Child Care in New Jersey
Low- and moderate-income working parents in New Jersey can receive state subsidies for child care, including preschool instruction, after-school programs for children up to age 13, and care for children and teens with special needs
- Agency
- New Jersey Department of Human Services
- Type
- State Resource
- Phone
- 1-800-332-9227
- Application Period
- Income Limit
- Low- and moderate-income
Low- and moderate-income working parents in New Jersey can receive state subsidies for child care, including preschool instruction, after-school programs for children up to age 13, and care for children and teens with special needs.
Low- and moderate-income working parents in New Jersey can receive state subsidies for child care, including preschool instruction, after-school programs for children up to age 13, and care for children and teens with special needs.
Eligibility Requirements
Working parents with low and moderate incomes, children up to age 13, and care for children and teens with special needs.
Images & PDFs
New Jersey Department of Human Services Resources
A comprehensive guide providing information on services offered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, including programs for individuals and families seeking assistance.
View Full ImageNew Jersey Family Success Center
A visual representation of the '5 Protective Factors' aimed at supporting families through emotional competence, social connections, parental knowledge, resilience, and concrete support.
View Full ImageThe New Jersey WIC Toolkit
An informative visual that highlights food insecurity among children in New Jersey and provides resources for accessing food assistance programs like NJ WIC and NJ SNAP.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
Child Care in New Jersey: The Impact on Families and Communities
3/15/2022 | Coverage: state
This report details the essential role that child care programs play in supporting families across New Jersey, emphasizing both economic and social benefits.
Source: New Jersey Department of Children and Families
Coverage Area: state
The Role of Child Care in Reducing Poverty in New Jersey
1/20/2023 | Coverage: state
This publication discusses how accessible child care services are vital in breaking the cycle of poverty, providing financial stability to families.
Source: New Jersey Policy Perspective
Coverage Area: state
Understanding the Economic Impact of Child Care Subsidies in New Jersey
10/5/2021 | Coverage: state
An analysis of how child care subsidies alleviate financial strain on families, particularly in the context of rising costs and stagnant wages.
Source: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Coverage Area: state
Program Timeline
Expansion of Family Leave in NJ
9/1/2021New Jersey expanded its Family Leave Act, allowing more time off for parents, encouraging better work-life balance, and supporting child care.
New Jersey Child Care Development Block Grant
7/1/2014New Jersey's implementation of changes to the Child Care Development Block Grant program to improve access and quality of care.
NJ Universal Preschool Initiative
8/1/2007Introduction of a program aimed at providing universal access to preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds in New Jersey.
New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program
1/1/1990Launch of a state-level child care subsidy program aimed at helping low-income families afford quality child care.
Child Development Act
1/1/1971Introduced federal funding for preschool programs, enhancing early childhood education access.
Creation of Head Start
7/1/1965Establishment of the Head Start program aimed at enhancing the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from low-income families.
FAQ
Choosing a child care provider is a crucial decision for any parent. It's essential to evaluate several factors, including the provider's licensing and accreditation, staff qualifications, safety standards, and the curriculum offered. You should also consider the location, hours of operation, and fees. Visiting the facility and observing how caregivers interact with children can also provide valuable insights.
Here's a quick checklist to guide you in selecting the right child care provider:
- Verify the provider's licensing and accreditation.
- Check for staff qualifications and training.
- Inspect the safety measures and cleanliness of the facility.
- Understand the curriculum and daily schedule.
- Consider the location and hours of operation.
- Review the fee structure and any additional costs.
Using this checklist can help ensure that you make an informed choice for your child's care.
In New Jersey, there are several types of child care options available for families. These include licensed child care centers, family child care homes, and informal care provided by relatives or friends. Licensed centers typically offer structured programs for children of various age groups, while family child care homes provide a more intimate setting with fewer children. Parents can choose the option that best fits their child's needs and their family situation.
Reference: https://www.nj.gov/dcf/divisions/childcare/
