New Jersey childcare licensing is administered by the Office of Licensing within the Department of Children and Families. Any center serving 6 or more children must be licensed. P.L. 2024, c.67 (effective January 2026) established a Child Care Workforce Fund providing retention bonuses and professional development grants to staff at licensed NJ centers.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 18 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (18 months–2.5 years) | 1:6 | 12 |
| Preschool (2.5–4 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| 4–5 years | 1:12 | 24 |
| School age (kindergarten+) | 1:15 | 30 |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per NJ immunization schedule required on file.
Medical/Health Assessment
Physician-signed health report required within 30 days of enrollment.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical and religious exemptions are permitted. Contact the New Jersey Department of Health for current exemption procedures.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
Criminal History Review Unit (CHRU) background check required for all staff and volunteers.
Lead Teacher Education
Head teacher must hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential plus 6 months experience, or an associate's or bachelor's degree in ECE.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Pre-service training and orientation required.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
20 hours of professional development annually required for all staff.
Director Qualifications
Director must have a bachelor's degree in ECE or related field plus 1 year of supervisory experience, or equivalent combination.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually. DCF may conduct additional complaint-driven inspections.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact DCF Office of Licensing to begin the application process. Includes background checks, fire safety inspection, and health inspection.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact DCF for current fee schedule.
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