Help with Childcare Costs and Finding Quality Childcare
Getting Started
Taking the first step can be challenging. Here at Rutgers Southern Regional CCR&R, we are committed to helping families get the help and resources they need. Visit our getting started page for guidance on applying for subsidy.
Financial Assistance
Rutgers Southern Regional CCR&R services Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties. We provide Financial Assistance on behalf of the child for eligible families by establishing a Parent and Provider Agreement which outlines each person’s responsibilities and obligation. Click here to learn more.
New Jersey’s Child Care Subsidy Assistance Programs uses an electronic attendance and payment system called e-Child Care (ECC), which requires families to use either a swipe card or the phone to check their child in and out of care.
Resource and Referral
Our team of Resource and Referral Specialists can assist you in finding a child care provider to establish the necessary and appropriate arrangements for child care. There are many types of child care options for families. Click here to learn more.
Finding Quality Childcare
Quality Matters. Learn how New Jersey families can support their program’s early childhood quality initiatives.
You can obtain more details by visiting Grow NJ Kids’ Family-Friendly website at www.grownjkids.com.
Locate Your Program's Most Recent Inspection Reports
The NJ Department of Children and Families-Office of Licensing has made it easier for you to review your center's inspection report, conducted every three years, to help you better gage health, safety, and appropriate programming for children from infants, toddlers, preschool, and after-school. Simply click into the site, click 'Submit' and you can locate the programs by county/name. You are encouraged to discuss the inspection report with your program for further information and clarification.
Getting Started
Taking the first step can be challenging. Here at Rutgers Southern Regional CCR&R, we are committed to helping families get the help and resources they need. Visit our getting started page for guidance on applying for subsidy.
Financial Assistance
Rutgers Southern Regional CCR&R services Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties. We provide Financial Assistance on behalf of the child for eligible families by establishing a Parent and Provider Agreement which outlines each person’s responsibilities and obligation. Click here to learn more.
New Jersey’s Child Care Subsidy Assistance Programs uses an electronic attendance and payment system called e-Child Care (ECC), which requires families to use either a swipe card or the phone to check their child in and out of care.
Resource and Referral
Our team of Resource and Referral Specialists can assist you in finding a child care provider to establish the necessary and appropriate arrangements for child care. There are many types of child care options for families. Click here to learn more.
Finding Quality Childcare
Quality Matters. Learn how New Jersey families can support their program’s early childhood quality initiatives.
You can obtain more details by visiting Grow NJ Kids’ Family-Friendly website at www.grownjkids.com.
Locate Your Program's Most Recent Inspection Reports
The NJ Department of Children and Families-Office of Licensing has made it easier for you to review your center's inspection report, conducted every three years, to help you better gage health, safety, and appropriate programming for children from infants, toddlers, preschool, and after-school. Simply click into the site, click 'Submit' and you can locate the programs by county/name. You are encouraged to discuss the inspection report with your program for further information and clarification.
SIDS Center of New Jersey Free Safe Infant Sleep App Now Available:
The SIDS Center of New Jersey (SCNJ) is pleased to report that its free safe sleep app has been fully launched in both the Apple and Google stores. The app reflects the safe infant sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics to which our SCNJ research has contributed. The search terms that can be used in the app stores are: SIDS Info, SCNJ, or SIDS Center of New Jersey. The icon for the app displays an abstract design of a blue baby in a white diaper with the letters SCNJ below.
One of our goals is to have providers such as hospital and visiting home nurses, pediatricians, child care providers, home visitors, and social service providers use the app to maintain their knowledge of safe infant sleep practices, to serve as their standardized tool for educating families, and to serve as a resource that they can help families upload to their phones for future reference and for sharing with family members.
Each screen contains text, animation and a maternal voice reading the text, thus overcoming any literacy limitations. Before moving on to the next screen, the viewer should tap the baby icon which reveals more text read in an engaging baby voice. By tapping the menu in the lower left corner, more options are displayed, such as Resources and Settings. In Settings, the app text can be switched to Spanish. In Resources, there are links to a range of information sources including the AAP policy statement, the national safe to sleep campaign, the consumer product safety commission, Mom's Quit Connection, professional education opportunities (free ceu nursing course from NICHD), and our SCNJ website (www.rwjms.rutgers.edu/sids) with its videos, flyers, etc.
This is a novel tool, and we are so happy that it is now out there for your use!
The link to the Rutgers University announcement of the app is :
https://news.rutgers.edu/news/new-rutgers-app-seeks-reduce-infant-mortality/20180418#.WtipUrSkwVY.email
A short SCNJ video on safe sleep will be added to the app. It can be accessed via the website or the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srC1te3MPLw&feature=em-share_video_user
The SIDS Center of New Jersey (SCNJ) is pleased to report that its free safe sleep app has been fully launched in both the Apple and Google stores. The app reflects the safe infant sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics to which our SCNJ research has contributed. The search terms that can be used in the app stores are: SIDS Info, SCNJ, or SIDS Center of New Jersey. The icon for the app displays an abstract design of a blue baby in a white diaper with the letters SCNJ below.
One of our goals is to have providers such as hospital and visiting home nurses, pediatricians, child care providers, home visitors, and social service providers use the app to maintain their knowledge of safe infant sleep practices, to serve as their standardized tool for educating families, and to serve as a resource that they can help families upload to their phones for future reference and for sharing with family members.
Each screen contains text, animation and a maternal voice reading the text, thus overcoming any literacy limitations. Before moving on to the next screen, the viewer should tap the baby icon which reveals more text read in an engaging baby voice. By tapping the menu in the lower left corner, more options are displayed, such as Resources and Settings. In Settings, the app text can be switched to Spanish. In Resources, there are links to a range of information sources including the AAP policy statement, the national safe to sleep campaign, the consumer product safety commission, Mom's Quit Connection, professional education opportunities (free ceu nursing course from NICHD), and our SCNJ website (www.rwjms.rutgers.edu/sids) with its videos, flyers, etc.
This is a novel tool, and we are so happy that it is now out there for your use!
The link to the Rutgers University announcement of the app is :
https://news.rutgers.edu/news/new-rutgers-app-seeks-reduce-infant-mortality/20180418#.WtipUrSkwVY.email
A short SCNJ video on safe sleep will be added to the app. It can be accessed via the website or the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srC1te3MPLw&feature=em-share_video_user
Supporting Children with Mental Health Concerns
Help is a phone call away: Hotlines for Students in Need
Help is a phone call away: Hotlines for Students in Need
- National Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-448-4663
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Alliance of the Mentally Ill: 1-800-950-6264
- The Trevor Project: 866-4-U-TREVOR
- Teen Line: 1-310-855-HOPE (4673)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Cape May news:
We are proud to announce the start of the "I Came with Instructions" grant project created by Christa Loper, Cape May site manager. Thanks to a Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Human Services Advisory Council grant, the project was launched in the summer; the project introduces families of newborns in Cape May county to local resources that support families in times of need. Please read more in the Cape May County Herald and follow "I Came With Instructions" on Facebook.
We are proud to announce the start of the "I Came with Instructions" grant project created by Christa Loper, Cape May site manager. Thanks to a Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Human Services Advisory Council grant, the project was launched in the summer; the project introduces families of newborns in Cape May county to local resources that support families in times of need. Please read more in the Cape May County Herald and follow "I Came With Instructions" on Facebook.
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CDC: Parenting tips to help you raise confident and caring children.
It's here...the new CDC child development tracker App!
Visit the child development tracker site to learn about this new tool to help families become more informed of their child's developmental milestones. Spread the word!
Dealing with Traumatic Events: Support for recent events in Las Vegas from the Department of Health and Human Services:
"Please consider sharing via your listservs the below resources from SAMHSA to help people in the wake of the mass violence in Las Vegas, a horrific event that is being felt around the country. You might also invite your grantees to retweet today’s @HHSgov message sharing SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline, which @HRSAgov retweeted this afternoon.
· Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
· The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Terrorism
· Incidents of Mass Violence"
The resources can also be invaluable for families coping with recent hurricane disasters in Puerto Rico, American Virgin Islands, Florida and Houston.
New Jersey Child Car Safety technical supports in your area. Please visit the site to inform yourself and family members of new child car safety requirements and technician dates in your community.
How prepared is your family for an emergency?
Community: National Preparedness Month-Week 1
Week 1: September 1-9 Make a Plan for Yourself, Family and Friends
Disasters aren’t planned and with the devastation of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma we see first hand that we need to be prepared. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect our area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.
https://www.ready.gov/september
Twitter www.twitter.com/ReadyNJ
Instagram www.instagram.com/ReadyNJ
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/ReadyNJ
Week 1: September 1-9 Make a Plan for Yourself, Family and Friends
Disasters aren’t planned and with the devastation of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma we see first hand that we need to be prepared. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect our area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Different ages of members within your household
- Responsibilities for assisting others
- Locations frequented
- Dietary needs
- Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
- Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
- Languages spoken
- Cultural and religious considerations
- Pets or service animals
- Households with school-aged children
Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan
Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own.
Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)
https://www.ready.gov/september
Twitter www.twitter.com/ReadyNJ
Instagram www.instagram.com/ReadyNJ
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/ReadyNJ
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Services and Resources for Families
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It's here!
The Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development (DHS/DFD) has created a Child Care Subsidy Assistance Program website. Visit ChildCareNJ to receive fabulous updates and information regarding New Jersey's subsidy child care resources, the subsidy process, and incredible family resources from state partnerships. The site even has an eligibility calculator to help families get started on eligibility determination. The calculator can be reviewed with your CCR&R intake staff for final eligibility determination. A great resource for families and providers alike. Browse and share the news with family and friends!
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Zika Care Connect is a new program designed to connect women, parents and caregivers of infants, and families affected by Zika to recommended healthcare services. Zika Care Connect establishes a network of specialty healthcare providers in 10 high-risk jurisdictions throughout the United States and its territories. The provider network is accessible via the Zika Care Connect website and HelpLine.
Zika Care Connect is continuing to seek healthcare specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, mental health, audiology, radiology, pediatric ophthalmology, pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrics, infectious disease, and endocrinology to voluntarily join the network. The 10 jurisdictions at high risk for Zika include California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Zika Care Connect plans to expand to 5-10 additional jurisdictions in the near future.
Participating providers will receive periodic emails with key Zika updates, including new CDC clinical guidance recommendations and patient resource tools. Joining the network is voluntary; Zika Care Connect seeks to include providers who can:
If you are interested in joining the Zika Care Connect provider network, please visit the website or call the HelpLine at 1-844-677-0447 (toll-free) for more information on enrolling.
Zika Care Connect is continuing to seek healthcare specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, mental health, audiology, radiology, pediatric ophthalmology, pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrics, infectious disease, and endocrinology to voluntarily join the network. The 10 jurisdictions at high risk for Zika include California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Zika Care Connect plans to expand to 5-10 additional jurisdictions in the near future.
Participating providers will receive periodic emails with key Zika updates, including new CDC clinical guidance recommendations and patient resource tools. Joining the network is voluntary; Zika Care Connect seeks to include providers who can:
- Offer clinical services recommended by the CDC
- Receive new patient referrals
- Receive regular email updates
- Maintain up-to-date profile information on the Zika Care Connect website
If you are interested in joining the Zika Care Connect provider network, please visit the website or call the HelpLine at 1-844-677-0447 (toll-free) for more information on enrolling.
NJ Safe Sleep for Infants: Please visit and share information with your own families. Great resource for all!
http://njsafesleep.com/main/
SUIDS Prevention Update:
Hot off the research press and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Please share with your family and friends:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/10/20/peds.2016-2938
http://njsafesleep.com/main/
SUIDS Prevention Update:
Hot off the research press and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Please share with your family and friends:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/10/20/peds.2016-2938
Hopeful Parents, a blog site for families, written by families
Everyone needs to connect to a community that understands their particular needs and concerns. New Jersey families caring and loving children and adult family members with special needs understand the multiple hats one wears. We serve as primary caregivers and advocates; we support and educate our children, family members, and the general community as we gather important information. We strive to achieve better access, informed policies, and celebrate daily victories for our children and family members.
Families hold the key to educate and empower each other. Our Statewide Parent Advocacy Network has joined with
Family Voices, a national network source for families addressing the well-being of their family members. Please visit the "Hopeful Parents" blog to inform yourself and others of important support systems that address a host of family advocacy topics: school issues, health care, mental health, family supports, and national networks . You may even be inspired to become a volunteer blogger.
Everyone needs to connect to a community that understands their particular needs and concerns. New Jersey families caring and loving children and adult family members with special needs understand the multiple hats one wears. We serve as primary caregivers and advocates; we support and educate our children, family members, and the general community as we gather important information. We strive to achieve better access, informed policies, and celebrate daily victories for our children and family members.
Families hold the key to educate and empower each other. Our Statewide Parent Advocacy Network has joined with
Family Voices, a national network source for families addressing the well-being of their family members. Please visit the "Hopeful Parents" blog to inform yourself and others of important support systems that address a host of family advocacy topics: school issues, health care, mental health, family supports, and national networks . You may even be inspired to become a volunteer blogger.
New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
Supports Program Policies and Procedures Manual: A Quick Guide for Families can assist families in gaining a basic understanding of the Supports Program and its service benefits.
While this guide can be helpful for any family newly entering Division services and the Supports Program, it is particularly valuable for middle and high school students with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.
Please share the information with your family and friends.
Supports Program Policies and Procedures Manual: A Quick Guide for Families can assist families in gaining a basic understanding of the Supports Program and its service benefits.
While this guide can be helpful for any family newly entering Division services and the Supports Program, it is particularly valuable for middle and high school students with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.
Please share the information with your family and friends.
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Kinship: GrandPARENTS as Parents
Quick facts:
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Please visit the following sites for more information to access federal and New Jersey kinship supports:
"Public benefits available to grandparents and the children they raise vary from state to state. Benefits that may be available include:
•Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
•Supplemental Security Income
•Social Security
•WIC Program – This special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) can help you buy food for eligible grandchildren in your care. The child must be 5 years old or younger. He or she must also be at risk for poor nutrition. Visit the WIC website to find your state's toll-free number.
•Medicaid
•Guardianship subsidies – Some states have programs that give financial assistance to grandparents who are the legal guardian of a child. However, not all states provide this option. The National Center on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren provides a list of state support services and benefits available to you.
•Legal rights – Many grandparents find they need legal help when making decisions about their grandchildren. If you can't afford a lawyer, try your local legal aid office, court clerk office, or law school clinic for help. You can also go to the American Bar Association website for a directory of legal aid offices in your area". (https://www.usa.gov/child-care)
"Public benefits available to grandparents and the children they raise vary from state to state. Benefits that may be available include:
•Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
•Supplemental Security Income
•Social Security
•WIC Program – This special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) can help you buy food for eligible grandchildren in your care. The child must be 5 years old or younger. He or she must also be at risk for poor nutrition. Visit the WIC website to find your state's toll-free number.
•Medicaid
•Guardianship subsidies – Some states have programs that give financial assistance to grandparents who are the legal guardian of a child. However, not all states provide this option. The National Center on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren provides a list of state support services and benefits available to you.
•Legal rights – Many grandparents find they need legal help when making decisions about their grandchildren. If you can't afford a lawyer, try your local legal aid office, court clerk office, or law school clinic for help. You can also go to the American Bar Association website for a directory of legal aid offices in your area". (https://www.usa.gov/child-care)
Friends Newsletter
February 2017
A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Kids Online
Parents today are confronted with an entirely new set of safety concerns for their children – online threats. Children are exposed to the Internet at a very young age. Some tablets are designed specifically for kids as young as two years old and some children in elementary school have their own smartphones. Almost from infancy, the Internet touches their lives on a daily basis.
Just as parents teach their children to look both ways before crossing the street or not talk to strangers, it is critical that parents teach their children safe online habits. As a parent, you cannot eliminate online threats – like cyberbullying, online predators, or inappropriate content – but you can teach your children how to respond when they come across these things online.
February 7 was Safer Internet Day, an international effort to raise awareness for online safety to ultimately build a better Internet for the younger generation.
ConnectSafely a non-profit partner of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Stop.Think.Connect. cybersecurity awareness campaign, leads the promotion of Safer Internet Day in the United States.
In recognition of Safer Internet Day, DHS encourages all parents to follow these common sense steps to protect your children online.
* Create an open and honest environment with kids.
* Have regular conversations with kids about practicing online safety.
* Emphasize the concept of credibility to teens: not everything they see on the Internet is true and people on the Internet may not be who they appear to be.
* Watch for changes in behavior — if your child suddenly avoids the computer, it may be a sign they are being bullied online.
* Review security settings and privacy policies for the websites kids frequent. These settings are frequently updated so check back regularly.
* Make sure mobile devices are secure. Use PINs and passwords, only install apps from trusted sources, and understand the privacy settings and permissions for all apps.
A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Kids Online
Cyber Quiz
Quick Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Online Safety
Partner Spotlight
February 2017
A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Kids Online
Parents today are confronted with an entirely new set of safety concerns for their children – online threats. Children are exposed to the Internet at a very young age. Some tablets are designed specifically for kids as young as two years old and some children in elementary school have their own smartphones. Almost from infancy, the Internet touches their lives on a daily basis.
Just as parents teach their children to look both ways before crossing the street or not talk to strangers, it is critical that parents teach their children safe online habits. As a parent, you cannot eliminate online threats – like cyberbullying, online predators, or inappropriate content – but you can teach your children how to respond when they come across these things online.
February 7 was Safer Internet Day, an international effort to raise awareness for online safety to ultimately build a better Internet for the younger generation.
ConnectSafely a non-profit partner of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Stop.Think.Connect. cybersecurity awareness campaign, leads the promotion of Safer Internet Day in the United States.
In recognition of Safer Internet Day, DHS encourages all parents to follow these common sense steps to protect your children online.
* Create an open and honest environment with kids.
* Have regular conversations with kids about practicing online safety.
* Emphasize the concept of credibility to teens: not everything they see on the Internet is true and people on the Internet may not be who they appear to be.
* Watch for changes in behavior — if your child suddenly avoids the computer, it may be a sign they are being bullied online.
* Review security settings and privacy policies for the websites kids frequent. These settings are frequently updated so check back regularly.
* Make sure mobile devices are secure. Use PINs and passwords, only install apps from trusted sources, and understand the privacy settings and permissions for all apps.
A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Kids Online
Cyber Quiz
Quick Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Online Safety
Partner Spotlight
To meet the child care needs of families in the five southern New Jersey counties it serves, Rutgers Southern Regional CCR&R provides the following services and resources:
- Consumer information and education for all families seeking child care for their children including information on the range of child care options
- Center Based Care
- Family Based Care
- Family-Friends and Neighbors
- Assistance for families to determine eligibility for New Jersey’s Child Care Subsidy Program and other affiliated resources
- Education for families about why quality child care is important
- Tools to assist families to find high quality early care and education services for their children:
- Guidance for using the GROW NJ Kids Quality Rating System for selecting the best early care and education services for their children.
- Information on what to look for in a child care providers: How to use the rating system to identify the components and variables of an early care and education provider that will produce the most positive outcomes for your child.