Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin Winifred Smith-Jenkins Director of Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and in the event of loss. Unlike medical providers, doulas offer continuous, personalized non-clinical care that focuses on comfort, advocacy, and helping families navigate the birthing […]
Category: Early Care and Education
Alert: State Budget Shortfall Cuts Child Care Access For Thousands of Families
Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin ACT NOW SIGN PETITION: Calling for a special New Jersey legislative session to address the child care budget shortfall. Thousands of New Jersey families will not have access to child care assistance due to a $30 million funding gap in the state budget that went into effect Aug. 1, 2025. Good […]
“I Need to Go to Work, But I Can’t Find Child Care!”
Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin Cindy Shields Senior Policy Analyst for Early Childhood Education This is a common cry across the country, and New Jersey is no exception. Families are struggling to find quality child care, and when they do, the cost is often unaffordable. What’s driving this crisis, and how do we begin to fix […]
Governor Murphy’s Historic Early Childhood Education Legislation Marks Critical Progress with Room for Improvement
Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin UPDATE: New Jersey Universal Preschool This week, Governor Murphy signed significant legislation expanding access to early education, addressing several policy priorities ACNJ has long advocated for, while also leaving areas of opportunity for further improvement. The centerpiece legislation (S3910/A5717) codifies New Jersey’s preschool funding formula into statute, strengthening and sustaining the […]
Midwifery Saves Lives: Why New Jersey Must Expand Access to Midwifery Care
Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin Winifred Smith-Jenkins Director of Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy Too many mothers and babies in New Jersey are dying, and it doesn’t have to be this way. Midwifery care is a proven, life-saving solution. But outdated laws, systemic barriers, and a lack of awareness are limiting access to this vital care. […]
