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Childcare Subsidies in Nevada

Financial assistance programs to help Nevada families pay for daycare and childcare.

$54,624
Income limit (family of 4)
85%
of state median income
$10,033
Avg infant care cost/yr

Nevada Child Care and Development Program

NV Pre-K available in some school districts.

Am I Eligible?

1. Family income is below $54,624/year for a family of 4 (85% of state median income)
2. Parent/guardian is working, in school, or in an approved training program
3. Child is under 13 years old (or under 19 with special needs)
4. Child is a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
5. Family resides in Nevada
Apply for Nevada Child Care Assistance

How to Apply for Child Care Assistance in Nevada

Application Process

Apply for Nevada's child care subsidy through the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) online at dwss.nv.gov or at your local DWSS office. Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) have the largest DWSS offices. You will need proof of income, Nevada residency, Social Security numbers, child birth certificates, and verification of work or education activity. Nevada requires at least 20 hours/week of work or 12 credit hours of education. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.

Co-Pay Structure

Nevada's co-pay is based on a sliding fee scale using family income and size. The income ceiling is $54,624 for a family of four. Families at the lowest income levels pay $0. Above the poverty line, co-pays increase gradually; a family at 150% FPL might pay $25-$50/week. Near the ceiling, co-pays can reach $80-$100/week per child. Nevada assesses co-pays per child. The co-pay schedule is published annually by DWSS.

Waitlist Reality

Nevada has experienced periodic waitlists, particularly in Clark County (Las Vegas), where demand is high. During budget constraints, waitlists of 2-6 months have developed. Washoe County and rural Nevada generally have shorter or no waitlists. Priority is given to TANF families, child protective services cases, and families transitioning off cash assistance. Check with your local DWSS office for current waitlist status.

Additional Programs in Nevada

Nevada Pre-K (NV Pre-K) provides free pre-K for at-risk 4-year-olds in some school districts, though slots are limited. Head Start is available in Clark, Washoe, and several rural counties. Nevada's Silver State Stars quality rating system rates providers on a 1-5 star scale. The state recently expanded eligibility for child care subsidies as part of its ARPA investments. Some Las Vegas Strip employers offer childcare assistance as an employee benefit.

Tips for Nevada Parents

Apply as early as possible if you are in Clark County, as waitlists develop during high-demand periods. Check NV Pre-K availability in your school district for free preschool. Choose a Silver State Stars rated provider when possible. If you work non-traditional hours (common in Las Vegas hospitality/gaming), ask about providers who offer evening and weekend care, as Nevada subsidies can be used during non-traditional hours. Contact the Children's Cabinet (Washoe) or Las Vegas Urban League for additional childcare navigation help.

Federal Programs Available Everywhere

Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit

Claim 20-35% of childcare expenses on your federal taxes.

Max expenses (1 child) $3,000
Max expenses (2+ children) $6,000
Credit percentage 20-35%

Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)

Employer-sponsored pre-tax account for childcare expenses. Reduces taxable income.

Max annual contribution $5,000
Tax benefit Pre-tax (reduces taxable income)

Head Start / Early Head Start

Free federally funded program for children from low-income families. Head Start: ages 3-5. Early Head Start: birth to 3.

Eligibility: At or below federal poverty level (family of 4: ~$31,200 in 2024).

See Daycare Costs in Nevada

Compare childcare prices across 17 counties in Nevada. Center-based infant care averages $10,033/year.

View Nevada daycare costs →