What’s New?

ACNJ Pres/CEO Cecilia Zalkind Raises the Question “What about the babies?” on NJ Spotlight Chat Box

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date May 1, 2022

Posted on May 1, 2022

Read about Sen. Ruiz's Child Care Bills

Help us make some noise for babies

Child Care in the News

Join the campaign.

Education Videos: Resources to help parents navigate the educational system

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date April 29, 2022

Posted on April 29, 2022

Jul 20, 2023

Learn about student rights in regards to the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bully laws in New Jersey.

Learn About Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Laws in New Jersey

Having your child be bullied, or having your child accused of bullying, can be an overwhelming experience for a parent. Staff Attorney Nina Peckmen offers a brief overview of the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) laws in New Jersey public schools, as well as gives guidance to navigate the process.

Aug 29, 2022

Learn About Student Rights Regarding School Discipline in New Jersey

Presentation Expand Click here to download the presentation. Helpful Resources Expand Discipline Manual ACNJ’s Basic Guide to Special Education New Jersey Statutes and Regulations and Department of Education Guidance Record Appeals U.S. Department of Education Compilation of New Jersey Discipline Laws and Regulations

Jul 15, 2022

Special Education and the Role of the Parent (Spanish)

Students in special education are entitled to high school transition services as part of their IEP program to prepare them for life after high school. This presentation for Spanish-speaking families explains the kinds of services that are available and their rights regarding the implementation of these services.

May 3, 2022

Special Education and the Role of the Parent

Students in special education are entitled to high school transition services as part of their IEP program to prepare them for life after high school. This presentation explains the kinds of services that are available and their rights regarding the implementation of these services.

May 3, 2022

Compensatory Education and the Impact of COVID-19

Many New Jersey students are still experiencing academic and behavioral challenges related to the impact of COVID-19 mandated school closures and the ongoing challenges schools are facing to meet the diverse needs of their students. This presentation provides an overview of the issues and how parents can advocate for appropriate education services due to learning loss, including compensatory education rights.

Apr 27, 2022

Learn About Transition Rights in Special Education

Students in special education are entitled to high school transition services as part of their IEP program to prepare them for life after high school. This presentation explains the kinds of services that are available and rights regarding the implementation of these services.

Nov 24, 2021

Derechos y Protecciones Contra el Acoso y Intimidación Escolar (HIB)

Este video explica las leyes relacionadas con el acoso y la intimidación escolar para que los padres pueden ayudar a su hijo, sea víctima de intimidación en la escuela o sea participante en la intimidación o acoso de otro estudiante. ***** (This video in Spanish, explains the laws regarding harassment, intimidation and bullying so that parents can advocate for their child, whether the child is a target of bullying or has engaged in bullying.)

These videos were made possible with the generous support of the Merancas Foundation, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation and the IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey. For other law-related activities, please call 1-800-FREE-LAW or visit the Foundation at njsbf.org.

Learn About Transition Rights in Special Education

Post author By Catherine Felegi2
Post date April 27, 2022

Posted on April 27, 2022

Presentation

Resources

This project is co-sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation and made possible through funding from the IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey.

For additional information about the Foundation's other law-related activities, please call
1-800-FREE-LAW or visit the Foundation at njsbf.org.

Thank you to Legal Intern Nicole A. Flynn for her contribution to this project.

Can New Jersey Afford NOT to Invest in Child Care?

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date April 14, 2022

Posted on April 14, 2022

Help us make some noise to #ReimagineChildCare in New Jersey.

ACNJ President and CEO Cecilia Zalkind recently authored an op-ed supporting a comprehensive package of bills introduced by State Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz (D- 29) that would invest $360 million for child care in New Jersey. Legislative proposals in the package co-sponsored by Senator Joe Vitale, Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez and Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham would help parents, strengthen programs and support staff. One bill, S-2476, incentivizes the development of child care for infants and toddlers, the most difficult for families to find. Read the op-ed

We need to keep the conversation in front of the Governor. He needs to hear from New Jersey residents, especially parents, that it's time to end the child care crisis.

Join the campaign.

Here's what you can do to keep the conversation going.

Submit a post with a link to the editorial in your local Patch news outlet. Below are some sample posts. You can post your own op-ed as well. It's really easy!

Haven't posted in your local Patch before? If you have a profile in your local Patch, go to patch.com. Click on "neighborhood posts" on the menu bar. In the box where it says "Ask a question or share local news" copy and paste one of the two sample posts below. It's that easy!

Don't know your local Patch or haven't posted before? Go to patch.com. Enter your zip code and a list of local ones will appear. You will then have to sign up and create a profile. Then follow the steps above to post.

Sample #1

Can we afford not to invest in child care? There is a big gap in child care funding and services in New Jersey and parents, programs and the economy are feeling the pain. It’s time New Jersey ends the child care crisis. The $360M investment for babies is a step in that direction. #ReimagineChildCare with us and read an op-ed by Cecilia Zalkind, ACNJ President/CEO: https://www.nj.com/opinion/2022/04/can-new-jersey-afford-not-to-invest-360m-in-child-care-opinion.html

Sample #2

We still have work to do for babies - Governor Murphy's commitment to children has led to extraordinary advances, putting the state ahead of the rest of the country and most importantly, improving the lives and well-being of newborns and preschool-age children. But we are still missing the babies. #ReimagineChildCare with us and read an op-ed by Cecilia Zalkind, ACNJ President/CEO: https://www.nj.com/opinion/2022/04/can-new-jersey-afford-not-to-invest-360m-in-child-care-opinion.html

Submit an op-ed in your local news outlets.

Share the op-ed with your network and help us keep the momentum going. Follow us on social media and share! (Pro-tip - Facebook groups are great for spreading the word!)

There is a big gap in #childcare funding and services in NJ and parents, programs and the economy are feeling the pain. It’s time we make the $360M investment for babies and end the child care crisis. Read more: https://t.co/UMf7osfaaW #ReimagineChildCare
— AdvocatesforChildren (@ACNJforKids) April 19, 2022

Child Care is in the News. Let’s Keep the Momentum Going.

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date April 8, 2022

Posted on April 8, 2022

Senator majority leader M. Teresa Ruiz, joined by colleagues, advocates, stakeholders and providers unveiled a $350M comprehensive bill package which will ensure New Jersey's child care industry can meet the needs of its working families. This announcement got lots of attention in the news. Now let's get moving and keep the momentum going. Sign up to join the campaign to #reimaginechildcare. If you are interested in responding, via a Letter to the Editor or Op-Ed, to any of the articles below in your area, please contact us at advocates@acnj.org.

Let's get the job done!