Type of Child Care

Child Care settings vary in terms of educational philosophy, curriculum, costs, hours of operation, and services offered. Once you have explored your child care options, we encourage you to visit as many programs as possible and observe. There are many things to consider in making your choice.

Licensed-Exempt Provider

This is a facility that is deemed exempt from licensing regulation and not regulated by the Office of Licensing, such as:

Programs operated by the local public-school districts, which are responsible for the implementation and management

Private schools which are solely run for educational purposes offering elementary education in grades kindergarten through, 6th, 7th or 8th and their kindergarten, pre-kindergarten or a child care center are an integral part of the private educational institution or system.

Licensed Child Care Center

This facility is approved by the state Office of Licensing (OOL) for the care, development and supervision of six or more children under 13 years of age who are in care for less than 24 hours a day. Child care centers often group children by age and are generally operated out of commercial buildings. Centers that are accredited by a national association are programs that have been recognized as high-quality programs. Centers participating in Grow NJ Kids, NJ's Quality Rating and Improvement System, are programs participating in quality activities to continuously improve their program to meet higher quality standards beyond licensing standards.

Types of licensed programs include:

  • School Age Child Care Programs are licensed to care for children who are enrolled in public or private school when classes are not in session. Different options for school-age care exist in the community. Local schools may provide care during the before- and after-school hours and may contract with an outside provider such as the YMCA or Boys and Girls Club to offer this type of care.Some family child care providers and child care centers also offer school-age care. Other programs, such as parks and recreation departments, community-based programs, and churches may offer this type of care as well.
  • Consider location and transportation needs, as you may be responsible for making transportation arrangements.
  • Nursery Schools are child care programs that operate less than a full day, typically two to three hours during the morning or public-school hours. Most nursery schools serve children between the ages of two & a half and five years old. Children may be required to be toilet self-sufficient to attend.
  • Preschool Programs are typically offered for children ages 3-5 years old. They may be offered through a school district, faith-based organization, non-profit organization, and child care centers.

Families choose child care centers for different reasons:

Child care centers have a classroom-like environment where children are cared for in groups of other children typically their same age.

  • Child care centers have more adults present in the building.
  • Child care centers offer a variety of activities and opportunities for children.

Registered Family Child Care Provider

This is a provider who cares for no more than five children at any one time in his or her home and has received an initial, renewal or temporary Certification of Registration demonstrated to the satisfaction of the sponsoring organizations (Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies) and Office of Licensing. FCC Provider is home-based care provided in the caregiver’s residence. Typically, there is one adult caring for children of multiple ages. New Jersey does not license FCC, but it does have a voluntary registration process that includes an orientation, on-going training, a home health & safety inspection, CPR/First Aid certification, submission of written references, health certification, and a child abuse record check. Registered Family Child Care Providers participating in Grow NJ Kids, NJ’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, are providers participating in quality activities to continuously improve their program to meet higher quality standards beyond registration standards.

Families choose family child care providers for different reasons:

  • The home-like environment is appealing to many families.
  • Family child care providers care for fewer children at one time.
  • Siblings can be together because most family child care homes have different ages of children enrolled.
  • There are fewer adults that may care for your child on a daily basis.
  • Family child care homes may be more flexible with their hours of operation compared to other types of care.

Family, Friend, Neighbor Provider

This provider is an individual who has been evaluated and approved by the NJ Division of Family Development (DFD) or its designee and serves no more than two unrelated children for fewer than 24 hours of care per day. They care for children who receive state child care assistance funding. Family, friend, and neighbor care is provided in the child or caregiver’s home by a person who is a relative, friend or neighbor, or a babysitter or nanny.

Families may choose this type of care for several reasons:

  • Family, friend, and neighbor care providers are someone you feel comfortable with and trust.
  • There may be more flexibility in hours and transportation with a family, friend, or neighbor provider.
  • This type of care often is the least expensive.

Live-in and Live-out Nannies provide care in the child’s home. Nannies are not individually regulated by the State of New Jersey. Parents can utilize placement agencies for referrals. If you employ someone for more than 20 hours a week, you are required to pay them minimum wage in New Jersey. In this situation, you are considered an employer and should contact the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development and the IRS to obtain a complete understanding of your obligations.

Youth Camps

Youth camps are licensed under the Youth Camp Safety Act of New Jersey and possess a certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Health and provide services wholly or in part for recreational and educations purposes to five or more children under the age of 18. Also known as Summer Day Camps, these programs offer a variety of outdoor sports, recreation, swimming, indoor games and activities. Many child care centers offer summer programs which focus on seasonal activities. Programs vary greatly in hours of operation, number of weeks in session, and activities offered.

In-Home

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.

Curriculum

Early Learning Programs for Young Children

HEAD START

Early Head Start
Provides comprehensive early childhood development programs serving low-income pregnant women and children from ages birth to 3 and their families.

HEAD START BROCHURE ENGLISH

Head Start | ECLKC
Promotes the school readiness of young children through agencies in their local community for low-income families and children ages 3 to 5.

HEAD START BROCHURE SPANISH
HEAD START WEBSITE

State Pre-K (Preschool Expansion)
Free preschool early learning and education programs for 3- and 4-year-olds are available in 25 school districts. For more information about enrollment in these programs, families must contact the participating school district. CLICK HERE to obtain more information.

Special Services School Districts
These districts provide options for preschool students with special needs and were developed to address the educational and developmental needs of children ages 3 to 5.

Typically, these districts are comprised of three types of classes: classes that educate 4-year-old students who have special needs in the same classroom as those students who do not have special needs; preschool classes for students with Individualized Educational Programs and the need for smaller group sizes and more individualized programming; and classes with highly specialized instruction for students with autism and students with hearing impairments.

Licensed Preschool Programs
Licensed early learning preschool programs provide early childhood education and care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

Additional Support Services and Resources available can be found on our Useful Resources page.

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