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| Generally, child care centers in New Jersey must be licensed by the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) and meet minimum standards for staff qualifications, numbers of children and physical environment. Programs that are directly affiliated with a religious organization may be exempt from licensing.
Child care centers generally group children by age, allowing children to interact and learn with their peers. Some centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children www.naeyc.org which means they have met rigorous standards for staff qualifications, curriculum, environment, health & safety and staff to child ratios.
See Manual of Requirements for Licensed Day Care Centers: http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/divisions/licensing/centers.html
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| Family child care providers care for up to five children in their home. In New Jersey, FCC providers are not licensed, but they may voluntarily register with the state if they meet basic health, safety and training requirements. Generally speaking, FCC providers care for children of various ages and is the preferred type of care for families of infants and toddlers. FCC providers may also become accredited through the National Association of Family Child Care Providers www.nafcc.org. |
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| Head Start www.acf.hhs.gov is a national program that provides comprehensive developmental and social services to low-income children and their families. The program is administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services through The Administration of Children and Families. |
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| Some families select a relative or friend to care for their child. This care is not regulated, but there may be tax implications and other IRS obligations for both the family and caregiver. Even though this may be a more informal care arrangement, parents discuss the same issues with their relative or friend as they would with a center or family child care provider. Whenever they are choosing child care, parents should discuss their expectations with the potential care provider. Payment, discipline, safety, television and transportation are basic issues that should be understood and agreed upon by both parent and caregiver. |
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| Nanny agencies and au pair programs are options some families consider. The care is not licensed by the state. Many agencies provide referrals and can assist parents in the interview process. It is a good idea for parents to draw up a written contract, outlining the legal responsibilities of both caregiver and parent. |
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| Preschools are licensed by the state of New Jersey as child care centers. Exceptions may include those operated by public school districts or religious organizations. Parents seeking part-time care might choose a preschool program in their community. They often operate on a nine month schedule and enroll children 2 to 5 years old using a variety of curriculums. |
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| Care for children before and/or after they attend school is known as out -of -school time care. Elementary students who are alone before or after school often feel isolated, fearful and may face a high risk for school failure and negative behavior. While only parents can determine the age at which their child is responsible enough to care for himself, it is recommended that children 12 and under be supervised by adults.
School-age care is provided for children ages 5 and older in a variety of settings, including schools, recreation centers, community organizations and child care centers. In New Jersey, many school-age programs must be licensed and meet basic standards concerning staff, numbers of children, and health & safety. For additional information contact the NJ School-Age Care Coalition www.njsacc.org
See Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/divisions/licensing/centers.html
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| The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in all activities of community life, including attending child care. However, not all child care programs may be able to accommodate your child's needs to your satisfaction. Parents should interview potential providers and visit programs to determine if the caregiver can meet the needs of your child. Community Coordinated Child Care's Referral Service can help you find providers who have experience caring for children with special needs. Parents and caregivers can also receive free copies of CCCC's publications, Choosing Child Care: A Guide For Parents of Children with Special Needs and Choosing Child Care: A Provider's Guide for Children with Special Needs. Call 973-923-1433, ext 147. |
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