Nevada Childcare Licensing
Nevada Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Nevada sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infants under 9 months (daytime 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Nevada licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamNevada Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Nevada, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infants under 9 months (daytime 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) age group is 1:4.
In Nevada, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 9 months to under 2 years (daytime) age group is 1:6.
In Nevada, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 2 to under 3 years (daytime) age group is 1:9.
In Nevada, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 3 to under 4 years (daytime) age group is 1:12.
In Nevada, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 4 to under 5 years (daytime) age group is 1:13.
In Nevada, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 5 years and older (daytime) age group is 1:18.
In Nevada, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Under 3 years (night, 9:00 p.m.-6:30 a.m.) age group is 1:6.
In Nevada, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 3 years and older (night) age group is 1:10.
For Nevada child care centers, maximum group size by age band is: under 9 months = 8
State of Nevada Child Care Licensing Reference Guide
9 months to under 2 years = 12
State of Nevada Child Care Licensing Reference Guide
and 5 years and older = 36 (State of Nevada Child Care Licensing Reference Guide
State of Nevada Child Care Licensing Reference Guide
NAC 432A.5205, with ratios determined by the youngest child in a mixed-age room).
State of Nevada Child Care Licensing Reference Guide
Nevada Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infants under 9 months (daytime 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) | 1:4 |
|---|---|
| 9 months to under 2 years (daytime) | 1:6 |
| 2 to under 3 years (daytime) | 1:9 |
| 3 to under 4 years (daytime) | 1:12 |
| 4 to under 5 years (daytime) | 1:13 |
| 5 years and older (daytime) | 1:18 |
| Under 3 years (night, 9:00 p.m.-6:30 a.m.) | 1:6 |
| 3 years and older (night) | 1:10 |
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Nevada Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Nevada?
Nevada requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 for the Infants under 9 months (daytime 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) age group.
Does Nevada cap maximum group size?
For Nevada child care centers, maximum group size by age band is: under 9 months = 8; 9 months to under 2 years = 12; 2 to under 3 years = 18; 3 to under 4 years = 24; 4 to under 5 years = 26; and 5 years and older = 36 (State of Nevada Child Care Licensing Reference Guide; NAC 432A.5205, with ratios determined by the youngest child in a mixed-age room).
How many staff do I need for my Nevada classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Nevada ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Nevada childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Nevada administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS), Child Care Licensing (CCL) program. (Statewide child care licensing is consolidated under DWSS; the last county program, Washoe, transferred to the state on July 1, 2024.) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.