State Awards $300k to Expand Infant and Toddler Child Care Workforce

Funding supports training and staffing through the NJ Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot Program.

New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman and Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo announced $300,000 in funding for 14 childcare centers across 11 counties to bolster staffing for infant and toddler care. The awards are part of the NJ Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot Program, aimed at increasing the workforce capacity and qualifications in this critical area.

“Quality child care programs rely on educators with specific knowledge and skills to serve our youngest residents. This funding will help these providers recruit staff for their infant and toddler classrooms by offering training at no cost and assistance acquiring the required credentials, while apprentices work full-time within the classroom. This will help providers meet staffing demands and the diverse child care needs of working families,” said Commissioner Adelman.

The program supports 20 apprentices with $15,000 per site, covering on-the-job training, mentoring, substitute reimbursement, paid release time, and wages. Additional costs for obtaining the Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) certification—including registration, books, and assessments—are fully funded through the NJ Scholarship Program. Apprentices who complete the program will also receive a $500 merit award.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Human Services Division of Family Development, the Department of Labor, and the NJ Workforce Registry, funded by the Preschool Development Grant Birth to Five (PDG B-5). Most apprentices are expected to complete the program within 18 months, with plans underway to register it with the U.S. Department of Labor.

“This apprenticeship program will offer a pathway for individuals to gain the skills and credentials needed to work in the childcare industry while earning a living wage. By investing in early childhood educators, this program not only strengthens the workforce but also enhances the quality of care for young children,” said Human Services Deputy Commissioner for Social Services Michael J. Wilson.

Award recipients include childcare centers in Sussex, Hudson, Burlington, Morris, and other counties. Locally, the Learning Tree Academy in Morris County was among those selected.

Awards were made to the following childcare centers:

• Believers Learning & Day Care Center, Sussex County
• Busy Bees of Palisade Day Care Learning Center, Hudson County
• Chiki Daycare, Hudson County
• Cinnamon Sticks Learning Center, Burlington County
• Half Pint Day Care, Hunterdon County
• Learning Tree Academy, Morris County
• Linwood Head Start Center, Atlantic County
• Monmouth Day Care Center, Inc., Monmouth County
• Newark Federal Kids Care, Essex County
• Son Catchers Learning Center, Atlantic County
• The Learning Center, Mercer County
• The Learning Gate, Somerset County
• The Nurturing Place, Hudson County
• Woodbine Head Start Center, Cape May County

This funding aligns with broader investments by the Murphy administration, which has committed over $1 billion to enhance affordable, high-quality child care in New Jersey. These efforts encompass direct subsidies, wage increases for childcare workers, and facility improvements.