Brightwheel › Licensing Requirements › Nebraska › Nebraska Preschool Licensing Requirements

Nebraska Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Nebraska.

Nebraska Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with NE DHHS)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:15, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Division of Public Health — Child Care Licensing
Regulatory code	Neb. Admin. Code Title 391 (Child Care Programs); Neb. Rev. Stat. §71-1908 et seq.

Nebraska preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Nebraska must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services under Neb. Admin. Code Title 391 (Child Care Programs); Neb. Rev. Stat. §71-1908 et seq..

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:15	—	4-year-olds; verify 3yr ratio

Source: Neb. Admin. Code Title 391 (Child Care Programs); Neb. Rev. Stat. §71-1908 et seq., Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Always verify current ratios with NE DHHS.

Nebraska preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Nebraska childcare center license require a director meeting Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’s qualification standards under Neb. Admin. Code Title 391 (Child Care Programs); Neb. Rev. Stat. §71-1908 et seq.. Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Nebraska must meet minimum education requirements set by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Nebraska-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Nebraska

Private preschool programs in Nebraska follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services center license (private preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Division of Public Health — Child Care Licensing. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under Neb. Admin. Code Title 391 (Child Care Programs); Neb. Rev. Stat. §71-1908 et seq..
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Division of Public Health — Child Care Licensing.
Official resource: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/childcare.aspx

Keep your Nebraska preschool running — not drowning in paperwork.

Brightwheel gives preschool directors a single platform to manage attendance, billing, parent communication, and daily documentation.

Digital check-in Parent sign-in/sign-out with timestamps — eliminates paper sign-in sheets and satisfies NE DHHS documentation requirements.

Lesson planning Document daily activities and developmental observations aligned with state early learning standards.

Subsidy billing Manage subsidy invoicing alongside private-pay tuition — no dual systems needed.

See brightwheel for preschools →

Frequently asked questions: Nebraska preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Nebraska need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Nebraska that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services under Neb. Admin. Code Title 391 (Child Care Programs); Neb. Rev. Stat. §71-1908 et seq.. The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:15 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Nebraska preschool teacher need?

Nebraska preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services under Neb. Admin. Code Title 391 (Child Care Programs); Neb. Rev. Stat. §71-1908 et seq.. Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Nebraska preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in Nebraska, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:15, with a maximum group size of —. Contact NE DHHS to verify the current ratio requirement.

Are there state-funded preschool options in Nebraska?

Nebraska may have state-funded preschool options through Head Start, state pre-K programs, or other initiatives. Contact Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services or your local school district for information on state-funded preschool programs in your area.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Nebraska?

Kindergarten in Nebraska is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services under Neb. Admin. Code Title 391 (Child Care Programs); Neb. Rev. Stat. §71-1908 et seq. and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Nebraska Childcare Center Requirements, Nebraska Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Nebraska Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/childcare.aspx before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.