How to start a daycare in Nevada.
Nevada Division of Social Services licenses child care centers in Nevada. These are the steps, each with the state's own page.
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
Opening a child care center in Nevada, step by step
Find a location that can pass inspections
Have a building that can pass fire, health, building and zoning codes before you apply.
Source: Open and Operate a FacilityTake the LAP orientation
Take the online Licensing Application Process orientation. It is required.
Source: Open and Operate a FacilityGet a state business license
Get a State of Nevada business license through the Secretary of State SilverFlume portal.
Source: Open and Operate a FacilityApply online
Submit your child care facility application online.
Source: Open and Operate a FacilityMeet your surveyor
Your assigned surveyor meets with you. They give you a checklist of what is due and sample documents.
Source: Open and Operate a FacilitySchedule fire and health inspections
Apply to the State Fire Marshal and your local health agency for inspections.
Source: Open and Operate a FacilityClear background checks
Every employee must pass criminal, child abuse and neglect, and sex offender registry checks.
Source: Open and Operate a FacilityPass the initial inspection
Schedule your first facility inspection with your assigned surveyor.
Source: Open and Operate a Facility
At a glance
- Who licenses centers
- Nevada Division of Social Services, Child Care Licensing (CCL). Licenses child care facilities to the safety standards in Nevada Administrative Code 432A.Source: Child Care Licensing (CCL)
- Child care facility
- 5 or more children, when care for any of them is paidSource: NRS Chapter 432A: Services and Facilities for Care of Children
- Deadlines
- Miss one and your application is withdrawnSource: Open and Operate a Facility
- Background checks
- Every five years for each employee, resident and volunteerSource: Open and Operate a Facility
- Training
- 24 hours a year for every employeeSource: Child Care Licensing FAQs
- Rules
- Nevada Revised Statutes and Nevada Administrative Code, Chapter 432ASource: Child Care Licensing FAQs
Good to know
- A county or city may run its own child care licensing. There, it licenses facilities instead of the state.Source: NRS Chapter 432A: Services and Facilities for Care of Children
- Ask your city and county if you need local permits or licenses too.Source: Open and Operate a Facility
- Upload your facility statement, emergency plan, background forms and curriculum to your application.Source: Open and Operate a Facility
Run a program in Nevada? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works
Plan your program
- How to start a home daycare in Nevada
The kinds of home daycare the state allows, and the steps.
- Nevada licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
- Child care grants in Nevada
Grants the state runs for providers.
- Daycare startup costs in Nevada
Revenue, staff pay and rent from your own numbers.
- Daycare business plan
How to write a plan for funding and licensing.
- Tuition calculator
Typical rates by state and age group.
- Ratio calculator
Staff needed for each age group, by state.
Questions, answered
How do I start a daycare in Nevada?
The first step: Find a location that can pass inspections. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.
Who licenses child care centers in Nevada?
Nevada Division of Social Services, Child Care Licensing (CCL). Licenses child care facilities to the safety standards in Nevada Administrative Code 432A.
About this page
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.
Questions about childcare in Nevada?
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