Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) supports the full reopening of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), restoring access for families across the state who rely on child care in order to work or attend school. “Child care is a necessity for New Jersey families. Reopening CCAP is a critical step toward ensuring that […]
Category: Early Care and Education
ACNJ Testimony before the Assembly Budget Committee on FY 2027 budget
Shaylynn testifies on adequately funding child care (CCAP) addressing the childcare workforce shortage mental health services via NJ4S, and the Fatherhood Experiences Survey (NJFES) to support maternal health and families. TO: Members of the Assembly Budget Committee FROM: Shaylynn Bivens, J.D., Senior Legislative Analyst Advocates for Children of New Jersey DATE: March […]
Keeping Our Kids Safe on the Road: A Parent-to-Parent Conversation About Car Seats
Laura Palescandolo Laura is a member of the ACNJ Parent Leadership Council and is the Head of Operations and Content Editor at a bilateral non-profit organization. Jenn Dowdy Jenn is a member of ACNJ’s Parent Leadership Council and a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). Laura Palescandolo Laura is a member of the ACNJ Parent Leadership […]
“We’re Here Too!” NJ Fathers Share Stories of Barriers, Bias and Invisibility
Read Executive Summary Download Brief Despite decades of research confirming that father involvement significantly improves children’s social, emotional, academic, and health outcomes, New Jersey fathers — particularly those in under-resourced communities — continue to face a system that was not built with them in mind. This report draws on community conversations with 64 fathers across […]
Blueprint for Affordable Child Care: New Jersey Doesn’t Work Without It
JOIN THE MOVEMENT Start Strong NJ releases blueprint to make affordable, quality child care available to every family in the state that needs it. Before an audience of dozens of New Jersey legislators, Start Strong NJ unveiled its Blueprint for Affordable Child Care. The event featured Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell and a discussion between Steve […]
