13-05-2025
Las Vegas child care providers rally in support of bill in Nevada legislature
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — For National Day Without Child Care, some providers in the Las Vegas valley took the day off to rally at Paradise Park where they advocated for AB185, which would require HOAs to allow licensed, in-home child care facilities.
The bill passed in the assembly and is making its way through the State Senate.
'I have moved to like seven different houses with the same issues. The homeowner says 'Yes' and they talked to their homeowner association. The home association says 'No, you can't do it,'' explained Vahentina Parker, director of Hands Of Luvv Childcare, a home-based facility.
Parker said she hopes HOAs would gain a better understanding of what child care workers do.
'We follow the rules just like your regular tenants. Just come and see what we do, and then you'll understand,' said Parker, citing the struggle the Las Vegas area is having with child care options.
'It's a desert, not a shortage,' she said. 'Even in my community, to be honest, I am the only home child care provider.'
Meanwhile, Octavia McLaurin, owner of the Kreative Minds Child Care facility in the southwest valley, said she hopes lawmakers will understand the true value of caretakers.
'A Day Without Child Care is to let them know- if we don't work, they don't work,' she said.
McLaurin said there is a ripple effect when there is no one available to take care of children.
'This is my third state doing child care,' said McLaurin. 'Las Vegas is the lowest state paying for child care providers.'
'I keep my doors open because I want to make sure I provide and serve for the community that these kids need, that the families need, that they don't understand,' she continued.
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