Reviewed/Updated July 2026
The History of The Nevada Registry
The Nevada Registry was established through the collective vision and collaboration of early childhood professionals, organizations, and state leaders committed to strengthening Nevada’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) workforce. Their shared goals were to:
- Improve the quality of early learning environments for children.
- Address workforce challenges, including high staff turnover.
- Promote professionalism through education, career pathways, and increased compensation.
- Create a centralized system to connect, recognize, and support Nevada’s early childhood workforce.
Laying the Foundation (1998–2001)
In 1998, the Nevada State Child Care Steering Committee formed three subcommittees to guide statewide improvements:
- Policy and Payment Practices
- Consumer Education
- Quality, Training and Licensing (QTL)
Together, these groups developed recommendations that would shape Nevada’s early childhood professional development system, including:
- Establishing a state Early Care and Education Office.
- Strengthening child care licensing standards.
- Creating a statewide Career Ladder for early childhood professionals.
- Developing a coordinated professional development system.
- Establishing scholarship and wage initiatives to support the workforce.
In 1999, Nevada established the Office of Early Care and Education (now the Nevada Department of Education Office of Early Learning and Development) and launched the Nevada Apprenticeship Program for Child Care. During this time, the QTL Subcommittee developed the state’s Career Ladder, Tiered Reimbursement System, and Core Knowledge Areas. As members researched professional development systems across the country, it became clear that a statewide workforce registry would be an essential component of Nevada’s long-term vision.
Building The Nevada Registry (2002–2003)
In April 2002, more than 100 early childhood professionals participated in a statewide Early Care and Education Summit to provide feedback on the proposed Career Ladder, Tiered Reimbursement System, and Core Knowledge Areas.
On April 12, 2002, the Nevada State Child Care Advisory Committee officially adopted the Career Ladder and Tiered Reimbursement System, marking a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to professionalizing the early childhood workforce.
Later that year, the Office of Early Care and Education contracted with the Washoe County School District to develop the infrastructure needed to implement these initiatives. With support from Child Care and Development Block Grant funding and technical assistance from The Registry Wisconsin, development began on what would become The Nevada Registry.
Throughout 2003, program infrastructure continued to evolve. Registry staff introduced the new system across the state through presentations and outreach efforts while piloting the Career Ladder application process.
Official Launch (2004)
In January 2004, The Nevada Registry officially launched as Nevada’s voluntary professional development registry and Career Ladder system for early childhood professionals.
A statewide Advisory Committee was established to provide ongoing guidance and support for program development.
In October 2004, The Nevada Registry launched its statewide Training Approval System (TAS), becoming responsible for approving community-based professional development accepted by Nevada Child Care Licensing. This created a consistent, statewide system for recognizing high-quality training.
A Statewide Workforce System (2009–Present)
In 2009, participation in The Nevada Registry was incorporated into Nevada Child Care Licensing regulations for professionals working in licensed child care settings. Mandatory participation was fully implemented by December 31, 2012.
Today, The Nevada Registry serves as Nevada’s official professional development registry for the early childhood workforce. The Registry supports thousands of professionals through Career Ladder placement, professional development tracking, trainer approval, workforce reporting, and data systems that inform policy, funding decisions, and workforce initiatives across the state.
More than two decades after its creation, The Nevada Registry continues to evolve alongside the needs of Nevada’s early childhood workforce, providing the infrastructure, data, and professional recognition needed to strengthen the quality of early childhood education and care throughout the state.