New Jersey does provide some financial assistance to working families who meet income eligibility criteria. New Jersey Cares for Kids helps low and middle income families pay the cost of child care. Parents must work at least 30 hours per week in a full-time or two part time jobs; or attend college or a training program full-time; or a part-time job in conjunction with a part-time school schedule of 30 hours. A family's income may not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Click here to request an application

Kinship Navigator Program provides subsidies to individuals who are raising a relative’s child in their own home. Eligibility is based on income, family size and age.

Call 973-923-1433, ext 136 to request special Kinship Application.

Work First NJ Families who are receiving public assistance through the Work First NJ program are eligible for funds to help pay the cost of child care while the parent is working or in an approved job/training activity. Child care assistance may continue for up to two years after the family is employed and is no longer receiving public assistance. If you are participating in Work First NJ, please call a Work First Child Care Specialist at 973-923-1433, and press 4 at the prompt.

Preschool Reform

Economically disadvantage school districts, commonly known as Abbott districts or Early Childhood Program Aid Districts (ECPA) have implemented preschool and kindergarten programs required under state law.

Abbott school districts, such as Elizabeth and Plainsfield in Union County must provide full day kindergarten and fullday, full year preschool for three and four year old residents. This massive undertaking is accomplished in part by contracting with local childcare centers to provide services to children who cannot be accommodated in the local district's elementary schools. Early Childhood Program Aid districts in NJ must provide half-day preschool to four-year-old children living in the school districts Districts that cannot accommodate all the children in their public school buildings may contract with licensed child care centers to serve preschoolers.

Families living in the following communities should call the number listed below to find out about enrollment in public school programs or in child care centers contracted by the school district to offer preschool services.

The federal government offers some tax credit programs for eligible families.

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit helps families pay for child care for children under the age of 13.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for low and moderate income families with children.

When you hire a caregiver to come to your home, you become an employer under federal law. You need to be aware of laws regarding taxes, verification of employment eligibility and minimum wage. For more information, contact an accountant, tax attorney, or the Internal Revenue Service.

Visit www.irs.gov