Choosing Quality
Child Care
Several long term studies have shown that children who attended high quality child care programs score better on academic tests in school and have fewer reports of acting out behavior. These results continue into the child’s teenage years. Learn more about what to look for when trying to find quality child care.
Child Care Resource and Referral Services for Families
We offer families and the community FREE child care referrals and information about child care programs in Middlesex and Somerset counties.
Several long term studies have shown that children who attended high quality child care programs score better on academic tests in school and have fewer reports of acting out behavior. These results continue into the child’s teenage years. Learn more about what to look for when trying to find quality child care by using the links below or contacting our staff.
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What kind of child care can I use and receive help in paying for my child's care?You can use a Licensed Child Care Center, State-Registered Family Child Care (FCC) home provider or a Family, Friend & Neighbor (FNN). The selection is always parental choice.
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What is the process if I select a Family, Friend & Neighbor (FNN) provider?You should inform the Subsidy Case Worker assigned to your case that you would like to use a FFN provider. You must also be prepared to have the potential provider’s full legal name, address of where he/she will be watching your child, provider’s phone number and social security number available when you call. This potential provider will then receive a phone call and will be mailed a packet that must be completed and returned immediately. New requirements must be met by your potential provider before payment can be approved. IMPORTANT: Due to new state mandated requirements the timeframe to complete all the requirements can take approximately five through eight weeks. We will not back pay, parents / applicants will have to pay out of pocket until the prospective provider has completed all the requirements and has been approved.
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How often should a provider expect to be paid?Once the contract is received, the provider can expect to receive payment on a bi-weekly basis which will be direct deposited into their bank account.
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I submitted an application for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP); how long will it take to process my application?We review documentation provided by you within 10 business days. However please be advised a response will be sent to you via mail and allow an additional 3 to 5 business days for mailing.
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Do you help pay registration fee?Only those clients on the Work First New Jersey Program (WFNJ) are eligible for assistance with registration fee. Up to $50 registration fee can be paid per provider; one time only.
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Do you help pay transportation fee?Only those clients on the Work First New Jersey Program (WFNJ) are eligible for assistance with transportation. Up to $2 per day can be paid.
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How much assistance will I receive and what is my portion (co-pay)?The amount covered is dependent on your family size, income and whether you need full-time or part-time care. The exact amounts will not be known until all of the listed information has been approved and entered in the state subsidy systems.
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Do you help pay occasional care if my current provider is closed due to school closing?Only those clients on the Work First New Jersey Program (WFNJ) are eligible for assistance with occasional care due to your child’s current provider closing due to school closing or holiday.
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Can my subsidy payment be stopped or terminated?Yes. Below are some reasons you may no longer receive help in paying for child care (based on the subsidy program you are approved for). Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) Your activity has ended or you stop attending You have not submitted employment documents to your case worker You have not paid your portion of child care cost (co-pay) You failed to return the annual redetermination application and eligibility documents You are no longer eligible Child Care Assistance PRogram (CCAP): You move out of New Jersey Your income increases over the 85 % of the SMI income scale You stop working or attending school for more than three months You have not paid your portion of child care cost (co-pay) You failed to return the annual redetermination application and eligibility documents You are no longer eligible For a complete list you can read your Parent Handbook or speak to a Subsidy Case Manager.
Choosing Quality Child Care
Quality child care is individual to each child and family. However, parents also have the opportunity to consider years of research in their child care decision. We have included some highlights in this pamphlet.
Environment
The physical environment is important to a child’s success; space should be adequate, divided into learning centers as well as quiet and reading spaces. Children should be able to move comfortably around in their space and toys and equipment should be durable, safe and age appropriate.
Health and Safety
Of primary importance to parents is their child’s health and safety. Child care programs should promote procedures that include hand washing and regular health exams of child and caregiver. Program policies should include: sick policy, emergency contacts, CPR and first aid training for staff, fire drills and daily sanitation. The entire environment should be child-proof, toys should be in good repair and sanitized daily. Equipment should be inspected regularly.
Activities
Children learn through everyday experiences. Activities should be varied and based on the age of the child. There should be a variety of materials available and caregivers should be flexible, creative and non-judgmental. Activities should include indoor/outdoor, noisy and quiet time. All activities should be driven by the needs of the child and not by the teacher.
Caregiver/Parent
A quality program includes parents as partners in the development of their child. A level of respect should be established between parent and caregiver where information is shared, standards are agreed upon and success is celebrated. Parents should treat their caregiver with respect, cooperation and consideration.
Caregiver Development
To provide quality care a caregiver should be committed to improving their skills through training. Staff stability also increases a child’s positive experiences in child care.
Finally, trust your instincts. You know your child and you know where they will be happiest. Ask a provider if they would allow you to bring you child to the program for a day and see how they fit in.
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What kind of child care can I use and receive help in paying for my child's care?You can use a Licensed Child Care Center, State-Registered Family Child Care (FCC) home provider or a Family, Friend & Neighbor (FNN). The selection is always parental choice.
-
What is the process if I select a Family, Friend & Neighbor (FNN) provider?You should inform the Subsidy Case Worker assigned to your case that you would like to use a FFN provider. You must also be prepared to have the potential provider’s full legal name, address of where he/she will be watching your child, provider’s phone number and social security number available when you call. This potential provider will then receive a phone call and will be mailed a packet that must be completed and returned immediately. New requirements must be met by your potential provider before payment can be approved. IMPORTANT: Due to new state mandated requirements the timeframe to complete all the requirements can take approximately five through eight weeks. We will not back pay, parents / applicants will have to pay out of pocket until the prospective provider has completed all the requirements and has been approved.
-
How often should a provider expect to be paid?Once the contract is received, the provider can expect to receive payment on a bi-weekly basis which will be direct deposited into their bank account.
-
I submitted an application for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP); how long will it take to process my application?We review documentation provided by you within 10 business days. However please be advised a response will be sent to you via mail and allow an additional 3 to 5 business days for mailing.
-
Do you help pay registration fee?Only those clients on the Work First New Jersey Program (WFNJ) are eligible for assistance with registration fee. Up to $50 registration fee can be paid per provider; one time only.
-
Do you help pay transportation fee?Only those clients on the Work First New Jersey Program (WFNJ) are eligible for assistance with transportation. Up to $2 per day can be paid.
-
How much assistance will I receive and what is my portion (co-pay)?The amount covered is dependent on your family size, income and whether you need full-time or part-time care. The exact amounts will not be known until all of the listed information has been approved and entered in the state subsidy systems.
-
Do you help pay occasional care if my current provider is closed due to school closing?Only those clients on the Work First New Jersey Program (WFNJ) are eligible for assistance with occasional care due to your child’s current provider closing due to school closing or holiday.
-
Can my subsidy payment be stopped or terminated?Yes. Below are some reasons you may no longer receive help in paying for child care (based on the subsidy program you are approved for). Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) Your activity has ended or you stop attending You have not submitted employment documents to your case worker You have not paid your portion of child care cost (co-pay) You failed to return the annual redetermination application and eligibility documents You are no longer eligible Child Care Assistance PRogram (CCAP): You move out of New Jersey Your income increases over the 85 % of the SMI income scale You stop working or attending school for more than three months You have not paid your portion of child care cost (co-pay) You failed to return the annual redetermination application and eligibility documents You are no longer eligible For a complete list you can read your Parent Handbook or speak to a Subsidy Case Manager.
Download Child Care Program Checklists
Additional Links and Documents