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Where to Watch the Final Gubernatorial Debate Tonight

Posted on October 12, 2021

The final governor's debate is happening on October 12th between major party candidates Jack Ciattarelli and incumbent Phil Murphy! Watch live at 8:00 PM as Ciattarelli and Murphy square off at Rowan University on the Glassboro campus.

You can view and listen to the livestream at:

Be informed. Download our 2021 Election Guide, where we break down important issue areas relevant to our state's youngest residents. Early voting runs from Saturday, October 23rd through Sunday, October 31. Election day is November 2nd.

Join the conversation! ACNJ will also be live-tweeting during the debate. Use the hashtags #NJGovDebate and #NJVotes4Kids so that we can get candidates to address New Jersey's persistent child care crisis and what babies need to support their healthy growth and development. Here are some messages to get you started.

Share this Child Care Petition Flyer

Posted on October 7, 2021

In April 2021, New Jersey received nearly $700 million in federal funds for child care through the American Rescue Plan. Despite the continued staffing and financial crises rocking the industry, those funds have yet to be released. Print this petition and share with parents and your network. They can access the online petition by scanning the QR code or simply visiting this link. Tell Governor Murphy to release federal funds NOW.

Download to Print Flyer Below
ARP-Child-Care-Petition
Download PDF

Watch The Recording – HealthySteps: Promoting Healthy Development for NJ’s Babies

Posted on October 4, 2021

HealthySteps, an evidence-based program of ZERO TO THREE, was recently implemented and integrated into four pediatric practices in New Jersey as part of the New Jersey HealthySteps Initiative. The initiative is one example of how providers seek to expand access to two-generation services for families. HealthySteps adds a child development expert, the HealthySteps Specialist, to the care team to provide screenings, referrals, and intensive services if needed. HealthySteps Specialists help identify whether children are reaching development milestones (addressing challenges early and preventing others), and make referrals to community programs to strengthen the quality of relationships and environments that support healthy growth in a universally accessible and trusted setting.

Download the Presentation

View the Recording

Cynthia Rice Receives Aletha R. Wright, Excellence in Early Care and Education Award

Posted on October 1, 2021

Today, ACNJ senior policy analyst Cynthia Rice was presented with the esteemed Aletha R. Wright, Excellence in EarlyCare and Education Award by the New Jersey Early Care and Education Alliance. Aletha served tirelessly for the benefit of children and families throughout New Jersey and the United States. Her characteristics of leadership, dedication and excellence was recognized by the New Jersey Child Care Advisory Council and now by the New Jersey Early Care and Education Alliance. The award is presented in her memory.

Cynthia Rice with Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver

Aletha’s journey started during her years working with Head Start and later she became a true advocate for children and families on a local, state and national level. She advanced to the NJ Department of Human Services, Office of Early Childhood Development where she and Edna Ranck worked collaboratively to improve early care programs for New Jersey’s children. She was a visionary that provided insight and lifted her voice to improve equity and quality in New Jersey’s early care and education system.

Cynthia Rice emulates Aletha’s attributes through her advocacy, collaborations with local, state and federal leaders and in her leadership abilities, making a difference in the lives of many throughout her career.