Interested in Becoming a Provider?
There are many types of child care providers and there are different rules and regulations that pertain to each. The descriptions below and the requirements outlined should start you on your path to becoming a child care provider.
Child Care Centers
Child Care Centers provide care for six or more children below 13 years of age who attend less than 24 hours a day. Child care centers are required by state law to be licensed. Under the provisions of the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers (N.J.A.C. 10:122) every person or organization caring for six or more children below 13 years of age is required to secure a license from the Office of Licensing in the Department of Children and Families, unless the program is exempt by law. Please refer to 10:122-1.2(d) for a list of these exemptions.
If you decide to pursue licensure or have any questions, call The Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing 1-877-667-9845 or click here to visit their website.
In-Home Provider
These are individuals who have been evaluated and approved by DFD or its designee to care for the child in their own home for fewer than 24 hours of care per day.
Family, Friend, Neighbor Provider
This provider is an individual who has been evaluated and approved by the NJ Department of Human Services/Division of Family Development (DHS/DFD) or its designee and serves no more than two unrelated children for fewer than 24 hours of care per day.
Family Child Care Registration
As the state registering agent for family child care in Somerset and Middlesex Counties, Community Child Care Solutions provides training and technical assistance to family child care providers and are responsible for the monitoring of family child care homes.
A registered family child care provider can care for up to five day care children at one time in the provider’s home. A provider must demonstrate an ability to work positively with children and to manage a formal program for children of varying ages. A registered provider is entitled to free referrals and technical assistance.
If you decide to pursue registration or have any questions, call us at 732-324-4357.
In order to become a NJ state registered provider, one must complete the following five steps:
1. Attend a 2 hour orientation. At the orientation, you will be given the application packet and a copy of the Manual of Requirements for Family Child Care Registration. To register for orientation please call the County office in which you reside. (Middlesex or Somerset)
2. Register for and attend an 10 hours of Health and Safety trainings and 6 hours of CPR/First Aid. The Health and Safety training covers child development, identifying child abuse and neglect, mandated reporting and health and safety basics.
3. Submit an application along with two character references; results of a medical examination and tuberculin Mantoux test for yourself. Submit disclosures of any criminal convictions and consent forms for child abuse record information for you as well as anyone living in your home who is at least 14 years of age.
4. Allow a complete safety inspection of your home, which includes a review of the numbers and ages of the children in care. Technical assistance will be furnished to the provider regarding health, safety, program activities, nutrition, supervision, discipline, record keeping and communicating with parents.
5. Submit a $25.00 registration fee
Forms
NJ Workforce Registry Instructions