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Share with Legislators ACNJ president’s Op-ed supporting legislative bills to invest in child care.

Posted on April 21, 2022

It's time to address the long-time child care crisis in New Jersey. The pandemic didn’t create it – it exposed it.

Let's urge legislators to support Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz's comprehensive package of bills that would help parents, strengthen programs and support staff. One bill, S-2476 (pending introduction), incentivizes the development of child care for infants and toddlers, the most difficult for families to find.

Share the op-ed authored by ACNJ President Cecilia Zalkind describing this historic proposal.

The package comes with a $360 million price tag. But we need to tell state leaders that this is an investment we cannot afford not to make.

Read the Op-Ed

New Jersey's commitment to children has led to extraordinary advances, putting the state ahead of the rest of the country and most importantly, improving the lives and well-being of newborns and preschool-age children.

But we are still missing the babies.

Let's make some noise for child care and take a moment to send a message to your state leaders that this is a critical investment for children, families and for our economy.

During this legislative session, ACNJ is calling on the state to:

Improve access to infant/toddler care by increasing the number of available child care programs;
Expand child care assistance for parents of very young children; and
Support the child care workforce, who have historically been underfunded and underappreciated

Keeping Our Kids Safe on the Road: A Parent-to-Parent Conversation About Car Seats

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date March 6, 2026

Posted on March 6, 2026

Brazilian American Chamber Of Commerce Office (Luiz C. Ribeiro)

Laura Palescandolo
Laura is a member of the ACNJ Parent Leadership Council and is the Head of Operations and Content Editor at the Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce Inc.

Jenn Dowdy
Jenn is a member of ACNJ's Parent Leadership Council and a Child Passenger Safety Technician(CPST)

Laura Palescandolo
Laura is a member of the ACNJ Parent Leadership Council and is the Head of Operations and Content Editor at the Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce Inc.

Jenn Dowdy
Jenn is a member of ACNJ's Parent Leadership Council and a Child Passenger Safety Technician(CPST)

A candid conversation about car seats, common mistakes and best practices.

71%

Reduction in fatal injury risk for infants in car seats

54%

Reduction in fatal injury risk for toddlers ages 1–4

45%

Reduction in serious injury for children ages 4–8 in boosters

Laura Palescandolo

As a mom of two children, car seat safety has been a part of daily life for nearly a decade. My 9-year-old rides in a high-back booster, and my 5-year-old in a five-point harness (which can convert as she grows). Over the years, I have had questions about when to move up, what is “required” versus what is “recommended,” and how to make everything fit safely in our car.

That is why I am grateful to share insights along with my fellow Parent Leadership Council member Jenn Dowdy, a mom of seven and a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). Jenn not only navigates car seats in her own busy household, but she also helps other families install and use them correctly.

Jenn Dowdy

With multiple children, I have installed more car seats than I can count. As a CPST, I have also seen how small oversights can make a big difference in safety. Car seat safety can feel overwhelming, but it should be taken seriously. We hope this conversation answers common questions, provides practical tips, and demystifies car seat use.

Why are car seats important?

Laura Palescandolo

The CDC reports that car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants (under 1) and 54% for toddlers (1-4 years). Booster seats reduce serious injury risk for children 4-8 years old by 45%.

Jenn Dowdy

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, motor vehicle crashes account for one in four unintentional injury deaths among children under 13, making them a leading cause of child mortality. Proper car seat use is not just recommended – it is lifesaving.

What is the most common car seat mistake you see?

Laura Palescandolo

Before talking with Jenn, I assumed most mistakes involved incorrect installation and loose harness straps. But I have learned there is more to it.

Jenn Dowdy

Incorrect installation and improper or loose harnesses are definitely common mistakes, but another common mistake is transitioning too early – from rear-facing to forward-facing, from forward-facing harness to booster, or from booster to seatbelt alone. Each stage offers specific protection for a child’s size and development.

New Jersey law requires children to be in a secured car seat or booster until age 8 or 57 inches tall. Key requirements include rear-facing seats for children under age 2 and 30 lbs., followed by forward-facing seats (five-point harness) for children under 4 and 40 lbs., and booster seats for children under 8 and 57 inches.

It is important to note that in New Jersey, the law uses the word “and,” meaning a child must meet both requirements before transitioning to the next stage. For example, my 4-year-old weighs 27 pounds, so she cannot legally ride forward-facing in her car seat. Although she is over 2 years old, she has not yet reached the required 30 pounds.

While New Jersey law sets minimum requirements, best practice recommendations often go beyond that. A child must remain rear-facing until they outgrow the seat based on one of the manufacturer’s maximum limits (height or weight), regardless of age. Similarly, a child may not transition to booster mode in a harnessed seat until they meet one of the seat’s upper harness limits.

A five-point harness spreads crash forces across the strongest parts of a child’s body. Boosters position the seatbelt properly over hips and collarbones. Seatbelts alone are designed for adult bodies – not children.

How do you know when your child is ready to move to the next stage?

Laura Palescandolo

My daughter sometimes mentions that she would like to sit in a booster seat, like her big brother. A classmate once commented to my son, “You still sit in that?” Transitioning to a new type of car seat or away from a booster altogether may feel like a developmental or social milestone. But I know, based on my children’s heights and weights, and following the advice of their pediatrician, that we are employing the safest options for their stages of life.

Jenn Dowdy

It is common for kids to compare. But readiness should always be based on height, weight, and maturity, not age alone or what siblings or classmates are doing.

Children are safest riding rear-facing beyond age 2. Best practice recommends keeping children rear-facing until at least age 4, or until they reach one of the maximum height or weight limits of their rear-facing seat.

Although many booster seats list a minimum age of 4, best practice is for children to remain in a harnessed seat until at least age 5, or until they outgrow the harness by height or weight.

Most children are not developmentally ready to sit safely in just a seat belt until approximately 10-12 years old and should pass the “5-step test” to ensure the vehicle seatbelt fits properly and safely.

Parents should always check both their car seat manual and vehicle safety guidelines, and follow whichever requirements are stricter. It is also important to recognize that pediatricians may not receive ongoing, specialized training in updated car seat safety recommendations, so consulting a certified child passenger safety technician can provide additional guidance.

What are some common car seat myths?

Laura Palescandolo

I have heard: “My child’s legs look cramped rear-facing, so it must be unsafe.”

Jenn Dowdy

That is one of the biggest myths. Children are naturally flexible, and bent legs are not a safety concern. In fact, riding rear-facing protects the head, neck, and spine much better in a crash. According to a UNECE study, children’s legs are more likely to be injured while forward facing, while rear facing results in less injuries overall.

Laura Palescandolo

Another myth: “We’re just going a short distance.”

Jenn Dowdy

Crashes are unpredictable and can happen close to home. Every ride matters.

Laura Palescandolo

I have also heard the safest place for a car seat is the center seat in the back row, as it is farthest from potential impact zones. Is that true?

Jenn Dowdy

The safest position for a car seat is the one where you can achieve the correct, secure installation. It is a common misconception that the rear center seat is always the safest; however, there is no consistent, reliable data proving it is inherently safer than other rear seating positions. Any rear seat can be a safe choice as long as the car seat is installed properly and used correctly every ride.

What about larger families with young children? How can a vehicle accommodate multiple car seats?

Laura Palescandolo

With a booster and car seat, the space in my car is already limited. But it is possible to fit more than two car seats in one row. Some car seats are designed with slimmer profiles to fit three across in many vehicles.

Jenn Dowdy

That is true – however, not every seat fits every car – and not every combination works. Sometimes it takes trying different configurations to get a secure installation for each child. A CPST can help families explore safe options without guesswork.

What other car seat safety considerations should parents and guardians keep in mind?

Laura Palescandolo

Winter Apparel – Bulky coats under harness straps or seatbelts can compress in a crash and create dangerous slack. A safe option is to secure your child without the coat and place the coat over the child or layer blankets over the harness instead.

Expiration – Materials degrade over time, and safety standards evolve. Always check the manufacturer’s label and be mindful of your car seat’s expiration date.

Jenn Dowdy

Air Travel – Car seats are the safest way for young children to travel on airplanes. For children under 40 pounds, an aircraft lap belt alone may not fit properly, and they should ride in a harnessed, FAA-approved car seat. Even children under age 2 are safest in their own seat secured in a car seat, rather than riding on an adult’s lap. If you have purchased a separate seat for your child, using an FAA-approved car seat provides important protection during turbulence (and is often more comfortable and familiar for young children). Also worth noting – booster seats (both high-back and backless) cannot be used on airplanes because aircraft seat belts are lap belts only. However, boosters can be gate checked or stored in the overhead bin, ready to be installed in a vehicle once you reach your destination.

While well worth the investment, car seats can be expensive. Are there resources to help low-income or resource-limited families in New Jersey access car seats?

Laura Palescandolo

Car seats can be expensive, but it is important to note that all car seats pass the same safety standards in the United States. More expensive car seats often have more bells and whistles and perhaps more comfort features, but they are not safer.

Jenn Dowdy

Some families prefer all-in-one (“grow-with-me”) car seats that transition through multiple stages. While these can be convenient, it is important to consider expiration dates, since a seat may expire before a child finishes using all of its modes. Also worth noting – harnessed seats tend to be more expensive, while dedicated booster seats are typically more affordable. In some cases, it may make more financial sense to use a harnessed seat until it is outgrown and then purchase a separate booster when your child meets that milestone.

For discounted or free car seats, families can reach out to the New Jersey State Police at (609) 882-2000 ext. 6455 / childprotectionseat@njsp.gov.

Closing Thoughts

Laura Palescandolo

Car seat safety isn’t about doing what’s popular — it’s about doing what’s safest, even if it takes extra time or effort.

Jenn Dowdy

Exactly. Every stage matters. Every ride matters. Asking questions is one of the best things a parent can do.

If you are unsure about your car seat installation or your child’s stage, consider connecting with a Child Passenger Safety Technician in your community. For more information, tips, or to schedule a visit with a CPST, visit safekids.org.

Read the latest on early learning.

New Medicaid Work Requirements and Eligibility Redeterminations Starting This Year

Post author By Lana Lee
Post date March 6, 2026

Posted on March 6, 2026

NJ FamilyCare is funded by state and federal Medicaid and CHIP dollars. Nearly 20% of New Jersey residents, including over 860,000 children, receive healthcare through NJ FamilyCare. Almost 550,000 low-income working-age adults in New Jersey are enrolled through the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, which is the primary focus of new federal requirements taking effect this October.

Federal law now says that people ages 19 to 64 in the Medicaid expansion group must work or take part in approved activities, like education or volunteering, for at least 80 hours each month. Some adults do not have to meet this rule, including those who are pregnant or recently had a baby, former foster youth up to age 26, parents with children 13 or younger, and people who are determined to be “medically frail”.

If someone loses NJ FamilyCare because they do not meet the work requirements, they also cannot get subsidized Marketplace coverage. Starting December 31, 2026, most adults in the Medicaid expansion will have their NJ FamilyCare eligibility checked every six months. They will need to show they meet the work or community engagement rules twice a year. Click here to learn more or see if these rules apply to you.

You can find updates about how the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act affects New Jersey’s Medicaid program at NJ Medicaid Assistance Advisory Council (MAAC) meetings. Handouts and recordings from these meetings are posted on the Medical Assistance Advisory Council (MAAC) website.

“We’re Here Too!” NJ Fathers Share Stories of Barriers, Bias and Invisibility

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date March 2, 2026

Posted on March 2, 2026

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Despite decades of research confirming that father involvement significantly improves children's social, emotional, academic, and health outcomes, New Jersey fathers — particularly those in under-resourced communities — continue to face a system that was not built with them in mind. This report draws on community conversations with 64 fathers across the state to document the barriers, bias, and invisibility they encounter when trying to play an active role in their children's lives. Dive in to learn what fathers had to say about the barriers they face and how they can be better supported in their role as a Dad.

The report calls on policymakers, funders, and service providers to recognize fathers as equal partners in parenting their children and to invest in the programs, policies, and cultural shifts needed to make that vision a reality.

Visit our Family Resources and Supports for a list of organizations that provide support services to Dads.

Visit Family Resources and Supports

We-are-Here-Too-NJ-Fathers-Share-Stories-of-Barriers-Bias-and-Invisibility

Blueprint for Affordable Child Care: New Jersey Doesn’t Work Without It

Post author By Lana Lee
Post date February 19, 2026

Posted on February 19, 2026

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 Adubato and Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz. All speakers shared a unified message: child care must be a top priority for our state’s future.

The report's comprehensive recommendations are based on three guiding principles:

Child care must be affordable and accessible for every family that needs it.
Early childhood educators must be compensated and supported as the professionals they are.
Child care must be recognized and funded as essential economic infrastructure.

TSE-AdvocatesForChildrenOfNewJersey-StartStrongNJLaunchMeeting-01 (1) (1)

Underinvestment has left the state’s Child Care Assistance Program unable to reliably provide child care subsidies for all eligible families. This led to enrollment freezes that cause financial hardship to parents and child care providers. At the same time, child care is unaffordable for many working families who don’t qualify for assistance but whose incomes aren’t sufficient to absorb rising tuition costs.

Meanwhile, early childhood educators – the backbone of the system – are paid wages too low to sustain a stable workforce, contributing to persistent shortages and high turnover. Combined, these pressures reveal a financing model that is fragmented, unpredictable, and insufficient for a sector that functions as essential economic infrastructure.

“We can’t build a competitive economy on an unstable child care system,” said Start Strong NJ Co-chair Winifred Smith-Jenkins, Director of Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy at Advocates for Children of New Jersey. “Child care is the workforce behind the workforce. Until we fund it with the same seriousness we apply to transportation, utilities, and schools, New Jersey will continue to leave families, businesses, and children behind.”

ACNJ is a proud partner in the StrongStartNJ campaign. Learn more.

New Jersey Legislative Fact Sheets 2026

Post author By Lana Lee
Post date January 30, 2026

Posted on January 30, 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 tab to see how your community compares to the rest of the state and to understand the broader trends shaping the lives of New Jersey’s children.

For legislators, these fact sheets are an essential tool for identifying local needs and crafting policies that strengthen family supports and services. We also encourage you—their constituents and community members—to download your district’s fact sheet and share it with your representatives. By putting this data into the hands of decision-makers, we can drive change to give every child a chance.

View Legislative Fact Sheets

View NJ Legislative Fact Sheet 2026 Sources