Facilities Can Now Get Expedited Licenses to Operate as Child Care Centers

By Jim Pytell, Assistant Editor On Oct 5, 2020

With remote learning putting a strain on many working parents across the state, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced today that it is creating emergency regulations to allow certain types of facilities to operate as child care centers.

At today’s COVID-19 press briefing, Gov. Phil Murphy said that the state has received numerous reports of dance and martial arts studios as well as churches and other facilities that have been providing remote learning supervision services for children during the school day when their parents are at work.

According to Murphy, under state law, these types of setups would be considered child care centers that need to be licensed.

“[We] recognize the need for these services,” Murphy said. “The DCF has created emergency regulations to allow these centers to undergo an expedited licensure so they can operate legally for the duration of the public health emergency or until the end of the school year.” 

Murphy said the DCF would be able to assist facilities in moving through the process of getting licensed.

Separately, Murphy said that the income limit for families seeking child care tuition assistance during remote learning school hours has increased from $75,000 to $150,000.

The application for tuition assistance can be found at childcarenj.gov/COVID19

Halloween Guidance

The Department of Health (DOH) also announced that it is releasing guidance to ensure a safe Halloween, including guidance for activities such as hayrides and corn mazes.

Murphy today urged that all Halloween activities take place outdoors, and said that trick-or-treat related guidance from the DOH includes recommended face coverings, and that candy/treats be arranged in such a way that they can be accessed without multiple pieces being touched.

Specific guidance for Halloween related activities will soon be available on the DOH website.

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