Nevada Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)

Inspections may be unannounced and must be made at least two times during the 12-month licensing period (i.e., approximately once every 6 months), per NAC 432A.190 (Inspections

i.e., approximately once every 6 months

investigations) and NRS 432A.180.

Inspection of child care facilities and small child care establishments by Division, State Fire Marshal and Administrator

Fire safety inspections by the State Fire Marshal (or designee) are conducted at least annually per NRS 432A.180 (Inspection of child care facilities and small child care establishments by Division, State Fire Marshal and Administrator

or designee

publication and availability of reports).

Inspection of child care facilities and small child care establishments by Division, State Fire Marshal and Administrator

For licensure violations, the Division may, under NRS 432A.186 (Administrative sanctions): impose an administrative penalty of not more than $1,000 per day for each violation, together with interest not to exceed 10 percent per annum

Administrative sanctions

prohibit the facility from accepting additional children

Administrative sanctions

limit the number of children to which the facility may provide care

Administrative sanctions

appoint temporary management

Administrative sanctions

or any combination of these sanctions.

Administrative sanctions

Separately, operating a child care facility without a license or with a suspended license may result in a court-imposed civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not less than $10,000 nor more than $25,000 for a second or subsequent offense (NRS 432A.210 — Operation of child care facility without license or with suspended license: cease and desist order

Administrative sanctions

During a Nevada childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Infants under 9 months (daytime 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:4.

During a Nevada childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 9 months to under 2 years (daytime) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:6.

During a Nevada childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 2 to under 3 years (daytime) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:9.

During a Nevada childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 3 to under 4 years (daytime) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:12.

During a Nevada childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 4 to under 5 years (daytime) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:13.

During a Nevada childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 5 years and older (daytime) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:18.

During a Nevada childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Under 3 years (night, 9:00 p.m.-6:30 a.m.) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:6.

During a Nevada childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 3 years and older (night) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:10.

Nevada inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.5205 (Minimum staffing ratios; staff required to remain awake during duty hours at night — ratios specified separately for daytime hours of operation 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and night hours 9:00 p.m.-6:30 a.m.; Nevada has no dedicated operating-hours rule, so this time-of-operation staffing section is the closest verified umbrella).

Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.5205 (Minimum staffing ratios; staff required to remain awake during duty hours at night — ratios specified separately for daytime hours of operation 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and night hours 9:00 p.m.-6:30 a.m.; Nevada has no dedicated operating-hours rule, so this time-of-operation staffing section is the closest verified umbrella)

Nevada inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.400 (Discipline).

Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.400 (Discipline)

Nevada inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.350 (Information to be provided by facility; criteria for admission into facility that provides care for ill children) — see also NAC 432A.374 (Medical care: Isolation of ill or injured child; transportation of child; report).

Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.350 (Information to be provided by facility; criteria for admission into facility that provides care for ill children) — see also NAC 432A.374 (Medical care: Isolation of ill or injured child; transportation of child; report)

Nevada inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.376 (Medication); see also NAC 432A.585 (Procedures for use and administration of medication, for facilities that provide care for ill children).

Nev. Admin. Code (NAC) 432A.376 (Medication); see also NAC 432A.585 (Procedures for use and administration of medication, for facilities that provide care for ill children)

How often does Nevada inspect licensed childcare centers?

Inspections may be unannounced and must be made at least two times during the 12-month licensing period (i.e., approximately once every 6 months), per NAC 432A.190 (Inspections; investigations) and NRS 432A.180. Fire safety inspections by the State Fire Marshal (or designee) are conducted at least annually per NRS 432A.180 (Inspection of child care facilities and small child care establishments by Division, State Fire Marshal and Administrator; publication and availability of reports).

What do Nevada inspectors check during a childcare inspection?

Nevada childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.

What happens if a Nevada childcare center fails an inspection?

For licensure violations, the Division may, under NRS 432A.186 (Administrative sanctions): impose an administrative penalty of not more than $1,000 per day for each violation, together with interest not to exceed 10 percent per annum; prohibit the facility from accepting additional children; limit the number of children to which the facility may provide care; appoint temporary management; or any combination of these sanctions. Under NRS 432A.190 the Division may deny, suspend, or revoke a license for any chapter/regulation violation and may impose an administrative fine, with an opportunity for a hearing. Separately, operating a child care facility without a license or with a suspended license may result in a court-imposed civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not less than $10,000 nor more than $25,000 for a second or subsequent offense (NRS 432A.210 — Operation of child care facility without license or with suspended license: cease and desist order; injunctive relief; civil penalties; use of money).

How can I prepare my Nevada childcare center for an unannounced inspection?

Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).

Which handbook sections do Nevada inspectors verify?

Nevada inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Nevada administrative code.