Rutgers Southern Regional CCR&R is here to help families with the cost of child care, finding the right provider that fits the family's needs, and provide resources to empower the family. We are happy to assist you every step of the way.
How does it work?
The first thing families should do is contact our Resource and Referral Specialist. They will listen to your needs, provide you with the information needed to start the process, and answer any questions that you may have.
After you have applied for the Child Care Assistance Program, your application is transferred to our Intake Specialist. They will review your application and contact you by phone or mail within ten days. If information is needed to complete your application, a detailed letter explaining what is needed to complete the application will be provided. Once your application is complete, your application is processed and paperwork is mailed to you. This paperwork includes information for you and the child care provider of your choice to complete. Click here for Financial Assistance.
Once this packet is completed and returned to our office, we will confirm the child care provider of your choice is eligible. Then a Parent and Provider Agreement is completed. You and your child care provider will receive a copy of the contract. This process is completed by your Eligibility Program Specialist. Based on your family size, income, and child care assistance program, you may have a co-pay which will be outlined in your contract.
Once your contract is created, you will receive an e-child care card via mail within five to seven business days. You may also link your current EBT (Families First) card to your case (please contact your Eligibility Program Specialist to complete this process). Once you have an active e-childcare card, you will virtually record your child's attendance at the child care provider's site location either by calling in or swiping your card. This will generate payment directly to your child care provider. You may be required to attend an e-childcare training to help guide you on using your e-childcare card.
Please visit our contact us page for more information for the Resource and Referral Specialist, Intake Specialist, and Eligibility Program Specialist contact information by county.
How does it work?
The first thing families should do is contact our Resource and Referral Specialist. They will listen to your needs, provide you with the information needed to start the process, and answer any questions that you may have.
After you have applied for the Child Care Assistance Program, your application is transferred to our Intake Specialist. They will review your application and contact you by phone or mail within ten days. If information is needed to complete your application, a detailed letter explaining what is needed to complete the application will be provided. Once your application is complete, your application is processed and paperwork is mailed to you. This paperwork includes information for you and the child care provider of your choice to complete. Click here for Financial Assistance.
Once this packet is completed and returned to our office, we will confirm the child care provider of your choice is eligible. Then a Parent and Provider Agreement is completed. You and your child care provider will receive a copy of the contract. This process is completed by your Eligibility Program Specialist. Based on your family size, income, and child care assistance program, you may have a co-pay which will be outlined in your contract.
Once your contract is created, you will receive an e-child care card via mail within five to seven business days. You may also link your current EBT (Families First) card to your case (please contact your Eligibility Program Specialist to complete this process). Once you have an active e-childcare card, you will virtually record your child's attendance at the child care provider's site location either by calling in or swiping your card. This will generate payment directly to your child care provider. You may be required to attend an e-childcare training to help guide you on using your e-childcare card.
Please visit our contact us page for more information for the Resource and Referral Specialist, Intake Specialist, and Eligibility Program Specialist contact information by county.
Common Questions
How much does this program cover?
The Child Care Assistance Program will cover all or a portion of the cost of child care. Payment is based on your family size, income, and child care assistance program. Once your contract with the child care provider is created, you will receive a copy outlining what our office covers as well as your co-pay, if you have one. We recommend that you speak with your child care provider to review their rates and any additional fees that may be in place. Our office can pay up to the State maximum, which varies by provider type and child's age.
Can I fax or email my application?
Yes, we do accept the child care assistance program application and supporting documentation via fax or email.
I am starting a new job/school program in the future. Can I apply now?
Yes. You can apply thirty days prior to your start date. You will need to have a Work/School Verification Form filled out by your employer/school program. You may also submit a letter from your Employer/School Program with the same information on the Work/School Verification Form.
Click here to download the Work Verification Form.
Click here to download the School Verification Form.
Am I allowed to use a child care provider that is not in the County in which I reside?
Yes. As long as they are approved through our agency, they are eligible to receive child care assistance program payments.
I have multiple children. Can they go to different providers?
Yes. Each of your children can attend a different provider.
How much does this program cover?
The Child Care Assistance Program will cover all or a portion of the cost of child care. Payment is based on your family size, income, and child care assistance program. Once your contract with the child care provider is created, you will receive a copy outlining what our office covers as well as your co-pay, if you have one. We recommend that you speak with your child care provider to review their rates and any additional fees that may be in place. Our office can pay up to the State maximum, which varies by provider type and child's age.
Can I fax or email my application?
Yes, we do accept the child care assistance program application and supporting documentation via fax or email.
I am starting a new job/school program in the future. Can I apply now?
Yes. You can apply thirty days prior to your start date. You will need to have a Work/School Verification Form filled out by your employer/school program. You may also submit a letter from your Employer/School Program with the same information on the Work/School Verification Form.
Click here to download the Work Verification Form.
Click here to download the School Verification Form.
Am I allowed to use a child care provider that is not in the County in which I reside?
Yes. As long as they are approved through our agency, they are eligible to receive child care assistance program payments.
I have multiple children. Can they go to different providers?
Yes. Each of your children can attend a different provider.
Childcare NJ
To visit the Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development website, click here: ChildCareNJ.
To visit the Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development website, click here: ChildCareNJ.