New Jersey Reopens Child Care Program Enrollment for Families

New Jersey’s administration, led by Governor Phil Murphy, has announced a decision to reopen enrollment for the Child Care Assistance Program, which had been closed since August. The reversal follows persistent advocacy from family support groups and will allow an additional 5,000 infants and toddlers from low-income families to apply for assistance starting in December 2023.

The state’s Department of Human Services, under Commissioner Sarah Adelman, will begin accepting new applications from families that meet specific income guidelines. Adelman emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “For most New Jersey families, child care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.” The program is designed to support working families by covering the costs of quality early childhood education, which allows parents to maintain their careers while ensuring their children receive essential care.

The $79.5 million Child Care Assistance Program currently serves approximately 70,000 families. Enrollment was frozen as part of a state budget agreement that unexpectedly cut funding for the initiative. Advocates expressed their frustration over this decision, which they believed would significantly impact families that rely on the program.

Impact of Reopened Applications

With the reopening of the program, families experiencing homelessness, those with special needs children, and households with very low incomes will be prioritized. Interested families are encouraged to check the program’s website for updates on the application process. This decision comes as a direct result of lobbying efforts from organizations such as the Advocates for Children of New Jersey, which successfully drew attention from key lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz.

Winifred Smith-Jenkins, a director at the Advocates for Children of New Jersey, praised the administration’s decision but cautioned that the new enrollment limit of 75,000 children could be a temporary fix. Smith-Jenkins noted, “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.”

The Child Care Assistance Program offers significant financial relief to families. Parents with a single child may qualify for assistance if their income does not exceed $34,840 a year, while those with two children can earn up to $43,920. A study by Rutgers University highlighted the financial burden of child care, which can exceed $18,000 annually and consume around 30% of a family’s paycheck.

Budget Cuts and Future Challenges

The decision to freeze enrollment was part of a larger budgetary issue. The state legislature approved a $58.8 billion budget in June, but the Child Care Assistance Program’s anticipated funding increase of $30 million was drastically reduced to $2 million just before passage. Following the enrollment freeze on August 1, the program also increased copays by 6%, further straining families in need.

Meghan Tavormina, a director at the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children, commented on the significance of reopening the program. She stated, “Without access to this program, families were facing the unthinkable choice between making a living and caring for their children.” The reopening marks a crucial step towards alleviating some of the burdens faced by these families, signaling an acknowledgment of their needs.

The decision to reopen enrollment for the Child Care Assistance Program reflects ongoing challenges in addressing child care affordability in New Jersey. As the state prepares to accept new applications, advocates continue to fight for sustainable solutions that will benefit families in the long term.