Posted on May 29, 2020
Governor Murphy announced today that New Jersey child care centers can reopen beginning June 15th. The state’s reopening plan includes:
- New health and safety guidelines mirroring existing emergency child care guidelines but cross-referenced with new CDC guidelines. The standards developed for emergency care include smaller class sizes and increased staff. The NJ Departments of Health (DHS) and Children and Families (DCF) will be releasing the health and safety standards to guide the reopening process.
- A $20 million fund for health and safety grants; each center can receive up to $5,000. This will help child care programs obtain supplies and materials needed to meet rigorous cleaning and maintenance procedures.
- The state Emergency Child Care Assistance Program, which is paying for child care services for essential employees, will continue through the end of June, when the program will end. Applications will no longer be accepted after June 1st.
- Centers will continue to receive subsidy payments throughout the month of June for slots of children enrolled through the State’s child care subsidy program for families with lower incomes.
The state’s plan reflects the recommendations ACNJ and the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children delivered to Murphy administration officials last week, using feedback from more than 350 child care providers and early childhood advocates throughout the state. We thank Governor Murphy, DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer and DHS Commissioner Carole Johnson for recognizing that child care is not only a crucial piece to our economic recovery, but also key in the education and social and emotional health of young children.
Read new DCF health and safety guidelines (includes COVID-19 Related Health and Safety Requirements, Daily Log of Attendance and Health Screenings , Cloth Face Covering Instructions, Safe and Healthy Diapering Procedures)
Read the full news release from DHS announcing the availability of up to $20 million in health and safety grants for child care centers and youth camps.
More details are coming and we will keep you updated as we learn more.
Over the last few days, our state began to take initial steps to reopen – an important and positive process in our economic recovery. But New Jersey cannot reopen effectively without a clear and corresponding reopening plan for child care. Governor Murphy has recognized that child care is a crucial piece to our economic recovery and part of the backbone of a broader economy.
