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The Future of Public Preschool: Building a Bold Vision Together – NJ’s first community-based private provider conference

Posted on September 2, 2025

Let's Build the Future of Public Preschool Together!

Join us on Thursday, October 16 at The Park Hotel at Meadowlands for New Jersey's First Community-Based Private Provider Conference: The Future of Public Preschool: Building a Bold Vision Together. This exciting one-day event brings together early childhood leaders, educators, and advocates committed to strengthening community-based public preschool partnerships across New Jersey.

Hosted by Advocates for Children of New Jersey and New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children, and made possible thanks to our generous funders at The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation, this conference will explore everything from enrollment strategies and marketing, to leadership, teacher burnout, budget planning, certification and MORE. With multiple breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and inspiring keynotes; including featured guest DJ Pryor ⬇. You'll leave energized and equipped to drive bold change.

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Early Bird Registration: $55
Registration after September: $105

Professional development credits available. 

Breakfast, lunch, and parking are included.

Register now! We’ll be sharing more details along the way, including additional featured keynotes, specific workshop sessions, and exhibits. Stay tuned!

Register Here

DJ Pryor is more than just a name– it's a symbol of inspiration, laughter, and the power of giving back. With a heart full of love and a spirit dedicated to making a positive impact, DJ Pryor has become a renowned figure in the world of entertainment and philanthropy. As a devoted husband of 8 years to his wife, Shanieke Pryor, and a proud father of three incredible children– Jabari (12), Kingston (5), and Zaria (2)– DJ's personal life serves as the foundation for his boundless creativity and determination.

With a career spanning two decades, DJ Pryor is a veteran stand-up comedian who has mastered the art of bringing joy to audiences around the world. His comedic genius has garnered not only laughter but also critical acclaim, resulting in an array of awards and recognitions. Beyond the stage, DJ's talents extend to acting, writing, motivational speaking, producing, and directing, showcasing his multifaceted abilities and his unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. But DJ's impact reaches far beyond the entertainment industry. He is the visionary CEO of DJ Pryor Inc and Laughter Is Universal Productions, platforms that allow him to channel his energy and expertise into creating meaningful content that resonates with people of all walks of life.

However, what truly distinguishes DJ Pryor is his genuine heart and dedication to philanthropy. Fueled by his desire to uplift underserved communities like the one he grew up in, he founded the Pryor To Change Global nonprofit foundation. This foundation serves as a beacon of hope, aiming to provide overlooked communities with essential resources, knowledge, and inspiration.

DJ's own journey of triumph over childhood trauma has transformed into a message of resilience and purpose that he shares wholeheartedly through his foundation's initiatives. DJ's global impact recently soared to new heights with a heartwarming video that captured a candid moment between him and his youngest son. This touching video went viral, amassing an estimated half a billion views across various web and social media platforms. Through this viral sensation, DJ has become one of the world's most influential voices on early childhood development. His story is a testament to his ability to turn personal challenges into opportunities for growth and change. Above all, DJ Pryor's mantra is rooted in service, empathy, and love. He believes that his talents are gifts meant to be shared with others, and he strives to embody these principles in every aspect of his life. As he humbly states, "My job is to always show love & empathy through my abilities and talents, GOD lives in me." In a world where laughter, love, and community are needed more than ever, DJ Pryor stands as a shining example of how one person's dedication can make a profound impact on the lives of many. His journey is a reminder that through compassion and creativity, we can all strive to create a brighter, more connected world.

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Watch DJ Pryor's viral video.

Birth Centers Bring Dignity, Choice, and Health Equity to New Jersey Families

Posted on August 25, 2025

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Trinisha Williams, CM, MPH
President, American Association of Birth Centers (AABC)

As a midwife, an aunt, and a community advocate, I’ve spent over two decades walking alongside birthing people through their most intimate, powerful moments. I've seen firsthand how and where someone gives birth can shape their entire story—not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, and culturally.

Right now, in too many places across New Jersey, the only option is a hospital. Families often don’t have access to birth centers, even if they are low-risk, healthy, and want a different experience. We must be clear: If there is only one option, then there is no real choice.

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Why Birth Centers Matter

Birth centers are not a luxury. They are an evidence-based, cost-effective, and community-centered model of care that has been proven to:

Birth centers are staffed by midwives and care teams who provide high-touch, low-intervention support. They care for people who are healthy and low-risk, and desire a more personalized birth experience. The centers offer services that matter deeply to families, such as water birth, continuity of care, and provider-to-patient ratios that allow for trust, education, and support. They also meet people where they are, with a deep respect for spiritual and culturally-rooted traditions, family structures, and lived experiences.

Addressing Birth Trauma with Compassionate Care

Far too many birthing people in New Jersey walk away from their births feeling unheard, dismissed, or even harmed. Birth trauma is real, and it’s a public health issue especially among Black and Brown families who face bias, neglect, or coercion in traditional hospital settings.

Birth centers provide a trauma-informed approach that centers on:

  • Continuity of care: the same team before, during, and after birth
  • Informed consent: making sure birthing people are active participants in their care
  • Emotional and physical safety: with time, space, and personalized support
  • Non-clinical comforts: like water birth, mobility, and uninterrupted bonding

When families feel respected and cared for, they are more likely to heal fully, bond deeply, and return to their communities stronger and more empowered.

A Solution to New Jersey's Maternal Health Crisis

New Jersey has one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the country; and the statistics are even more devastating for Black mothers, who are seven times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts.

We cannot afford to ignore these outcomes. We cannot keep pouring money into a system that was never built for all of us. We must fund, license, and support birth centers across New Jersey— especially in the neighborhoods where outcomes are worst, and where community-rooted, culturally responsive care is most needed.

Reclaiming Power and Choice

At the heart of midwifery care and birth centers is a simple truth: Birth belongs to the birthing person. When families are educated about their options and supported in their choices, they are empowered and healthier.

We need policies that:

  • Expand access to birth center care statewide.
  • Protect Medicaid and insurance coverage for birth center services.
  • Invest in Black- and Brown-led midwifery care models.
  • Build new birth centers in underserved areas, including South Jersey, rural communities, and urban perinatal health deserts.
  • Ensure midwifery autonomy by establishing a state Board of Midwifery.

To New Jersey’s Next Governor: Make Birth Centers Part of the Plan

We urge every gubernatorial candidate to include birth centers and midwifery-led care in their maternal health platform. If you are serious about saving the lives of birthing people in New Jersey, especially Black and Brown lives, then birth centers must be a part of your vision.

Let’s give families real options. Let’s shift from fear to trust. Let’s fund models that work.

Because birth should be safe. Birth should be sacred. Birth should be ours.

Read our latest updates on maternal and infant health.

Why Wraparound Care is Essential

Posted on September 2, 2025

Co-Authored by:
Kyla Ginsberg
Student Intern

Cindy Shields
Early Childhood Senior Policy Analyst

Winifred Smith-Jenkins
Director of Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy

For more information on this topic, contact Cindy at cshields@acnj.org or Winifred at wsmith-jenkins@acnj.org.

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?
Read the latest on affordable quality child care.
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New law expands parents’ rights to advance notice before IEP meetings

Posted on August 15, 2025

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Nina Peckman, Esq.
ACNJ Staff Attorney

 

Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, a new special education law will expand a parent’s right to receive advance notice regarding certain information before an annual IEP meeting takes place.

Under federal and state special education laws, parents have what are known as “participation rights”. The purpose of these laws is to ensure that parents have a meaningful opportunity to provide their input regarding their child’s education program. These rights also help parents provide well-informed consent when their written consent is required by law. Some of the existing laws that support these participation rights require school districts:

  • Explain the child study team evaluation reports and the proposed IEP
  • Share the reasons for child study team decisions
  • Provide advanced notice for school meetings and prior to implementing school decisions

The new law signed by Governor Murphy on July 22, 2025 requires additional notices and information to be provided to parents before an annual IEP meeting. (The annual IEP meeting is the meeting that must occur yearly around the anniversary date of the initial agreed upon IEP.) This law will help parents better understand their children’s progress and proposed IEPs and to be more effective at offering input and asking important questions at IEP meetings.

Per the law, at least 2 business days before the annual review, parents must receive a written statement by regular mail--and by email if the child study team has the parent’s email address. The statement should include:

  • What will be discussed at the meeting
  • The student’s current levels of academic and functional performance
  • A list of names of any required school staff IEP members who will not attend and a statement of their observations and recommendations for the program and services they are responsible for. Parents have the right to reschedule the meeting for a date when all IEP members can attend.
  • The parent’s right to provide input and feedback at the IEP meeting

The law also requires the New Jersey Department of Education to establish an IEP Working Group “to provide recommendations to the Department regarding methods to improve the development and implementation of the IEPs and to ensure parent involvement in the process. “ The committee will be made up of administrators, teachers, parents and advocates and child study team members.

For more information See P.L. 2025 c.107: https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2024/S4000/3982_R1.PDF

For further information, feel free to contact Nina Peckman, ACNJ Staff Attorney at npeckman@acnj.org.

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