Effective June 15, 2020, pursuant to Executive Order No. 149 and Executive Directive no. 20-032 all child care programs operating in the State of New Jersey must comply with the requirements detailed in Guidance for New Jersey Child Care Facilities On COVID-19 Related Health and Safety Requirements set forth by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). This guidance document outlines COVID-19 public health recommendations for the childcare setting. As this situation is evolving, these recommendations are subject to change as more information is learned about this novel virus. Please check the NJDOH COVID-19 Information for Schools webpage frequently for updated guidance.

Please see the attachments for ECEA's response to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority's Request for Information.

A recent poll from the Nicholson Foundation further underscored what many parents in New Jersey learned through this lingering pandemic: Access to quality child care is limited because community-based, licensed child centers are struggling under heightened regulations that hurt their businesses.

The New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development has produced new materials to help parents and guardians determine what income-replacement, paid leave and job protection benefits are available to them if their children’s school or daycare is closed for in-person learning, either full- or part-time.