What’s New?

New Data Shows Impact of COVID-19 on Families and Children

Posted on June 2, 2020

New data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey show how households with children are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in near-real-time. Most data are broken out by households with children under 18. The survey targets a few key topics, such as food sufficiency, housing insecurity, employment loss, educational changes and health status.  

In New Jersey*:

  • Approximately 1.4 million households with children are using online learning to receive educational services,
  • An estimated 94,000 households with children reported often not having enough to eat in the last 7 days
  • And roughly 1.5 million households with children have lost a job since March 13, 2020.

Learn more about the Household Pulse Survey methodology.
Access the new data tables (updated weekly).
View the interactive data tool.

At ACNJ, our KIDS COUNT data project aims to provide policymakers with accurate reliable data to help inform decision-making. Unfortunately, many data sources have a lag time between collection and publication. This means that in a fast-moving crisis like COVID-19, policymakers may be flying blind, without reliable data.

Thankfully, the new Household Pulse Survey is surveying tens of thousands of respondents nationally on how they’re doing, including state-level data for New Jersey and metropolitan area data for both Philadelphia and New York City, acting as a guide during the pandemic. 

ACNJ will use this information to produce new data products looking at New Jersey’s landscape for children and families as our state’s emergency orders evolve. Check our COVID-19 page for regular updates.

*Based on Household Pulse Survey, Detail Tables for Week 3: May 14-May 19.

ACNJ Stands in Solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter

Posted on June 2, 2020

The final moments of George Floyd’s life, as well as the countless other injustices impacting black and brown lives across the nation, highlight the need to combat the centuries of trauma that resulted from systemic racism. Now is a time to reflect, challenge our assumptions and actively address racism in our own communities. It’s not enough to simply not be racist.

For more than 40 years, Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) has worked to inform policies to give every child the chance to grow up safe, healthy and educated. Sadly, not every child has that same chance to thrive. Our Kids Count data show that even at birth, black babies face greater obstacles than their white counterparts. In New Jersey, babies born to black mothers are over three times more likely to die before their first birthday than white babies. Nearly a quarter of all black children live below poverty. And although black children occupy less than 15 percent of the state’s total child population, they make up 41 percent of the state's foster care population and 63 percent of the total statewide juvenile detention center admissions.

Racism has deep roots in our society, and needs to be dismantled and actively denounced by all.

Members of the ACNJ Board of Trustees and staff condemn racism that continues to occur, both nationally and in our own state. In addition, we will continue our commitment to emphasize the importance of race, equity and inclusion in our advocacy efforts so that every child can reach their full potential, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background. In order to truly be a strong nation, every family should have the supports they need to thrive.

In solidarity and in peace,
Cecilia Zalkind
ACNJ Pres/CEO

Sara Thom
Chairperson of the ACNJ Board of Trustees

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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