CARSON CITY, Nev. (KOLO) — Nevada’s State Child Care and Development Program will revert to its pre-pandemic eligibility and co-payment standards starting October 1.
This shift follows the full allocation of federal and state COVID relief funds, which had temporarily expanded the program’s reach.
Karissa Machado, the Agency Manager for the program, explained, “The additional federal funds during the pandemic allowed us to extend the subsidy to families who wouldn’t have qualified before. This support kept children in quality childcare so their parents could work or attend school. We recognize how crucial affordable, quality childcare is, and these changes will affect Nevada’s working families.”
Under the new guidelines, income eligibility for childcare assistance will be based on a household’s size and annual income. Starting October 1, new applicants will need to earn no more than 41% of the state’s median income to qualify. For a family of four, this means an annual income of up to $39,371 will be eligible for support.
Current beneficiaries submitting renewal applications will continue to receive assistance if their income is at or below 49% of the state median income. For a family of four, this translates to an income of $47,053 or less.
Existing certificates will remain valid until their expiration date, and income eligibility will not be reassessed until renewal is due.