Ready! PreK?
The Nevada Legislature expanded eligibility requirements for the Nevada Ready! PreK program in the 2025 Legislative session, which took effect on July 1, 2025. Children are now eligible for Nevada Ready PreK if:
- Your child is 4 years old on or before August 1, 2025, AND
- Your family meets one or more of the following:
- Household income is not greater than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) – see chart below
- Your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Your child’s primary home language is not English
New eligibility requirements are coming this Fall that will allow even more families to be eligible for FREE PreK! The new eligibility includes children who live in "vulnerable and historically underserved" populations. The state is finalizing guidelines for how to define this new category. Check back for updates or Sign Up for the First 5 Nevada newsletter to stay up to date!
Who is Eligible for Head Start?
Head Start programs in Nevada are operated individually through direct federal grants. The federal government sets the eligibility criteria programs must follow, but they do offer flexibility to help meet the individual needs of families. Generally, children are eligible for Head Start if they meet the following criteria:
- Your child is between the ages of 3 and 5 years old, AND
- Your family meets one or more of the following:
- Household income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) – see chart below
- Family is currently receiving SNAP benefits
- Family is experiencing homelessness
- Eligible child is in foster care
- Eligible child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Limited spaces are available for families who do not meet the criteria above, including families who have children with developmental delays, a parent who serves in the military, or has mental health needs.
NEW! 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines
Maximum Annual Household Income by Household/Family Size for Eligibility
Nevada Ready! PreK Programs and Head Start Programs Currently Accepting Applications - More than 600 Spaces Available Statewide
Please note spaces are filling fast – please check with the programs to confirm current availability. Click HERE to see the most recently updated list of program openings.
Seats currently available in 9 counties statewide: Carson City, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Pershing, Washoe and White Pine.
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada currently has one program in Henderson with seats available.
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Truckee Meadows currently has multiple programs with seats available in Northern Nevada.
- Carson City School District currently has openings at three local elementary schools.
- Churchill County School District currently has openings at the Northside Early Learning Center.
- Clark County School District has several openings in elementary schools throughout the Las Vegas valley.
- Community Services Agency (CSA) Head Start currently has openings in three Reno locations, as well as Fernley.
- Lyon County School District currently has openings at two local elementary schools in Dayton.
- Pershing County School District currently has openings at one local elementary school in Lovelock.
- United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierras works with private child care providers to offer the Nevada Ready! PreK program. They currently have providers in Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Washoe, and White Pine counties with available seats.
- United Way of Southern Nevada works with private child care providers to offer the Nevada Ready! PreK program. They currently have over 40 providers throughout Southern Nevada with available seats.
- Washoe County School District currently has openings at 10 local elementary schools.
Apply Today
High-quality preschool lays the foundation for success in kindergarten and beyond. With limited seats still available in select areas, now is the time for families to check eligibility and enroll their child. Use the links above to learn more or apply today!
Click here to learn more about Nevada Ready! PreK on First 5 Nevada!
