Professional Development 990,000 Check if targeted funds for this activity: Infant/Toddler Targeted Funds School-Age/Child Care Resource and Referral Targeted Funds Quality Expansion 1.To promote and coordinate systems for the educational development of early childhood and primary education practitioners statewide. 2.To maintain workforce management system. 3. To develop core competency standards for early childhood practitioners. 1.To increase the quality of care through advanced education. 2.To improve the consistency and coordination of professional development delivery. 3. Alignment of early learning standards across early learning education programs. Family Daycare Registration 3.0 million if targeted funds for this activity: Infant/Toddler Targeted Funds School-Age/Child Care Resource and Referral Targeted Funds Quality Expansion To increase the number of registered family child care providers statewide. 1.Provide regulated quality child care. 2. Increase access to regulated family child care. CARI Unit 630,000 Check if targeted funds for this activity: Infant/Toddler Targeted Funds School-Age/Child Care Resource and Referral Targeted Funds Quality Expansion To conduct child abuse investigation background check and maintain a registry for all child care providers including approved homes. To ensure safety of children in this setting type.
Family Worker Outreach 3.3 million Check if targeted funds for this activity: Infant/Toddler Targeted Funds School-Age/Child Care Resource and Referral Targeted Funds Quality Expansion To provide social support and community referrals to families enrolled in the DOE preschool programs. To increase parent education and family resilience. Infant Toddler Warmline 329,000 Check if targeted funds for this activity: Infant/Toddler Targeted Funds School-Age/Child Care Resource and Referral Targeted Funds Quality Expansion To provide medical and health information and referral services to providers statewide. To promote the healthy development of New Jersey’s infants, toddlers and young children in child care settings. New Jersey Coalition of School Age Programs (NJSACC) 273,000 Check if targeted funds for this activity: Infant/Toddler Targeted School-Age/Child Care Resource and Referral Targeted Funds Quality Expansion To provide training and technical assistance to new and existing school age child care (SACC) programs and centers. Increase collaboration with community partners to support school age programming.
Recover through repayment plans Reduce payments in subsequent months Recover through State/Territory tax intercepts Recover through other means. Describe Electronic payment system Establish a unit to investigate and collect improper payments. Describe composition of unit Each CCR&R is responsible for investigating and collecting improper payments with State oversight Describe None For any option the Lead Agency checked in the above other than none, please describe New Jersey has in the following repayment policies and procedures: •Recovery of any parent/applicant overpayment, may haveoccurred when funds are erroneously paid, on behalf of a family, to a child care provider whenever the family and/or child was ineligible to receive benefits from the child care subsidy program, through a signed repayment agreement with the parent/applicant. •Child care provider overpayments occur when funds have been erroneously paid, but the eligibility of the family or child is not affected. •Child Care Resource Agencies are now participating agencies in theNew Jersey Set Off Individual Liability (SOIL) program. Failure by a parent/applicant to begin making specified payments (via the repayment agreement) to the CCR&R results in the overpayment claim being forwarded to the SOIL program, whereby the Department of Revenuenotifies the parent/applicant that any potential state tax refund or rebate due to the taxpayer will be used to offset any overpayment made (child care debt). 1.3.5. What type of sanction, if any, will the Lead Agency place on clients and providers to help reduce improper payments due to program violations? None Disqualify client. If checked, please describe, including a description of the appeal process for clients who are disqualified Disqualify provider. If checked, please describe, including a description of the appeal process for providers who are disqualified Prosecute criminally Describe. DFD is currently developing policies governing Noncompliance with Child Care Program Mandates. The scope of the anticipated policies will cover qualifying reasons for reducing, suspending, or discontinuing child care services, procedural guidelines for providing notice to parents/providers prior to any reduction, suspension or discontinuation, and due process procedures for filing an appeal.
or other State/Territory agencies that support children with special needs special needs into their programs. State/Territory agency responsible for implementing the Maternal and Early Childhood Home Visitation programs grant Division of Early Prevention Services within DCF adminsitrers this grant and closely work with DHS, TANF Initiative Program (TIP) to provide home visition to TANF parents. State/Territory agency responsible for child welfare The Department of Children and Families Child Protective Services are provided for children in foster placement and child care as required per their case plan. State/Territory liaison for military child care programs or other military child care representatives Private agencies/entities including national initiatives that the Lead Agency is participating in such as BUILD, Strengthening Families, Mott Statewide After-school Networks, Ready by 21 New Jersey School Age Childcare Coalition and Department of Children and Families Technical assistance is provided to all school-age programs through the MOTT Statewide AfterSchool Network. The Strengthening Families Initiative provides training and technical assistance on implementing the 5 protective factors into their program. Local community organizations (child care resource and referral, Red Cross) CCR&R Provides child care resource and referral services, parent counseling and education, provider training and subsidy eligibility determination. Provider groups, associations or labor organizations Care Workers Union (CCWU) Provides arbitration for home based providers
15 Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies serving 21 counties determine eligibility for families not receiving TANF benefits. Other. Describe. Who assists parents in locating care (consumer education)? 15 Care Resource and Referral Agencies serving 21 counties, as well as the 21 CWAs and BSS refer those TANF clients with child care needs to the CCR&Rs. The 21 County Welfare Agencies (CWA) and Boards of Social Services (BSS) will parents/applicants to the CCR&Rs in their county to assist with locating child care services, some CCR&Rs are co-located with the CWA/BSS. *The NJ School Age Child Care Coalition (NJSACC) receives frequent inquiries from families requesting child care referrals through their web CCDF Lead Agency TANF agency State/Territory agency. Describe. Local government agencies such as county welfare or social services departments Child care resource and referral agencies organizations Other. Describe.
2.2.9. Describe how the Lead Agency documents and verifies applicant information using the table below. (§98.20(a)) Check the strategies that will be implemented by your State/Territory. Attach a copy of your parent application for the child care subsidy program(s) as Attachment 2.2.9 or provide a web address, if available http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/programs/child/forms/index.html Reminder – Lead Agencies are reminded that, for purposes of implementing the citizenship verification requirements mandated by title IV of Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, only the citizenship and immigration status of the child, who is the primary beneficiary of the child care benefit, is relevant for eligibility purposes. (ACYF-PI-CC-98-08) States may not deny child care benefits to an eligible child because the parent(s), legal guardians, persons standing in loco parentis, or other household members have not provided information regarding their immigration status. The Lead Agency requires documentation of: Describe how the Lead Agency documents and verifies applicant information: Applicant identity Household composition This will be a new requirement and is not in place yet, to verify the household composition. Applicant’s relationship to the child This is verified with birth certificates required for all subsidy children. Child’s information for determining eligibility (e.g., identity, age, etc.) This is verified with birth certificates required for all subsidy children. Work, Job Training or Employer letters for new
Based Child Care Center-based child care providers are defined as a provider licensed or otherwise authorized to provide child care services for fewer than 24 hours per day per child in a non-residential setting, unless care in excess of 24 hours is due to the nature of the parent(s)’ work. Describe which types of settings are subject to licensing in your State/Territory Describe which types of settings are exempt from licensing in your State/Territory A child care program operated by the board of education of a local public school; A child care program operated by, and whose employees are paid by, a private school which is run solely for educational purposes. Such programs shall include kindergartens, pre-kindergarten programs or child care centers that are an integral part of the private educational institution or system offering elementary education in grades through sixth, seventh or eighth which enable enrollment into a high school or secondary school program; and a child care program operating within a geographic area, enclave or facility that is owned and/or operated by the Federal government. Summer camps shall be approved by the New Jersey Department of Health pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:12-1 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 8:25. For example, some jurisdictions exempt school-based centers, centers operated by religious organizations, summer camps, or Head Start programs. Group Home Child Care Group home child care provider is defined as two or more individuals who Describe which types of group homes are subject to licensing Describe which types of group homes are exempt from licensing
Do the licensing requirements include child: staff ratios and group sizes? If yes, provide the ratio for age specified. Yes, Child: staff ratio requirement Infant ratio (11 months): Toddler ratio (35 months): Preschool (59 months): No ratio requirements. Yes, Group size requirement Infant group size (11 months): Toddler group size (35 months): Preschool group size (59 months): No group size requirements. Yes, Child: staff ratio requirement Infant ratio (11 months): Toddler ratio (35 months): Preschool ratio (59 months): No requirements. Yes, Group size requirement Infant group size (11 months): Toddler group size (35 months): Preschool group size (59 months): No size requirements. Yes, Child: staff ratio requirement. List ratio requirement by age group: No ratio requirements. Yes, Group size requirement. List ratio requirement by age group No group size requirements. Yes, Child: staff ratio requirement. List ratio requirement by age group: No ratio requirements. Yes, Group size requirement. List ratio requirement by age group No group size requirements.
Do the licensing requirements identify specific educational credentials for child care directors? High school/GED Child Development Associate (CDA) State/ Territory Credential Associate’s degree Bachelor’s degree No credential required for licensing Other: Do the licensing requirements identify specific educational credentials for child care directors? High school/GED Child Development Associate (CDA) State/ Territory Credential Associate’s degree Bachelor’s degree No credential required for licensing Other: An associates degree and 1 year supervisory child care experience is preferred but not required. Do the licensing requirements identify specific educational credentials for child care directors? No credential required for licensing Do the licensing requirements identify specific educational credentials for child care teachers? High school/GED Child Development Associate (CDA) State/ Territory Credential Associate’s degree Do the licensing requirements identify specific educational credentials for child care teachers? High school/GED Child Development Associate (CDA) State/ Territory Credential Associate’s degree Do the licensing requirements identify specific educational credentials for child care teachers?
Bachelor’s degree No credential required for licensing Other: Bachelor’s degree No credential required for licensing Other: No credential required for licensing Do the licensing requirements specify that directors and caregivers must attain a specific number of training per year? At least 30 training hours required in first year At least 24 training hours per year after first year No training requirement Other: Do the licensing requirements specify that directors and caregivers must attain a specific number of training hours per year? At 30 training hours required in first year At least 24 training hours per year after first year No training requirement Other: At least 8 hours of in-service training every year. Do the licensing requirements specify that directors and caregivers must attain a specific number of training hours per year? No training requirement e) Do you expect the licensing requirements for child care providers to change in Yes. Describe No 3.1.2 Enforcement of Licensing Requirements Each Lead Agency is required to provide a detailed description of the State/Territory’s licensing requirements and how its licensing requirements are effectively enforced. (658E(c)(2)(E), §98.40(a)(2)) The Lead Agency is also required to certify that that procedures are in effect to ensure that child care providers caring for children receiving CCDF services comply with the applicable health and safety requirements. (658E(c)(2)(G), §98.41(d)) Describe the State/Territory’s policies for effective enforcement of the licensing requirements using questions 3.1.2a through 3.1.2e below. This description includes whether and how the
State/Territory uses visits (announced and unannounced), background checks, and any other enforcement policies and practices for the licensing requirements. a) Does your State/Territory include announced and/or unannounced visits in its policies as a way to effectively enforce the licensing requirements? Yes. If “Yes” please to the chart below and check all that apply. No CCDF Categories of Care Frequency of Routine Announced Visits Frequency of Routine Unannounced Visits Center-Based Child Care Once a Year More than Once a Year Once Every Two Years Describe Inspections are unannounced, with the exception of initial inspections and requested increase/space approvals/age changes Once a Year More than Once a Year Once Every Two Years Other. Describe Inspections are unannounced and occur at least 1x/year Group Home Child Care N/A Once a Year More than Once a Year Once Every Two Years Other. Describe Once a Year More than Once a Year Once Two Years Other. Describe Family Child Care Home Once a Year More than Once a Year Once Two Years Other. Describe Inspections are unannounced with the Once a Year More than Once a Year Once Every Two Years Other. Describe Additionally 20% of providers are monitored on
Other. Describe Describe Enforcement letters sent to unlicensed facilities. If facilities do not comply OOL contacts local officials (who may fine and/or immediately close center) and/or legal action is taken The State/Territory has procedures in place for providers to appeal licensing enforcement actions. Yes. Describe Negative actions against the license/registration may be appealed. No. Other. Describe c ) Does your State/Territory use background checks as a way to effectively enforce the licensing requirements? Yes. If “Yes” please refer to the chart below to identify who is required to have background checks, what types of checks, and with what frequency. No CCDF Categories of Care Types of Background Check Frequency Who is Subject to Background Checks? Center-Based Child Care Abuse Registry Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Describe every three years as a part of license renewal and when new staff are hired Director Teaching Non-teaching Volunteers Other Sponsor/Sponsor Representative State/Territory Criminal Background if State/Territory background check includes fingerprints Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe Conducted each time a staff Director Teaching staff Non-teaching staff Volunteers Other Sponsor/Sponsor Representative
moves to another center. FBI Criminal Background (e.g., fingerprint) Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe Conducted each time a moves to another center Director Teaching Non-teaching staff Volunteers Sponsor/Sponsor Representative Sex Offender Registry Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Describe Conducted each Time a staff moves to another center Director Teaching staff Non-teaching staff Volunteers Other Sponsor/Sponsor Representative Group Child Care Homes N/A. Check if your State/Territory does not have group home child care. Child Abuse Registry Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe Provider Non-provider residents of the home State/Territory Criminal Background Check if the State/Territory background check includes fingerprints Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe Provider Non-provider residents of the home FBI Criminal Background (e.g., fingerprint) Initial Entrance into the System Provider Non-provider residents of the home
Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe Sex Offender Registry Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe Provider Non-provider residents of the home Family Child Care Homes Child Abuse Registry Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe conducted 3 years as a part of registration renewal; when new staff are hired & for new household members Provider Non-provider residents of the home residents-14 years & older; staff & volunteers State/Territory Criminal Background if the State/Territory background check includes fingerprints Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe Licensing review/approval of criminal conviction Provider Non-provider residents of the home residents-14 & older; staff & volunteers FBI Criminal Background (e.g., fingerprint) Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe Provider Non-provider residents of the home
Sex Offender Registry Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe Provider Non-provider residents of the home In-Home Child Care Providers N/A. Check if In-Home Child Care is not subject to licensing in your State/Territory (skip to 3.1.2e) Child Abuse Registry Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe Provider Non-provider residents of the home State/Territory Criminal Background Check if the State/Territory background check includes fingerprints Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Describe Provider Non-provider residents of the home FBI Criminal Background (e.g., fingerprint) Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Other. Describe Provider Non-provider residents of the home Sex Offender Registry Initial Entrance into the System Checks Conducted Annually Describe Provider Non-provider residents of the home Please provide a brief overview of the State/Territory’s process for conducting background checks for child care. In this brief overview, include the following: d -1) The cost associated with each type of background check conducted $67.50/person is the fee for CHRI's. The CARI's are $10/person. d-2) Who pays for background checks
including food intolerances and allergies Transportation and child passenger safety (if applicable) X Caring for children with special health care needs, mental health needs, and developmental disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act X Child development including knowledge of developmental stages and milestones appropriate for the ages of children receiving services. X Supervision of children X Behavior management X Other. Describe Group Home Child Care N/A First Aid CPR Medication Administration Policies and Practices
bearing IIC At least one (1) year working with children and families in a professional setting or related field experience 90 hours of professional development/training May include 90 hours of for the NJ Family (FDC) for Family Workers. IID At least one (1) year working with children and families in a professional setting or related field experience NJ Family Development Credential IIE At least one (1) year working with children in a group setting or related field experience 120 hours of professional development/training It is that the 120 hours of are across the Core areas as follows: Child Growth and 30 hours; 30 hours; Family and 15 hours; and
15 hours; and 10hours; Program and 10 hours; Health, Safety, Nutrition and Physical 10 hours. May include of NJ IIF At one (1) year working with children in a group setting or with children and families in a professional setting or related field experience CDA Credential or CCP Credential May include NJ Office of Licensing Group Teacher with CDA or CCP IIG At least one (1) year working with young children and one (1) year management experience NJ Administrators' Credential I III At least one (1) year working with young children Six (6) college credits in the Core Knowledge areas May include the NJ IV At least one (1) year working with children in a group setting Nine (9) college credits in the Core Knowledge areas May include NJ
VII At of two (2) years working with children in a group setting or student teaching or with children and families in a professional setting or related field experience At least a Bachelor's Degree with the P-3 Certification (undergraduate) or a Bachelor's Degree and any other approved licensure/certification/endorsement in Early Childhood Education or Special Education or English as a Second Language or related area or a Bachelor's Degree with 27 credits in Core Knowledge areas or a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or Family Studies May include NJ III with Degree. May include NJ with Degree. The Degree in Social Work or Family Studies is for Family Workers and Family Worker only. May include NJ Office of Licensing Head Teacher. VIII At least of three (3) years working in an educational setting, including at least one (1) year of supervision of adults An additional 15 Post-Bachelor's credits in the Core Knowledge areas or 15 credits in a child-related Master's Degree Program or P-3 Certification Post-graduate IX At least of three (3) years managerial and/or supervisory experience in a child care program, educational institution, business or program or agency related to At least a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Social Work or Family Studies or in a field May include Family Worker May include college faculty. May include Master
Continued encouragement of the Accreditation Facilitation Project for centers to increase quality. Though New Jersey continues to actively encourage licensed Centers and Registered Family Child Care Providers to seek national accreditation, NJ is engaging all providers to participate in Grow NJ, which is inclusive of accreditation. NJ also provides Child Development Associate (CDA) Assessment and scholarships to Early Childhood Professionals who are pursuing their CDA.
Expanded use of the performance measures at CCR&Rs to identify areas that need improvement such as eligibility determination, co-payment calculation, and determination of annual income through enhanced case reviews. Monitoring of all initiatives is an on-going process. This year, NJ increased its Case File Review and aligned monitoring with the recommendations from the review.