Early Education

Since 2015, the Nevada Department of Education and United Way of Southern Nevada have provided more than 7,500 scholarships through the Nevada Ready! State Pre-K program, helping qualifying children access early education and prepare for kindergarten. The program also offers ongoing teacher training to ensure classrooms use the latest learning techniques.

Children must be 4 years old by August 1, 2026 to qualify. Your family may qualify if one or more of these apply:

• Your family’s yearly household income is at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Click here to see if your family qualifies.
• Your family speaks a language other than English at home
• Your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Your child is with a foster family providing temporary care
• Your family belongs to a historically underserved community
• Your family is currently unhoused
• Your family includes a current or former member of the military
• Your family lives in a rural area or on tribal land
• Your family has refugee or asylum status
• Your family is a single-parent household, with one parent or guardian raising the child without support from a spouse or partner
• Your child lives with relatives or trusted family friends instead of their parents
• A parent or guardian in your family is currently in jail or prison
• Your family lives in a neighborhood where all nearby elementary schools have a 1-star or 2-star rating

Parents can see if their child qualifies for a Nevada Ready! Pre-K Scholarship by applying on the First 5 Nevada website, filling out the form below, or by contacting the pre-k center directly.

UWSN’s Preschool for Nevada program helps fill a critical gap in early childhood education by providing free Pre-K scholarships for children ages 3 and 4 who may not qualify for other state-funded programs.

While Nevada Ready! State Pre-K serves primarily 4-year-olds who meet specific eligibility criteria, Preschool for Nevada expands access by:

• Serving both 3- and 4-year-olds
• Supporting families earning up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
• Increasing access to high-quality early learning seats across Southern Nevada

By broadening eligibility and partnering with trusted early education centers, Preschool for Nevada ensures more children can access the strong foundation they need before kindergarten.

Families must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, and children must turn 3 or 4 on or before August 1, 2025.

Please fill out the form below to see if your child qualifies for a Preschool for Nevada scholarship.