HomeChild CareNevadaNevada Ready! Pre-K
How to Apply: Nevada Ready! Pre-K
Nevada · 5 StepsNevada families at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level with a child who turns 4 by August 1
Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.
Quick facts
Step 1 of 5: See if your child fits
- 4 years old by August 1
- Income at or under the limit
- You live in Nevada
Good to know: Some areas take 3-year-olds if funded. Families without stable housing, in foster care, or with special needs get priority.Step 2 of 5: Find a program near you
- See the program list online (opens in a new tab)Tap to open
- Schools, Head Start, and centers
Step 3 of 5: Get your papers ready
- Child's birth certificate
- Pay stubs or tax return
- Utility bill or lease
Step 4 of 5: Apply
- Contact your school district or provider
- Turn in application and papers
Step 5 of 5: Wait for your answer
- News in late spring or early summer
- Waitlist spots can open mid-year
Good to know: The program is free for qualifying families. Your child will be ready for kindergarten!
A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for Nevada Ready! Pre-K.
What is Nevada Ready! Pre-K?
Nevada Ready! State Pre-K is a state-funded, full-day preschool program for eligible four-year-old children (and in some communities, three-year-olds) to prepare them for kindergarten. The program is free for qualifying families and is offered in school districts, Head Start programs, child care centers, and other licensed providers across Nevada.
Programs run during the school year, following a regular school calendar, and offer high-quality early learning experiences with credentialed teachers.
Learn more about Nevada Ready! Pre-K here.
How do I apply for Nevada Ready! Pre-K?
Applications are managed by individual local school districts and early childhood program partners. Here’s a general step-by-step guide to applying:
Step 1: Check if your child is eligible
Age requirement: Your child must be 4 years old by August 1 of the program year (some areas accept 3-year-olds if funded).
Income requirement: Most programs require families to be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Additional priority may be given to families experiencing homelessness, foster care, or children with special needs.
Step 2: Find a participating provider
You can find participating providers by visiting the Nevada Ready! Pre-K program list.
Step 3: Contact the program or school district
Each program has its own application process. You’ll need to contact your local participating school district or early childhood provider to get an application form and details about the enrollment process.
Step 4: Complete your application and gather required documents
Typical documents you’ll need:
Child’s birth certificate
Proof of family income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or benefits statements)
Proof of Nevada residency (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
Your local program will confirm exactly what they need.
Step 5: Submit your application
Applications are typically submitted directly to your selected provider or school district office.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Programs usually notify families of placement decisions in late spring or early summer. If you miss the deadline or are placed on a waitlist, spots may become available mid-year.
Who do I contact about my application status?
Contact the school district, Head Start program, or early childhood provider where you submitted your application. If you need help finding a contact:
Visit the Nevada Ready! Pre-K site
Or contact your local school district’s early childhood office
Last updated June 17, 2025