NJ Spotlight published the following article on December 11, 2013. To read the article, click here.
Interactive Map: Cost of Childcare Burdens Many Families in NJ
COLLEEN O’DEA | DECEMBER 11, 2013
A typical New Jersey couple with two young children spends about a quarter of their income on child care — and they have no easy way of determining the quality of that care, according to a report from a New Jersey child-advocacy group seeking several systemic reforms.
New Jersey is one of only a few states that does not post child-care center inspection reports online, does not require everyone caring for children in their own homes to register with the state, and does not conduct criminal background checks on home-based providers who do register with the state, according to Advocates for Children of New Jersey.
Quality early child care is important. Research shows the first five years of life are when the brain grows fastest and children who have a nurturing, stimulating environment during those years do better in school.
That’s why ACNJ, in its first report on child care being released today, is calling for more inspectors, greater distribution of inspection reports and the possible enactment of a child-care tax credit to help parents struggling to find and afford the best care for their children.