ACNJ is here for NJ children.
We hope you are all staying healthy during this extraordinary time amidst the COVID-19 crisis. With so many questions, fears, worries and many unknowns, ACNJ remains committed to its efforts to advocate for New Jersey's most vulnerable children and their families. We will be communicating often and share updates as they become available.
We want to hear from you.
Let us know your needs. Hearing about the real life, day to day challenges will help inform our advocacy and communication strategies. If you are having child care related issues, please fill out our survey.
Click here if you are a child care provider.
Click here if you are a parent.
If you have challenges like food insecurity, education (i.e. distance learning, special needs students), health services or other challenges please send us a comment below.
Whether you are director, teacher, family child care provider, or parent, we want to hear from you! The more we know, the more we can communicate to local, state and national policymakers about what's needed to protect and support child care programs in New Jersey and best serve educators, children and families.
Click here if you are a child care provider.
Click here if you are a parent.
State Response on impact of COVID-19
Latest COVID-19 Child Care Actions by Governor Murphy's Administration
- Governor closes child care centers by April 1 unless they are providing care to children of essential workers, but must submit an application.
- Emergency Payment Changes for Child Care (3/18) - New Jersey Division of Family Development Emergency and Disaster Child Care Policy.
- March 16th suspension of DCF licensing standards for minimum play space requirements and group size. ACNJ, along with statewide child care advocacy groups do not agree with this measure, urging for all child care programs to close, just as schools have been closed.
To stay up-to-date with how states are approaching the pandemic, the Alliance for Early Success is collecting and maintaining the latest strategies and resources by state.
New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ Response to COVID-19
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) takes measures to ensure the safety of both their employees and the families that they serve. Read more
Thanks to the countless child care providers, families and advocates who voiced their concerns, Gov. Murphy ordered child care centers closed unless providing care to children of essential workers. But questions remain. We must continue to advocate for the much-needed support that programs need to ensure the child care system will be able to serve children once the COVID-19 crisis is over. Read more.
Federal Response on COVID-19
- Child Aware, What You Need to Know about the Congress COVID-19 Stimulus Package
- ZERO TO THREE Ten Legislative Recommendations for Infants and Toddlers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act Medicaid and CHIP Provisions Explained
In New Jersey, anyone whose Medicaid benefits have been terminated during this period can contact Legal Services of New Jersey(LSNJ) for help at 1-888-576-5529 or https://lsnjlawhotline.org/.
In light of COVID-19, the U.S. Census Bureau has adjusted their operations to best serve the community to ensure everyone's safety, all while striving towards a complete count. Read more.
Resources
NJ COVID-19 Hub
New Jersey Information Hub: New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub
- General Questions: 2-1-1 (7am-11pm)
- Clinical Questions: 1-800-962-1253 (24/7)
- Text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive alerts
- Text your zip code to 898-211 for live text assistance
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance: Helpful links
Parents
- How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus, PBS
- Video: DCF Commissioner Beyer's Message on COVID-19 De-Escalation Tips
- Questions about breastfeeding during COVID-19? Learn what Children's National hospital recommends.
- Resources for families, compiled by La Casa de Don Pedro
Child Care Providers
Governor closes child care centers by April 1 unless they are providing care to children of essential workers, but must submit an application.
Education
Health
- Latest Information from the NJ Department of Health
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act Medicaid and CHIP Provisions Explained
- Anyone whose Medicaid benefits have been terminated during this period can contact Legal Services of New Jersey(LSNJ) for help at 1-888-576-5529 or https://lsnjlawhotline.org/.
- NJ FamilyCare is the state's publicly funded health insurance program - includes CHIP, Medicaid and Medicaid expansion populations.
- The New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program (Charity Care) is available to patients for inpatient and outpatient services for eligible patients who meet income and asset criteria.
Food Access
Addressing Hunger During Coronavirus crisis, Hunger Free New Jersey
- Residents who need food assistance can visit and apply for SNAP online at www.NJHelps.org.
*NOTE: D-SNAP (disaster SNAP) is not subject to the public charge option for immigrants. - Search food pantries in your area at nj211.org Call before you go.
- WIC (Nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children) is open for Business. In light of COVID-19, New Jersey WIC is allowing additional food items in anticipation of limited food selections related to recent events.
Non-Profits/Business
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