FAQs

A:  In Nevada, there are hundreds of programs to support child care and early education, maternal and child health, mental health, nutrition, financial assistance and more. But finding these programs, trying to determine if you are eligible to receive services, and applying can be difficult. First5Nevada.org puts all of these programs, services and resources in one place – making it easier for families to find the services they need, when they need them!

This includes programs and services in child care and early childhood education, health and safety, special needs and early intervention, food and nutrition and parenting and early support.

A:  The campaign is designed to educate and create awareness among all Nevadans, that the first five years of a child's life are critical to his/her development and that proper support during these years results in better outcomes in life. 

Through the campaign we hope to:

• Inform families about the First5Nevada.org to help them find the services they need.
• Engage new audiences including community and business leaders, elected officials and parents.
• Engage early childhood system members and the nonprofit service community, encouraging fuller collaboration and coordination.
• Educate families and the general community on the outcomes possible with healthy early childhood support and development.

A: No. Eligibility is not a guarantee of funding, however First5Nevada.org allows you to quickly discover potential programs and services.

A: Eligibility requirements are set by each individual program. Please contact the specific program directly if you think you are eligible, or submit a form on our Contact Us page and a community navigator will reach out to you at their earliest convenience.

A: Yes! In addition to the general programs, we are proud to partner with specific programs for tribal nations as well. Try our Eligibility Portal to see what programs you may qualify for!

A: Each program has different requirements and timeframes. Please contact the individual program for specific details or submit a form on our Contact Us page and a community navigator will reach out to you at their earliest convenience.

A: First5Nevada.org is focusing on the first 5 years of a child’s development, but some programs may cover older children and family members, as well. Try our Eligibility Portal to see what programs you may qualify for!

A: First5Nevada.org has attempted to include as many programs as possible and will be adding more on a regular basis. If a program is not listed, please Contact Us and let us know so we can determine if we are able to include it in our eligibility portal.

A: Most programs base their eligibility requirements on income levels, but other factors also apply. For instance, if your child is in foster care or has a special need, often income no longer impacts your ability to get access to that service or program. No personal information is shared through the website. It simply is used to deliver the most accurate information to you.

Also, some programs are based in specific geographic locations, and First5Nevada.org is designed to send you the right programs in your area.

A: First5Nevada.org only shares contact information (name and email) with the programs for which you may be eligible so the agency is able to follow up.

A: Programs and services are definitely available to you if you are the caregiver of a non-biological child. Please indicate that in our Eligibility Portal, and you will be provided with that list.

A: Each program determines eligibility. While many programs require proof of residency, you will need to check with the program to determine documentation requirements.

A: Some programs do require citizenship for eligibility. We have attempted to identify and indicate that on the eligibility sections for programs, but First5Nevada.org cannot guarantee accuracy. It's also important to note that children who are citizens may be eligible for programs even if their parent(s) are not citizens. You can check directly with the program or you can Contact Us to connect with a Community Navigator if you have specific questions. If preferred, you can speak anonymously to a Navigator who can ask the program specific questions regarding eligibility/citizenship if you are not comfortable asking them.

A: While First5Nevada.org is not able to actually manage the application process for these programs and services, it can connect you with Community Navigators who assist you with navigating the system. Please Contact Us through the website to get connected to a Navigator. 

A: Eligibility is determined by the individual programs, not First5Nevada.org. Please Contact Us through the website to get connected to a Community Navigator or contact individual programs for details.

A: The program or service does not follow with the child, but there are programs (parent education and training in particular) that are available to all parents.

A: This will depend on what types of provider/service you are seeking. Please submit a form on our Contact Us page and a Community Navigator will reach out to you at their earliest convenience to discuss options.

A: Most programs require an existing address to apply. Please contact the program directly. If you still need assistance, Contact Us through the website to get connected to a Community Navigator.

A: Any organization that would like to have their program, service, or resource listed on First5Nevada.org must first review the inclusion criteria listed here. All requests for inclusion will be reviewed by First 5 Nevada within 60 days of submission. Determinations will be made based on the listed criteria and overall alignment with the vision of First 5 Nevada, which is to ensure equitable access to high quality programs and services that meet the needs of families with young children in Nevada.

Use this link to complete the online form to request inclusion of any program, service, or resource on First 5 Nevada. You may submit any supporting documentation or questions to [email protected]. 

A: Involvement is crucial in building a foundation for the well-being and development of young children. Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or community member, there are various ways you can contribute to shaping and enhancing Nevada’s Early Childhood System. See our Get Involved page for information on groups you can join.

A: First5Nevada.org is excited to share articles that can help parents and children. We accept articles that pertain to any of the service areas on our website. You can submit an article for consideration using this form.

A: We would love help spreading the word about First5Nevada.org throughout the state. We have created a toolkit so community partners can easily share information about the website.

A: Yes! Please help us share the content of First5Nevada.org. We want to reach as many families across the state as possible.

A: Involvement is crucial in building a foundation for the well-being and development of young children. Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or community member, there are various ways you can contribute to shaping and enhancing Nevada’s Early Childhood System. See our Get Involved page for information on groups you can join.

A: Elected officials at all levels of government (city, county, state and federal) play an important role in determining what programs are available, how they are funded, who can participate, and how those programs operate. Parents and families can, and should, be involved in selecting elected officials that support improving access to the early childhood programs and services that young children and families need. Parents and families can also be advocates to influence public policies and encourage positive programming that supports children in a variety of ways.

You can get involved by learning about the legislative process and identifying the issues that are important to you, your family, and your community, then contacting policy makers to share your voice.

A: First5Nevada.org is excited to share articles that can help parents and children. We accept articles that pertain to any of the service areas on our website. You can submit an article for consideration using this form.