Interested in Becoming a Provider?
There are many types of child care providers and there are different rules and regulations that pertain to each. The descriptions below and the requirements outlined should start you on your path to becoming a child care provider.
Child Care Centers
Child Care Centers provide care for six or more children below 13 years of age who attend less than 24 hours a day. Child care centers are required by state law to be licensed. Under the provisions of the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers (N.J.A.C. 10:122) every person or organization caring for six or more children below 13 years of age is required to secure a license from the Office of Licensing in the Department of Children and Families, unless the program is exempt by law. Please refer to 10:122-1.2(d) for a list of these exemptions.
If you decide to pursue licensure or have any questions, call The Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing 1-877-667-9845 or click here to visit their website.
In-Home Provider
These are individuals who have been evaluated and approved by DFD or its designee to care for the child in their own home for fewer than 24 hours of care per day.
Family, Friend, Neighbor Provider
This provider is an individual who has been evaluated and approved by the NJ Department of Human Services/Division of Family Development (DHS/DFD) or its designee and serves no more than two unrelated children for fewer than 24 hours of care per day.
Family Child Care Registration
As the state registering agent for family child care in Somerset and Middlesex Counties, Community Child Care Solutions provides training and technical assistance to family child care providers and are responsible for the monitoring of family child care homes.
A registered family child care provider can care for up to five day care children at one time in the provider’s home. A provider must demonstrate an ability to work positively with children and to manage a formal program for children of varying ages. A registered provider is entitled to free referrals and technical assistance.
If you decide to pursue registration or have any questions, call us at 732-324-4357.
In order to become a NJ state registered provider, one must complete the following five steps:
1. Attend a 2 hour orientation. At the orientation, you will be given the application packet and a copy of the Manual of Requirements for Family Child Care Registration. To register for orientation please call the County office in which you reside. (Middlesex or Somerset)
2. Register for and attend an 10 hours of Health and Safety trainings and 6 hours of CPR/First Aid. The Health and Safety training covers child development, identifying child abuse and neglect, mandated reporting and health and safety basics.
3. Submit an application along with two character references; results of a medical examination and tuberculin Mantoux test for yourself. Submit disclosures of any criminal convictions and consent forms for child abuse record information for you as well as anyone living in your home who is at least 14 years of age.
4. Allow a complete safety inspection of your home, which includes a review of the numbers and ages of the children in care. Technical assistance will be furnished to the provider regarding health, safety, program activities, nutrition, supervision, discipline, record keeping and communicating with parents.
5. Submit a $25.00 registration fee
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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.
Forms
NJ Workforce Registry Instructions