What’s New?

NJ Child Care Centers Can Reopen June 15th/ DCF Guidelines now available

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.

What Child Care Needs to Reopen

Posted on May 26, 2020

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.

Last week, Advocates for Children of New Jersey and the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children shared a statement with the Murphy administration, providing policy recommendations regarding what child care needs in order to reopen, based on feedback from early childhood providers. State officials have been receptive and we look forward to working with them in the days/weeks ahead on this urgent matter.

What child care needs to reopen:

  • Clear standards that recognize the changed landscape for child care.
  • Sufficient time for preparation and support to reopen.
  • Financial assistance to help with the cost of reopening.
  • Assistance in meeting the health and safety needs of their children.
  • Clear, coordinated communications.
Read Full Recommendations of What Child Care Needs to Reopen

COVID-19 School Closures: Addressing Educational Needs of Students with Disabilities

Posted on May 12, 2020

Federal and state education laws have not changed since the COVID-19 outbreak. Because they were not meant to be implemented during a pandemic, schools and parents are facing barriers in implementing IEPs and 504 plans with remote learning at home. More than ever students will need strong advocates to express concerns and collaborate with school staff.

Get helpful tips to ensure your student's needs are met.

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BLOG: School’s Closed Due to COVID-19 – What Does That Mean?

Posted on May 6, 2020

Nina Peckman, Staff Attorney
Nina Peckman, Staff Attorney

It’s now official - On May 4th, Governor Murphy made the announcement via Twitter and his daily COVID-19 town hall that due to concern for the health and safety of students, teachers, and families, New Jersey schools will be closed for rest of the year, instead relying on remote learning. But what does this mean for students in the long term?

School districts will first have to submit a revised emergency preparedness plans to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) regarding the rest of the year. Districts will have discretion in how they implement NJDOE guidelines, such as grading and retention issues. In the meantime, schools are developing creative solutions for high school graduations, proms and other celebrations, while also respecting health and safety considerations due to the pandemic. While there are no concrete plans for what will happen when schools reopen, some districts are considering summer school, staggered schedules, smaller classes, online learning and using facemasks for faculty, staff and students.

An NJDOE survey revealed there are still 90,000 students who lack access to technology needed for effective remote learning. New Jersey just applied for about $310 million under the federal CARES Act to help fund school district programs and address the needs of students who did not have access to education during the school closures. Parents should be contacting their schools to ask about any emergency plans. The NJDOE has stated that it is in the process of developing additional guidance. Parents can learn more about NJDOE’s latest guidance in light of COVID-19 by clicking here.