In 2001, Nevada implemented a small state funded pre-K program referred to as Nevada Early Childhood Education (ECE) State Pre-K. The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) was historically allocated $3,338,875 per fiscal year and awarded funding to school districts through a competitive application process. The Nevada ECE State Pre-K program was open to 3- and 4-year-olds and most school districts offered half-day programs. In 2015, Nevada received a four-year Federal Preschool Development Grant (PDG). The purpose of the grant was to support states to build, develop and expand voluntary, high-quality preschool programs for children from families experiencing poverty. With PDG funding in 2015, Nevada was able to expand the half-day Nevada ECE State Pre-K seats to full day seats as well as open new high-quality, full-day seats.