July 1, 2026

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Nevada families seeking high-quality early learning opportunities for their children now have a simpler way to apply to 99 pre-K programs.

A new Nevada Ready! pre-K common application is available beginning July 1 at First5Nevada.org.

Developed through a collaboration between The Children’s Cabinet’s First 5 Nevada campaign and the Nevada Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning and Development, the Nevada Ready! pre-K common application streamlines the process for families by providing a single application for multiple participating pre-K programs across the state.

“At the Nevada Department of Education, one of our strategic priorities is Strong Foundations, ensuring students start strong and build the academic foundations that deeper learning depends on,” said Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “High-quality pre-K can make a lasting difference in a child’s educational journey, and this common application makes it easier for families to connect with the opportunities and resources that best meet their needs.”

Funded through Nevada’s Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5), the platform is designed to remove barriers and improve access to early childhood education opportunities.

“For many families, navigating different enrollment requirements and application processes can be overwhelming,” said Kim Young, CEO of The Children’s Cabinet. “The Nevada Ready! pre-K common application helps remove barriers that can stand between families and high-quality early learning. By making it easier for families to find and apply for pre-K programs, we’re helping more children start school ready to learn, grow and thrive.”

Designed with user-friendly navigation, the common application is housed on First5Nevada.org, a centralized resource hub for families with young children.

Through the website, families can access the application, explore early childhood resources, learn about available programs, and connect with services that support children’s healthy growth and development.

While the common application simplifies the initial application process, families should note that submitting a Nevada Ready! pre-K common application does not constitute enrollment at the participating programs.

Families must still complete enrollment requirements with the providers they select. For charter school options, families must also participate in the school’s lottery process, where applicable.

The online application enables families to:

• Complete one application to view more than 90 participating Nevada Ready! pre-K programs.

• Search for programs located near their home, workplace or other preferred locations.

• Review a variety of early learning settings, including public school programs, charter schools, childcare providers, and community-based organizations.

• Compare available options and make informed decisions about their child’s early learning experience.

• Access the application in English and Spanish, with additional languages planned for future release.

The common application incorporates Nevada's newly expanded eligibility criteria, helping more families determine whether they qualify for free pre-K opportunities.

The platform is also designed with privacy and security in mind. Family information submitted through the application will only be shared with the programs selected by the family during the application process.

First 5 Nevada community navigators will be available to assist families who need help completing the application, understanding eligibility requirements or exploring available program options.

Transportation is not provided through pre-K programs, and not all Nevada Ready! pre-K providers currently participate in the common application. A final list of participating and non-participating grantees will be available soon.

Families can learn more about Nevada Ready! pre-K programs and access the common application by visiting First5Nevada.org. They also can find other programs and resources for their young children by selecting "See What I Qualify For."

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About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.

About First 5 Nevada

First 5 Nevada is a statewide initiative led by The Children’s Cabinet and supported by state and community partners to help ensure all Nevada families have access to the programs, resources and supports they need to help their children grow and thrive. Through First5Nevada.org, families can quickly identify programs and services that support child care and early education, health and safety, special needs and early intervention services, food and nutrition, and parenting and family supports during the critical first five years of a child’s life.

Funding Disclaimer

The project described herein is supported by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0099, awarded to the Nevada Department of Education, from the Office of Early Childhood Development, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Early Childhood Development, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.