6.01.2024

5 Things to Know: Nevada Ready! PreK Program

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As parents, we all want what's best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. That's why it's essential to explore all the available options to ensure they have a strong foundation for future success. If you're a parent in Nevada, one program you should consider is Nevada Ready! PreK.

What is Nevada Ready! PreK?

Nevada Ready! PreK is a state-funded program, available at no cost to eligible families, designed to provide high-quality early childhood education to children across the State of Nevada.

Nevada Ready! PreK is a comprehensive early childhood education initiative aimed at preparing children for success in kindergarten and beyond. By offering a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, the program lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Nevada Ready! PreK recognizes the importance of collaboration and partnership in promoting early childhood education. By working closely with families, communities, and other stakeholders, the program fosters a supportive environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.

Nevada Ready! PreK programs are offered through local school districts, as well as in some community-based child care programs to help meet the needs of families.

The impact of Nevada Ready! PreK extends far beyond the classroom. Research has shown that participation in high quality early childhood education programs, such as Nevada Ready! PreK, yield significant long-term benefits, including higher graduation rates, increased earning potential, and reduced involvement in the criminal justice system.

What Does Nevada Ready! PreK Offer?

Every Nevada Ready! PreK program provides a minimum of 5 hours per day or 25 hours per week of class time. Some community-based programs (offered through Head Start or child care providers) also offer extended day programs to accommodate working families.

Here is what you can expect in every Nevada Ready! PreK classroom:

High-Quality Instruction: Nevada Ready! PreK focuses on providing a stimulating and supportive learning environment where children can thrive. Qualified teachers use evidence-based practices to foster the development of essential skills, including language and literacy, math, social-emotional skills, and more.
- All classrooms participate in the Silver State Stars Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) which offers supports to early childhood classrooms to improve quality, including assessments to provide a “star rating” to assist parents in identifying high quality programs.
- All Nevada Ready! PreK lead teachers are required to have a Bachelor’s degree, or to be actively seeking a Bachelor’s degree through the T.E.A.C.H. program.
Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a well-rounded curriculum that addresses all aspects of a child's development. From language and literacy activities to hands-on exploration and play-based learning, Nevada Ready! PreK ensures that children are exposed to a wide range of experiences that support their growth and development.
- - All Nevada Ready! PreK programs are required to use the Nevada PreK Content Standards, as revised and adopted by the Nevada State Board of Education.
Individualized Support: Every child is unique, which is why Nevada Ready! PreK provides individualized support to meet the needs of each child. Teachers conduct ongoing assessments to identify strengths and areas for growth, allowing them to tailor instruction to suit the needs of every learner.
- All Nevada Ready! PreK programs are required to have no more than 20 children with two adult teachers (one lead teacher and one teaching assistant).
- All Nevada Ready! PreK programs offer individualized accommodations to support access for children with disabilities.
Family Engagement: Parents are a child's first and most important teachers, which is why Nevada Ready! PreK places a strong emphasis on family engagement. The program encourages parents to be actively involved in their child's education, providing opportunities for communication, collaboration, and support.
- Family engagement is a key part of the Nevada Ready! PreK program evaluation process and families are encouraged to get involved to support program improvements.
- All Nevada Ready! PreK programs create a yearly family engagement plan to ensure they have a variety of activities to partner with parents. This family engagement plan is informed through parent feedback and an annual parent survey.
Preparation for Kindergarten: The ultimate goal of Nevada Ready! PreK is to prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond. By providing a solid foundation in essential skills and concepts, the program gives children the tools they need to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.
- 90% of brain development occurs before the age of 5. High-quality early learning programs, such as Nevada Ready! PreK, support brain development and the promotion of key executive functions. Click here to learn more about early childhood brain development.

Who is eligible?

Understanding eligibility for the Nevada Ready! PreK program can be confusing since there are several ways that young children may be deemed eligible for participation.

There are three main factors to consider when determining eligibility:

Age of the Child: Generally, a child must be 4 years old by August 1st of the upcoming school year to be enrolled. However, in 2023, the Nevada Legislature funded a new program, the Early Childhood Literacy Program (ECLIP), which provides additional
funding for some Nevada Ready! PreK programs to open enrollment for 3 year olds.

As of the date of this article, 5 school districts (Churchill, Humboldt, Nye, Washoe, and White Pine), as well as the child care center based programs (offered through United Way of Southern Nevada and United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierras) offer seats for 3 year olds in addition to children age 4 by August 1st.

To learn more about programs in your area, click here.
Household Income: In addition to the age requirements, family household income cannot exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) UNLESS you qualify for one of the exceptions below. Additionally, the ECLIP program allows programs serving 3 year olds to extend household income eligibility up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Household Income Exceptions for ECLIP programs only:

1. Disability or Special Needs: Age eligible children with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are not required to meet the income eligibility guidelines.
2. Foster Care: Age eligible children who are in foster care are not required to meet the income eligibility guidelines.
3. Homelessness: Age eligible children in a family experiencing homelessness are not required to meet eligibility requirements.
  
  If you have a child with special needs, they may be eligible for an early childhood education program through your local school district. Learn more about Child Find or contact your local school district for more information.

How do I choose the right program for my child and family?

The Nevada Ready! PreK program offers several options in most areas of the state to meet the individualized needs of young children and their families.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a program:

Full Day vs. Extended Day Programs – For Nevada Ready! PreK, the term “full-day” means a minimum of 5 hours per day or 25 hours per week. This generally means that programs are offered on a traditional school schedule.

“Extended Day” programs, which are most often provided in the community-based settings (child care centers and Head Start programs) provide care before and/or after the PreK class to accommodate schedules for working parents.
Location and Transportation – The location of the PreK program, particularly for families with transportation barriers, is also a factor to consider. Most Nevada Ready! PreK programs, whether in a traditional elementary school or in a community-based setting, do not offer transportation.

If you have other children attending elementary school, or a participating child care or Head Start program, you may be able to reduce transportation barriers by having multiple children at the same location.
Cost – Although the Nevada Ready! PreK program is provided at no-cost to eligible families, if you need extended day care you may be responsible for covering the cost of care outside of the 5 hours per day or 25 hours per week covered by the Nevada Ready! PreK program.

However, if you are eligible for Head Start or Child Care Subsidy, you may be able to have those costs reduced or eliminated. Use the First 5 Nevada Eligibility Screener to see what you may qualify for!
Waitlists – Unfortunately, there are not enough resources for the Nevada Ready! PreK program to serve all of the young children and families in Nevada who may be eligible. Programs fill up fast and you may be put on a waitlist or denied enrollment in a program even though you meet all eligibility requirements.

It is important to apply early and consider all program options in your community, as well as to have a back-up plan.

What is the enrollment process?

Each Nevada Ready! PreK program has its own enrollment process. Some have applications available online and for others you will need to go to the program to get an application to complete.

First 5 Nevada has a complete list of Nevada Ready! PreK Programs, including specific enrollment processes and contact information. Click here to review available programs and learn more about how to apply.