The early childhood system evolves as fast as our children grow. From new legislation and programs to the best practices in health care, keep checking here for the latest news, insights and advice to help navigate your child’s early years.
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Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions families make during the early years. In Nevada, Child Care Licensing helps protect children by monitoring licensed child care facilities. Learn how to access reports and information so you can make an informed decision when choosing a licensed child care program.
When parents need someone they trust to care for their young children, they often turn to the people who know and love them best - a grandparent, another relative or even a family friend or neighbor. These caregivers are known as Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, and each September, FFN Appreciation Week recognizes the important role they play in helping children and families thrive. In 2026, FFN Appreciation Week takes place September 13-18, beginning on National Grandparents' Day.
Give your child a strong start with Nevada Ready! Pre-K. High-quality pre-kindergarten programs help children build essential skills, confidence, and school readiness while supporting long-term academic success. If your child is 4 years old, there may still be time to enroll for the current school year. Explore available opportunities and learn how to get started today.
Join families, advocates, and community partners on September 26 for the 19th Annual Step Up for Kids & Healthy Kids Festival in Las Vegas. This free community event connects families with valuable resources, fun activities, and organizations dedicated to children's well-being. Learn how Nevada communities are coming together to support children and families while celebrating opportunities for every child to thrive.
Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows will be starting a new session of the Strengthening Families Program on August 19th. This free, 9-week program is designed to include the whole family - with child and teen sessions along with the parent session.
National Immunization Awareness Month is a great reminder of the important role vaccines play in keeping children healthy and ready to learn. This article highlights why immunizations matter during the early years, explains Nevada's child care and school vaccine requirements, and shares helpful resources for families. Learn how staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps protect both children and their communities.
Get ready for kindergarten with a fun-filled family event hosted by University of Nevada, Reno Extension. The Kickoff to Kindergarten school readiness fair will feature hands-on activities, information about Nevada Pre-K standards, the CCSD Book Bus, dental screenings, a produce market, and a special appearance by Carl from PBS KIDS’ Carl the Collector. Families with children ages 3–5 are encouraged to attend and prepare for a successful start to school.
Partners throughout the state host a variety of community events and trainings designed to engage families, provide valuable resources, and promote early childhood development. From workshops and educational sessions to fun, interactive activities for kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! All of the events and trainings provided on First 5 Nevada are offered at no cost to participants, unless otherwise noted. Visit our Community Events & Trainings page to see a list of upcoming events and trainings near you!
Looking for Pre-K options for your child? A new, easier way to apply is here! The Nevada Ready! Pre-K Common Application lets families complete one simple online form to explore and apply to multiple programs at once—making it easier to find the right fit close to home, work, or school. Many families may now qualify for FREE Pre-K thanks to expanded eligibility.
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First 5 Nevada, a program of The Children's Cabinet, is partially supported with funding from the Administration for Children and Families Child Care and Development Fund through a subaward agreement with the Nevada Division of Social Services, Child Care and Development Program (Grant #G00996005). First 5 Nevada was initially developed with funding from the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0099, awarded to the Nevada Department of Education, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the the Office of Child Care, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
