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. Below you will also find helpful resources to help parents, child care providers and those that work with children and families cope with the challenges of the time.
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.
ACNJ has partnered with ZERO TO THREE to collect stories about how you have been impacted by COVID-19. We hope that you will complete the very short survey and ask those in your networks to share their stories too. We will take what we learn from you and share with policymakers. Share your story.
ZERO TO THREE is spreading care! Share your stories to help those caring for babies and toddlers.
State Response on impact of COVID-19
Latest COVID-19 Child Care Actions by Governor Murphy's Administration
- NJ Child Care Centers Can Reopen June 15th. DCF Guidelines are now available.
- 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
Federal Response on COVID-19
- Child Care Providers and COVID-19: Paying the Bills and Helping Staff Pay theirs, ACNJ summary of federal and state supports.
- 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
- Find answers to questions on housing and rental assistance, foreclosure or eviction.
Do you need help during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic?
New Jersey Human Services is here to help you and your family.
View flyer with links to resources from paying for groceries, healthcare, child care and mental health services. (View Flyer in Spanish)
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance: Helpful links
New Jersey Economic Development: COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus Information for New Jersey Businesses
Parents
Do you need help during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic?
New Jersey Human Services is here to help you and your family.
View flyer with links to resources from paying for groceries, healthcare, child care and mental health services. (View Flyer in Spanish)
In need of immediate help? Feeling overwhelmed?.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to these hotlines.
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- Parent Anonymous: Provides parents support and an outlet.
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotlineoffsite link: Call 1-800-4-1-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) then push 1 to talk. Hotline available 24/7.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Childrenoffsite link: Call 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
- National Domestic Violence Hotlineoffsite link: Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 for TTY. Hotline available 24/7.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifelineoffsite link: Call 24-hour lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or 1-800-799 4889 for TTY.
- Stop It Now!offsite link: Call 1-888-PREVENT (1-888-773-8368). Helpline available Monday-Friday, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm EST.
- The National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotlineoffsite link: Crisis line available 24/7 for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Deaf-disabled. Call 1-855-812-1001.
- How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus, PBS
- The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has several blogs and tools dedicated to COVID-19. Check it out.
- 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.
- Audible has made many audio books available for free for as long as schools are closed.
- ZERO TO THREE Tips for Families: Coronavirus
Offers tips for families including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing. - Looking for Educational and fun resources for kids while school is out? Fighting boredom? Check out these ideas shared with us.
- 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.
- NJ Department of Children and Families, COVID-19 Resources for Contracted Providers
- NJ Department of Children and Families, COVID-19 Resources for Licensed Childcare
- Emergency Funding Resources that Child Care Providers Can Use Now, Child Care Aware of America
Child Care and COVID-19: State and Federal Supports Webinars
View recordings and resources of Session I,Session II and Session III
Education
BLOG: School is in session – Homeschooling during a pandemic, by Nina Peckman, ACNJ Staff Attorney
- Latest from the NJ Department of Education
- Center for Disease Control, Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs
Resources:
- Audible has made many audio books available for free for as long as schools are closed.
- Garden State Teachers to Give Lessons on New Jersey Public Television (NJTV)
- Khan Academy This non-profit provides free resources to keep everyone learning. Parents will find helpful the suggested daily schedules for students ages 2-18 to keep them learning.
Find more resources to help kids compliment their school work and simply have fun while learning.
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
Non-Profit/Business Resources
- The Princeton Area Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications for the COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Fund.
- The Healthcare Foundation of NJ makes ($500,000) emergency grants available to their active grantees.
- NJ Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF) will provide grants to existing organizations with a demonstrated track record of caring for vulnerable communities. One hundred percent of donations received online by NJPRF will be used to fight the medical, social, and economic impact of COVID-19 on New Jersey’s most vulnerable, supporting organizations that provide essential services, and aiding those on the front line of the pandemic.
Business Resources
- US Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Assistance
Disaster loans, through the EIDL program, and $10,000 EIDL grants are also now directly available at disasterloan.sba.gov.Certain SBA lenders began processing Paycheck Protection Program loan applications on Friday April 2nd. More information is available directly from SBA and your local lender lender.
Paycheck Protection Program Loans - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), U.S. Department of Treasury
Main Street Alliance webinar - PPP and EIDL explained
- New Jersey Business & Industry Association - List of COVID-19 related resources
- NJ Economic Development Authority
