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: Child Care
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
Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin 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 […]
The Intersection of Maternal Health and Child Care: Why the Fourth Trimester Matters
Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin Authored by: Winifred Smith-Jenkins, Ed.D. Director of Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy For more information on this topic, contact Winifred at wsmith-jenkins@acnj.org. While early childhood is often discussed broadly as spanning birth to age five, the first three months after birth, known as the fourth trimester, are among the most fragile, […]

