Lunch and Learn Policy Discussion Resources

Twice a month, ACNJ hosts virtual policy discussions open to any parent, community member, or nonprofit in New Jersey.

Parent Policy Discussion Resources

Engage with other parents by attending monthly meetings highlighting different policy topics that impact children and families.

Check out recordings of our past meetings below.

Lunch and Learns Coming Up

Lunch and Learn: MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH

Quest Speaker:Lauraine Jondoh, MPA
Perinatal Mental Health Coordinator at the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey

Wednesday,  June 12 @ 12PM via Zoom

Click here to register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The Rights for Children to Special Education and Other Services Presented by Nina Peckman, ACNJ Staff Attorney

Wednesday, May 15th

Stay tunned, presentation will be posted soon.

Breastfeeding Policies in New Jersey

"Breastfeeding Rights and Lactation Policies in New Jersey," presented by Ellen Maughan, JD, IBCLC of the New Jersey Breastfeeding Coalition.

Breastfeeding policies covered in this presentation include:

  • Breastfeeding in public
  • Lactation support in maternity hospitals
  • Insurance/Medicaid coverage for lactation support and breast pumps
  • Pumping rights in the workplace
  • Lactation in child care settings
  • Private insurance and Medicaid coverage of donor human milk

Oral Health

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and oral health is the gateway to total health and well-being. Dr. Michal Herman, DDS, Chief Operating Officer for the KinderSmile Foundation speaks on  oral health for children and families, as well as disparities in access to oral health care

Child Tax Credit

ACNJ hosted a Lunch and Learn on New Jersey's Child Tax Credit. Find out who is eligible and how to claim your tax credit.

Budget Advocacy

Learn how you can advocate in NJ's upcoming state budget process.

Early Relational Health

Much like physical development, the ability to interact socially and regulate emotions is critical to the development of young children, even as babies. This is sometimes referred to as infant mental health or early relational health. Join our lunch and learn as we discuss to impact of fostering healthy relationships among young children.

ConnectingNJ Programs

Advocates learned about the programs of the ConnectingNJ hub, which connects New Jersey families with health and social resources available in their local community such as FamilyCare, community doulas, and home visiting programs.

Diaper Need in New Jersey

Advocates learned about and discussed the diaper need in New Jersey, with a presentation from the Central Jersey Diaper Bank.

Preschool Expansion

This discussion centers around the role parents play to make sure eligible districts apply for funds to bring public preschool to their communities.

Early Intervention

Early intervention is a statewide system of supports and services for families and their children birth to age three with developmental delays or disabilities. It is individualized to the family’s concerns, priorities and resources related to their child’s development.

NJ FamilyCare

NJ FamilyCare is a federal and state-funded health insurance program created to help qualified New Jersey residents of any age access to affordable health insurance. Governor Murphy passed the Cover All Kids bill in March 2021 in order to ensure all children have access to healthcare.

NJ Child Tax Credit

The child tax credit has contributed to the decline in child poverty, yet many families are still not claiming it. New Jersey Policy Perspective senior policy analyst Peter Chen explains how the tax credit works, offers resources for federal and state 2022 filings, and provides feedback on tax credits and outreach to families.

Child Care

Child care is still in crisis. The pandemic has only worsened the obstacles that already existed, as costs continue to rise and centers shut down due to operating on razor-thin margins.

Maternal Health

Navigating the maternal experience can feel isolating. Melinated Moms founding president and CEO Jaye Wilson explores how maternal health awareness begins with each of us, and how it links to advocacy.

Home Visiting

Decades of research have demonstrated that evidence-based, voluntary home visiting services, provided by well-trained professionals during pregnancy and throughout a child’s first few years, can help mitigate the effects of poverty and adverse early childhood experiences that can negatively impact lifelong health.

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Sharing your story with decision-makers

Parents have testified before state legislators about parental leave, finding child care and the challenges of raising a baby in New Jersey.

View parent testimonies
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Raise your voices for babies at Strolling Thunder NJ

At this annual event parents have an opportunity to tell decision makers to make babies a high priority.

Learn what Strolling Thunder New Jersey is all about.
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Parent Leaders "In the News"Talking about their issues

With some support you can also amplify the issues that concern parents most. 

Read articles in which parent leaders have been featured.