The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Nevada Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Nevada. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
NEVADA Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH)
4150 Technology Way, Carson, City, NV 89706
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nac/nac-432a.html#NAC432ASec250
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per Child
|
|
< 9 Mos. |
9Mos.- 2Years |
2Years |
3Years |
4 Years |
5+ Years |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:6 |
1:9 |
1:12 |
1:13 |
1:18 |
|||
|
Required Max. Group Size |
8 |
12 |
18 |
24 |
26 |
36 |
|||
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
12 |
18 |
24 |
26 |
36 |
|||
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|||
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
420 sf. |
630 sf. |
840 sf. |
910 sf. |
1260 sf. |
|||
Outdoor Space Requirements: 37 1/2 sf per child
- The play area at each childcare must be fenced or enclosed in a manner that prevents unsupervised areas.
- There have to be resilient surfaces underneath any elevated play equipment.
- If childcare has playground equipment, it should be designed for children of all ages in the facility and also to minimize injuries.
- The outdoor play area can not be located where any bodies of water are.
Building Code Requirements
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
16 |
You must be at least 16 years old and have completed the course in the development of children within 6 months to be employed. |
6 |
Inspections of any part of the building can occur at any time at least two times during the 12-month licensing period or once every 6 months. |
2 |
All stairs must be free of obstacles. Handrails with turns must be provided if there are 2 or more steps. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
| Every local licensing agency must monthly submit to the Bureau a roaster of all facilities in its jurisdiction which are currently licensed. | Every member of the staff and volunteer must present to the director written evidence that the employee is free from communicable tuberculosis. | Heaters, fireplaces, or smaller devices in rooms used for child care, must be protected from the contact of children. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019
Nevada Childcare Licensing Process
Welcome to this accessible and thorough guide on how to obtain a Childcare Provider License in Nevada! Knowing firsthand how passionate you are about contributing to a child’s growth, we aim to assist you in fulfilling your aspirations. Embark on this rewarding career by understanding the process, requirements, and expected timeline to successfully secure your Childcare Provider License. Get set to provide a nurturing environment to the future leaders of the community, while being ensured of your professional legitimacy. Your journey into the world of Childcare in Nevada starts here.
Are you thinking of becoming a childcare provider in Nevada? If the answer is yes, then this guide is for you. Obtaining a childcare provider license in Nevada is not as daunting as it might seem, but it does have its intricacies. To start this journey, understanding the exact requirements, process, and regulations that Nevada has set in place for such license issuance is key.
This guide will help you understand all you need to know and do to acquire your childcare provider license in this state.
Why Should You Obtain a Childcare Provider License?
You may be wondering why you need a childcare provider license. Well, operating as a licensed childcare provider comes with several advantages. It adds credibility to your services, it helps to gain parents’ trust, and it can open up more doors of opportunities, such as partnering with childcare programs sponsored by the state. Most importantly, in the State of Nevada, you are required by law to have a childcare provider license to operate. So, if you plan to make childcare your profession, obtaining a license becomes a necessity, not just an option.
Recognize the Value of Your Services
Aside from meeting legal requirements, a license also elevates your standing as a professional childcare provider. Parents invariably want the best for their children and seeing that your establishment or person has been vetted and approved by the state can go a long way in reassuring them of your competence and commitment.
Getting Started on Your Childcare Provider License in Nevada
The process of obtaining a child care license in Nevada involves a series of steps. These include: meeting the minimum qualifications, undergoing the necessary training, applying for the license, and successfully passing the required inspections.
Meeting the Minimum Qualifications
Before you begin your journey to becoming a licensed childcare provider in Nevada, ensure you meet the minimum qualifications. Here are some of the qualifications you need to meet:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must possess a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
- You must not have any disqualifying criminal records.
- You must be able to read and write in English to communicate with children and their families, and for record-keeping purposes.
It is also mandatory to undergo a background check, fingerprints processing, and a Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) check.
Undergoing the Necessary Training
Before applying for your childcare provider license, you must go through specific training programs. These include:
- CPR and First Aid Training: You must complete this training, and it must be approved by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.
- Child Care Training: Following Nevada Administrative Code (NAC), you must have completed at least 15 hours of training in areas related to child care.
- TB Test: Finally, you must have a negative TB test in hand, which was conducted within the last 6 months.
Applying for the License
If you meet all the qualifications and have completed the necessary trainings, you can now proceed to apply for your childcare provider license. The steps are:
- Obtain and Complete the Application Packet: The packet contains key forms like the application form, personal statement, criminal history questionnaire, etc. Ensure that all forms are appropriately filled.
- Pay the Licensing Fees: Submit your completed forms along with the necessary fees. The fees vary depending on the type of childcare service you want to provide and the size of your intended operation.
- Submit your Application: Submit your application packet to the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH). Expect to wait for some weeks while your application is processed.
Inspections
Once your application is processed and deemed satisfactory, the next step would be a series of inspections. Expect the following:
- Environment Inspection: This inspection is necessary if you’ll be providing child care in your own home or in a facility that you own. The inspectors will evaluate the suitability of your location for children.
- Health Inspection: This inspection is carried out by a Health Authority to check that your facility meets all health guidelines.
- Fire Safety Inspection: The State Fire Marshal’s Office will conduct an assay to see that your facility meets fire safety regulations.
Upon successful completion of all inspections, you would be issued your childcare provider license.
Maintaining Your Childcare Provider License
Obtaining your license doesn’t mark the end of the process. As a childcare provider, it is important to stay certified by renewing your license when due. Generally, licenses must be renewed every 2 years, and at least half of the required annual training hours must be completed in each year of the licensing period.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed childcare provider in Nevada involves a series of steps, including meeting the minimum qualifications, undergoing the required training, and passing the requisite inspections. While the process can seem arduous, bearing in mind the benefits and assurance of providing proper care to children is truly rewarding. Remember, your work is instrumental in shaping the next generation, and your commitment to going the extra mile for your licensing is indicative of your dedication to that cause.
-This article was written by Rebecca Calbert.
With over 35 years of experience, Rebecca leads the way at Calbert Design Group. She is dedicated to guiding her clients through the complexities commercial real estate development.
Discover more of her valuable insights and resources at SaveOnBuilding.com , where Rebecca’s “purpose” is to educate small business owners and protect them them from what they don’t know.