Scholarship & Grant Opportunities

Early Learning Providers Grants and Resources

There are many resources available to you!

If you have any questions, give us a call:

Emergency Grant

The purpose of the grant program is to support providers in addressing licensing violations in licensed child care settings. Grants are awarded based on the level of community need and overall established goals, and budgetary stipulations designated by the Nevada Department of Education and the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.

Licensed Provider Start-up Grants

Have you started the process of becoming a licensed child care provider? The Children’s Cabinet has start-up grants that can help family child care homes, group family child care homes and centers with the cost of fees, and some classroom materials and furnishings. Click on the application packet below for more information.

Visit our Starting-up and Marketing Licensed Child Care Page for additional informational resources on becoming a licensed provider.

CPR/First Aid & CDA Training Support

Every child care provider should be supported in providing CPR and First Aid to children. This grant opportunity reimburses child care providers for the cost to take Nevada Registry-Approved CPR/First Aid training. This opportunity can also be used for those who are applying for their Child Development Associates (CDA) certificate. The Children’s Cabinet can apply funds to the CDA applicant’s account to be used for the CDA initial application ($425) or renewal ($125). Simply fill out the application and return it to our ECE Grant team.

Quality Enhancement Project Support

The Quality Enhancement Project Support opportunity aims to help providers improve the quality of their program. this funding request assists providers in offsetting the cost of replacing or acquiring items or minor renovations to improve a quality component of their program (examples include: replacing worn furniture, replacing curriculum, acquiring or replacing software, installing a garden (to be used in curriculum), installing a room divider, updating to a commercial kitchen to meet CACFP requirements).

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood ® Nevada

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood ® Nevada provides college scholarships for Home Care Providers, Center Teachers and Aides, Center Directors, and Early Childhood Facility Owners working in a licensed facility at least 30 hours a week. For more information, visit the T.E.A.C.H. website.

Are you just getting started and need additional support?

Here are some very important resources:

Child Care Licensing in Nevada: Washoe County Child Care Services is responsible for regulating and monitoring child care within Washoe County, except for the Nevada System of Higher Education facilities, which are licensed by the State of Nevada Bureau of Services for Child Care (see below). In Washoe County, individuals caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed. Contact the Child Care Licensing Unit at 775-337-4470, or by e-mail at ChildCare@washoecounty.us.
State of Nevada Bureau of Services for Child Care: Outside of Washoe County, the Bureau has the responsibility for initial licensing and monitoring for those caring for five or more unrelated children. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks are required for all child care providers and facility residents 18 years of age and older. Licenses are renewed on an annual basis with a minimum of two unannounced surveys conducted during the annual licensing period.
Office of Early Care and Education: Assists child care centers and family home providers with the process of accreditation. The Office of Early Care and Education can also assist with the cost of accreditation materials and fees.
Department of Health and Human Services: Promotes the health and well-being of Nevadans and visitors through the delivery and facilitation of essential services. Their goal is to strengthen families, protect public health, and assist individuals in achieving the highest level of self-sufficiency.
National Association for the Education of Young Children: Dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8.
The Nevada Association for the Education of Young Children (NevAEYC): State affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Child Care Aware for Providers: Offers useful tools for those interested in becoming a child care provider.
National Association for Family Child Care: A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting quality child care by strengthening the profession of family child care.
The Nevada Registry: The Nevada Registry collects child care information all in one place! You can find Career Ladder placement, an online calendar of training, community resources/information, a statewide job board, professional development planning, a Trainer Directory, and more. The Nevada Registry is also responsible for the approval of all informal (not-for-college credit) training in the state of Nevada.
T.E.A.C.H Early Childhood® Nevada: Provides college scholarships for Home Care Providers, Center Teachers and Aides, Center Directors, and early childhood facility owners working in a licensed facility at least 30 hours a week.
Nevada’s Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC): State-level coordination and collaboration among the various sectors and settings of early childhood programs. The council was signed by an executive order issued by Governor Gibbons in September 2009. The order empowers the Director’s Office of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to establish and maintain the ECAC. The Council adopted the following vision shortly after its inception: “Nevada’s children will be safe, healthy, and thriving during the first eight years of life, and the system will support children and families in achieving their full potential.”