Return to Articles
11.17.2025
Nevada Ready! PreK and Head Start: Over 800 Seats Still Available for the 2025–2026 School Year!
Apply now—spaces filling fast and limited spaces remain in select locations.
Click HERE to see a list of programs with space available now!
Great news for Nevada families! Nevada Ready PreK and some Head Start programs still have openings for the 2025–2026 school year, and thanks to updated eligibility 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.
Nevada Ready! PreK Expanded Eligibility for 2025–2026
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
Head Start Eligibility Requirements:
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.
2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines
Maximum Household Income by Household/Family Size for Eligibility
Nevada Ready! PreK Programs and Head Start Programs Currently Accepting Applications - More than 800 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.
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada currently has one program in Henderson with seats available.
- 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.
- Clark County School District has several openings in elementary schools throughout the Las Vegas valley.
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Truckee Meadows currently has multiple programs with seats available in Northern Nevada.
- United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierras works with private child care providers to offer the Nevada Ready! PreK program. They currently have 15 providers in Elko, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Washoe, and White Pine counties with available seats.
- Community Services Agency (CSA) Head Start currently has openings in three Reno locations, as well as Fernley.
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!
