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For many families, the hours before and after school are just as important as the school day itself, making wraparound care essential for parents who work or go to school. Wraparound care, also called out-of-school time (OST), includes before-school programs, after-school programs, and summer care. It “wraps around” the traditional school day, providing children with safe, structured, and enriching activities while giving parents the support they need to work full-time. Far from being an add-on, wraparound care is a vital service that sustains families and strengthens local economies.

How the Need for Wraparound Care Emerged

Before the Industrial Revolution, child care in the United States was largely informal. As industrialization expanded in the late 1800s, families increasingly relied on two incomes, and stricter child labor laws limited children’s participation in the workforce. This shift created a pressing need for care outside the home. In cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, “infant” or “day” nurseries emerged, providing safe spaces for children while their parents worked. By the 1970s-80s, concerns about unsupervised "latchkey kids" led to increased investment in structured after-school programming as more women joined the workforce.

A Defining Moment for Child Care Policy in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the 1980s marked a turning point in child care policy. Counties created Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies, and local subsidy programs soon followed. (Child Care Association of NJ) In 1983, the state passed the Child Care Center Licensing Act and the Family Day Care Registration Act, establishing regulatory standards for both center-based and home-based care. (ACNJ) The first voucher-based subsidy program was launched in 1984 by North Jersey 4Cs, enabling families in Passaic County to access affordable wraparound care. (North Jersey 4Cs)

Why Wraparound Care Matters Today

Wraparound care plays a critical role for both families and the broader economy:

• Safety and Supervision: Provides children with a safe, nurturing environment beyond the school day.
• Workforce Stability: Enables parents to maintain steady employment without compromising their children’s well-being.
• Sustaining Child Care Centers: Revenue from wraparound care helps centers remain financially viable, ensuring that early learning programs continue to serve communities.
• Economic Impact: Reliable child care, including wraparound services, is a cornerstone of workforce participation and economic growth.

Benefits for Children

High-quality wraparound programs go beyond supervision. They enrich children’s lives.

• Academic Support: Many programs provide homework help, tutoring, and enrichment opportunities.
• Social-Emotional Growth: Activities build relationships, teamwork, and resilience.
• Health and Wellness: Programs often include outdoor play, clubs, and nutritious meals or snacks.
• Closing Opportunity Gaps: For children from under-resourced families, before- and after-school programs provide access to experiences such as arts, sports,  and STEM that they might otherwise miss.

The Role of Child Care Subsidies in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), overseen by the Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development, has been a critical lifeline for families. However, as of August 1, 2025, the program has stopped accepting new applications due to budget shortfalls. Families already enrolled will also face higher co-pays at their next redetermination.

Without robust funding for subsidies, the impacts may be far-reaching:

• Parents may be forced to leave the workforce or reduce hours due to unaffordable child care costs.
• Child care centers may limit services or close programs, reducing available options.
• The broader New Jersey economy may experience disruptions as workforce participation declines.

Moving Forward

Wraparound care is not a luxury. It is a foundational service for families, children, and the economy. Ensuring that it remains accessible and affordable is a shared responsibility.

Questions for Policymakers:

• How will you ensure equitable access to high-quality wraparound care for New Jersey families now and in the future?
• What steps will you take to support and fairly compensate the child care workforce?
• How will you address budget challenges to protect the subsidies that keep families working and children thriving?