Local service guide
Las Vegas childcare: Costs and Care Options
For school-age childcare in Las Vegas, the city publishes Safekey prices of $7 per morning pass and $10 per afternoon pass, plus a separate annual registration fee. Start by matching your child's age, school and required hours to the program. For preschool or full-day care, confirm the schedule and available place before paying a deposit; Strong Start offers different schedules depending on age, availability and location. [1] [2]
Choose care around the hours you need
Write down your earliest drop-off, latest pickup and travel time before comparing providers. Include school closures, changing work shifts and the time you need to collect siblings. Ask each provider to confirm the hours they can offer your child, including any days when they close early.
For a child attending elementary school, check whether the city offers Safekey at that school. The city requires families to select the child's specific school during registration, and program hours vary by site. Compare those hours with your commute before treating Safekey as your complete workday arrangement. [1]
For younger children, distinguish preschool instruction from the full stretch of supervision you need. Strong Start Early Learning Academies offer half-day, full-day and extended-day options depending on age, availability and location. Ask the location to confirm the offered schedule, enrollment requirements and start date for your child. [2]
Compare the full written cost
The city lists a one-time annual Safekey registration fee of $25 per child, per account, separate from its morning and afternoon passes. Use those published fees to budget for Safekey attendance. [1]
Request an individual quote for private daycare, nanny care or evening babysitting. Give the provider your child's age and exact schedule. Ask about registration, deposits, meals, supplies, transportation, late pickup, absences and closure days. Confirm how much notice you must give to leave and whether the provider returns any deposit. Compare the total charge for the same care period.
Screen the provider before paying
Nevada's Child Care Licensing page explains how to search licensed facilities and staff. Choose Child Care Program under Business Unit, then Agency for facilities or Personnel for staff. Match the facility's name and address to the location you plan to use, and ask the provider to explain any discrepancy. [3]
During a visit, ask who will supervise your child, how staff handle allergies and medication, and how they release children to authorized adults. Request an explanation of emergency procedures and caregiver training. For care in your home, check references, discuss relevant experience and agree on duties, emergency contacts and backup arrangements.
Nevada Child Care Licensing investigates complaints and determines whether allegations substantiate a violation. When the agency issues a citation, the facility must respond with a correction plan. Ask about any relevant citation and the corrective action before deciding whether the arrangement meets your expectations. [3]
Check assistance before finalizing the arrangement
Nevada's Division of Social Services states that updated child care income limits apply to initial applications and renewals beginning October 1, 2026. Review the current household-size and monthly-income chart through the program page. Ask the program to confirm your eligibility and expected family payment before building assistance into your budget. [4]
Safekey accepts several child care subsidy programs, but its office must process subsidy certificates before applying discounts. Keep a copy of your certificate and confirm processing with the office. Ask what you must pay while processing remains incomplete and how the office handles any adjustment. [1]
Published City of Las Vegas Safekey pass fees
Local details that affect your job
Safekey registration and school-day limits
For 2026–2027, the city accepts Safekey registration online. Returning families must select their child's school and update the grade. The program follows days with in-person instruction, so prepare a separate plan for school breaks and other closures. For site or subsidy questions, the city lists 702-229-KIDS, with option 2 for Safekey. [1]
Free mobile preschool and your remaining care hours
Strong Start Go provides free half-day preschool and gives first priority to children living in or near 89106, 89107 and 89101; families in other ZIP codes may apply. Listed locations include Twin Lakes Drive and Washington Avenue, Mojave Road and Stewart Avenue, and Washington Avenue and D Street. Confirm the assigned location and session before arranging transportation or additional care. The city lists 702-229-KIDS, option 3, for information. [2]
Match the arrangement to your coverage gap
| Your need | Option to examine | Confirm before committing |
|---|---|---|
| Before or after elementary school | City Safekey for ages 5–11, kindergarten through fifth grade | Your child's school, site hours and separate coverage outside in-person school days |
| Half-day preschool | Free Strong Start Go mobile preschool | Geographic priority, assigned session and care for the remaining hours |
| A longer early-learning day | Strong Start Early Learning Academy | Age eligibility and available half-day, full-day or extended-day schedule at the location |
| Care at another facility | A facility checked through Nevada's licensed child care search | Matching name and address, offered hours, written fees and enrollment terms |
Your hiring checklist
- Write down your child's age, school, start date and required care hours.
- Include commute time and a backup pickup adult in your schedule.
- Confirm the exact location, available place and offered hours.
- Check the facility's licensing record and discuss relevant findings.
- Review supervision, allergies, medication and emergency procedures.
- Request an itemized quote and written deposit, cancellation and closure terms.
- Confirm assistance approval and the amount you must pay before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Las Vegas Safekey cost?
The city lists $7 for a morning pass and $10 for an afternoon pass. It also charges a one-time annual $25 registration fee per child, per account. Use these fees when budgeting for Safekey and request separate quotes for private care. [1]
Can Safekey cover school holidays?
The city states that Safekey operates on days when in-person school instruction takes place. Arrange separate care for holidays and other days without in-person instruction, and confirm your site's hours. [1]
Does free Strong Start Go preschool cover a full workday?
Strong Start Go offers half-day classes. Confirm the session times and arrange care for the hours you still need. The separate Early Learning Academies offer schedule options that depend on age, availability and location. [2]
Where can I check a child care facility?
Use Nevada Child Care Licensing's facility search instructions. Select Child Care Program under Business Unit and Agency under Entity Type for a facility. Choose Personnel when searching for staff. [3]
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.