Nevada Statewide Rule

Nevada Family Home Childcare Licensing Requirements

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nevada (2026)

Nevada requires state licensing through the Division of Public and Behavioral Health for any home caring for more than four unrelated children, setting uniform background-check, capacity, and safety standards under NRS 432A that override most local prohibitions.

Key Facts

Primary statute: NRS 432A.131-.190
Zoning preemption: NRS 278.021
Threshold for license: 5+ unrelated children
Family home cap: 6 children
Background checks: FBI fingerprint required

Source: Nevada Legislature

Full Breakdown

Under NRS 432A.131 through 432A.190, a person caring for five or more unrelated children in their residence must obtain a family group home or home child care facility license. Operators and household members aged 14 and older must pass FBI fingerprint background checks, complete CPR and first aid training, and pass annual home inspections covering fire safety, sanitation, and ratios. Maximum capacity is generally six children for a family home and twelve for a group home. NRS 278.021 prohibits cities from treating licensed family child care homes differently than other single-family residential uses for zoning purposes.

Violations & Penalties

Unlicensed operation is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 per day, and the state may seek injunctive closure plus revocation of any future license application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my city zone out my licensed home daycare?

No. NRS 278.021 requires cities to treat licensed family child care homes the same as any other single-family residential use, preventing exclusionary zoning.

Do I need a license to babysit my neighbor's child?

Casual care of fewer than five unrelated children generally does not require licensing, but consistent, paid care should be verified with state regulators.

Sources

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Nevada Family Home Childcare Licensing Requirements

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nevada (2026)

Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my city zone out my licensed home daycare?

No. NRS 278.021 requires cities to treat licensed family child care homes the same as any other single-family residential use, preventing exclusionary zoning.

Do I need a license to babysit my neighbor's child?

Casual care of fewer than five unrelated children generally does not require licensing, but consistent, paid care should be verified with state regulators.