New Jersey Reopens Child Care Assistance Program Enrollment

In a significant development for families in New Jersey, the state has announced it will reopen enrollment for the vital Child Care Assistance Program. Following advocacy from family support groups, Governor Phil Murphy’s administration confirmed that up to 5,000 additional infants and toddlers will be admitted next month, provided their families meet the income guidelines. This decision was made public by Sarah Adelman, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

“For most New Jersey families, child care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” Adelman stated. “The child care assistance program is a vital economic lifeline that helps pay for high-quality early childhood education and allows parents to continue their careers.” The program, which has an annual budget of $79.5 million, supports approximately 70,000 working-poor families across the state.

Enrollment for the program had been frozen on August 1 due to a last-minute budget agreement that reduced additional funding. Advocates expressed outrage over this decision, as it significantly limited access to essential child care services. The reopening will allow applications starting in December, specifically for families with children experiencing homelessness, children with special needs, and those from very low-income households.

Adelman encouraged interested families to visit the program’s website for further information on how to apply. The reversal was largely attributed to public lobbying efforts led by the Advocates for Children of New Jersey, which drew support from several women lawmakers determined to fight for the program’s restoration.

Winifred Smith-Jenkins, a director at ACNJ, praised the administration’s decision to reopen enrollment and credited Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, along with other lawmakers, for their efforts. However, she cautioned that this is only a temporary solution, as enrollment will cease once the program reaches a new cap of 75,000 children. “We look forward to continuing to work with the majority leader on a long-term solution to the state’s growing child care and affordability needs,” Smith-Jenkins added.

The New Jersey Child Care Assistance Program alleviates most daycare costs for families earning up to twice the federal poverty level. For instance, a single parent with one child may qualify if their annual income does not exceed $34,840, while a parent with two children can earn no more than $43,920.

A study conducted by Rutgers University highlighted the financial burden of child care, which can exceed $18,000 annually, consuming nearly 30% of a family’s paycheck. Meghan Tavormina, director of the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children, remarked, “Without access to this program, families were facing the unthinkable choice between making a living and caring for their children. The reopening of the program marks a critical step in the right direction and signals to these families that they and their children matter.”

The recent state budget, approved at $58.8 billion, aimed to expand the program with an additional $30 million, but this amount was unexpectedly slashed to $2 million before finalization. Alongside the enrollment freeze, the program also increased copays by 6%, further complicating access for many low-income families.

As the state prepares to accept new applications, stakeholders emphasize the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to address the ongoing challenges in child care affordability. The commitment to reopen the program highlights the essential role that accessible child care plays in supporting working families across New Jersey.