Winifred Smith-Jenkins Director of Early Learning Policy and Advocacy The State of Preschool 2025 by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) once again recognizes New Jersey as a national leader in public preschool; an achievement worth celebrating. While NJ consistently meets 9 out of 10 of its quality indicators, now is a good […]
Category: Child Care
ACNJ Commends NJ Dept. of Human Services for Fully Reopening State Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
New Jersey Legislative Fact Sheets 2026
How are communities in your legislative district supporting its children? Our 2026 New Jersey Legislative Fact Sheets provide the critical data for lawmakers and state leaders need to make informed policy decisions. Use the data as a roadmap for advocacy. You will also be able to view the New Jersey Statewide Fact Sheet in the […]

