How to Start a Daycare in Nevada - post

Starting a daycare is exciting—but it can also feel confusing at first. You may be thinking: Do I need a license? What training do I need? How do I pass inspections? The good news is that Nevada has clear steps you can follow. When you take it one step at a time, you can move forward with confidence and build a safe, successful program for children and families. #NevadaChildCare #ChildCareBusiness #EarlyChildhoodEducation

✅ Do you need a license to start a daycare in Nevada?

In most cases, yes. Nevada licenses child care so programs meet health and safety rules and provide quality care. Nevada’s Child Care Licensing page explains that opening a licensed child care facility is a regulated process.

Nevada also has different license types based on where you operate and how many children you care for. A ChildCareEd Nevada licensing guide describes common categories like:

• Family Child Care Home (home-based, smaller group)

• Group Child Care Home (home-based, larger group)

• Child Care Center (larger, usually commercial space)

Tip: If you’re not sure which license fits your plan, start by deciding how many children you want to serve and where you want to operate.

🏠 What type of daycare should you open in Nevada?

Choosing the right type helps you plan your space, staffing, and costs.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to care for children in my home or in a center building?

• How many children do I want to serve each day?

• Do I want to focus on infants and toddlers, preschool, or school-age?

Many new providers start with a home-based program because it can be more affordable. Others choose a center because they want to serve more children and hire a larger team.

🧭 What are the first steps to start a daycare in Nevada?

Here’s a simple “first steps” checklist:

• Pick your program type (home daycare or center)

• Choose a location (and check local zoning rules)

• Create a basic business plan (hours, ages served, tuition, staffing)

• Learn Nevada licensing rules (so you don’t miss required steps)

• Start building your training plan (for you and future staff)

ChildCareEd’s step-by-step Nevada guide is a helpful overview if you want to see the process all in one place:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/navigating-child-care-licensing-in-nevada-a-step-by-step-guide-for-new-providers.html

🎥 What is the Nevada LAP training (and when do you take it)?

Nevada requires a specific training before you apply for a new child care license. The Nevada Child Care Licensing Training & Education page explains that before applying, interested persons must complete the Licensing Application Process (LAP) training, which is available online (video + short test).

This step matters because it helps you understand:

• What forms you must submit

• What inspections to expect

• What rules you must follow from the start

Tip: Take LAP training early. It can prevent delays later.

🧾 What paperwork and background checks are required?

Licensing paperwork can feel like a lot, but you can simplify it by preparing one folder for everything.

Nevada’s licensing FAQ notes that new hires must be entered into the Nevada Automated Background System (NABS) and that the process involves forms and fingerprint steps.

Expect to gather items like:

• Application forms (for your license type)

• Facility policies and parent handbook basics

• Emergency plan documents

• Staff documentation (if you will hire employees)

• Background check and fingerprint requirements (for you and staff)

If money is tight, this ChildCareEd resource can help with ideas: How to Start a Daycare With No Money
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00715-how-to-start-a-daycare-with-no-money.html

🧯 What safety plans and inspections should you prepare for?

Nevada licensing focuses strongly on health and safety. You will likely need plans and procedures for:

• Emergency exits and evacuation

• Fire safety

• Illness exclusion and cleaning routines

• Safe sleep (if you care for infants)

• Supervision rules and ratios

• Storage of hazardous materials

A practical tool you can use while planning is this ChildCareEd resource:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00522-emergency-preparedness-plan-for-child-care-providers-and-child-care-centers.html

Tip: Don’t wait until the inspection is scheduled. Build your safety systems early so they become part of your daily routine.

📚 What training should you take before opening your daycare?

Training helps you meet rules and also protects children. Nevada requires specific initial topics for licensed child care staff, and ChildCareEd has Nevada-focused guidance on required areas.

If you’re starting a daycare, here are three online courses from ChildCareEd that fit common “must-have” safety needs:

• Mandated Reporters (online)
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-mandated-reporters.html

• Emergency and Disaster Preparedness (online)
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-emergency-and-disaster-preparedness-1.html

• Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Use of Safe Sleep Practices (online)
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-prevention-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome-and-use-of-safe-sleep-practices.html

Tip: Even if you plan to open a preschool program, safety training still helps you run a stronger program and build trust with families.

💡 How do you market your daycare and enroll families in Nevada?

Once licensing is in progress, you can start building interest (without promising an opening date too early).

Simple marketing steps:

• Choose a name and basic brand (logo optional)

• Create a one-page flyer with hours, ages served, and contact info

• Set up a simple webpage or social media page

• Create a waitlist form (name, child age, start date)

• Share your program values (safe, caring, learning-focused)

Nevada also has community partner organizations that support child care providers with resources and referral connections.

Tip: Families want clear answers fast—hours, pricing, meals, curriculum style, and safety policies.

✅ What’s a simple timeline to open a daycare in Nevada?

Every program is different, but this simple timeline helps:

• Weeks 1–2: Choose license type, location, and program plan

• Weeks 2–4: Complete Nevada LAP training and start paperwork

• Month 2: Prepare space, policies, and training documentation

• Month 2–3: Background checks, inspections, and final licensing steps

• After approval: Begin enrollment and open with a strong routine

Tip: Delays often happen when documents are missing—so organization is your best friend.

📲 Want more Nevada training tips and business-friendly guidance?

Following trusted training updates can help you stay on track while you build your program.

👉 Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for tips, reminders, and helpful resources for providers:
https://www.instagram.com/childcareed/

Starting a daycare is a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right plan, the right training, and good organization, you can build a program that families trust and children love. #ChildCareEd #NevadaChildCare #ChildCareTraining