Summary information on some of the regulations
(The information below is provided as a convenience to
interested parties, it is highly recommended that the actual regulations be
viewed, as the information contained below is a non-expert summary. Links
to the current regulations are provided)
General Information
This document summarizes some of the elements in a Child Care environment
which have been identified as key to meeting a child's developmental needs. What
cannot be set out in regulations is the manner in which a caregiver interacts
with a child. This element must be observed and judged carefully by a
parent. To help parents carefully review child care options please review
our detailed child care
questionnaire.
NOTE: Unless specially stated, the regulations summarized
here relate to children under 6 (i.e. children in early education programs not
school age programs). New Jersey Child Care Regulations address both early
education and school age programs in the same regulation, often with slightly
different requirements..
Child Care
Staff RatiosThe number of caregiving staff to
the number of children is critical to the quality of care and interaction your
child will receive. Child
Care Space RequirementsThe amount of physical space for each
child to play impacts a child's ability to have sufficient room to explore and
to play without feeling over crowded. There needs to be adequate space
indoors and out. Child
Care Staff Education RequirementsNumerous studies have shown
that better trained staff provide higher quality care.
Click Here to view the full set of New Jersey Family Day
Care Regulations
Children residing with the Caregivers are COUNTED in the ratio
if they are below the age of six (6).
Children residing with the caregivers are NOT counted if they
six (6) or older.
With one (1) caregiver a maximum of five (5) children may be
in care at a time, including school age children up to the age of 12. Plus
school age children residing with the caregiver.
With two (2) caregivers a maximum of eight (8) children may be
in care at a time, including school age children up to the age of 12.
Plus the school age children of the provider - when the provider is present.
Fewer children, then described above may be cared for when the
children are of a very young age.
Chart of Family Care Ratio Options (treat
each option as an OR)
Option
Num. of Staff
Num. of Infants
(0 - 15 months)
Num. of Toddlers
(16 - 24 months
Num. of PreSchooler's
(25 months - six years)
Num. of SchoolAgeChildren
(SA) (six to 12 years)
A.
1
3
0
0
2 for a max. of 5
children under 12, plus SA children who reside with caregivers
B.
1
2
2
0
1 plus SA children who reside
with caregivers.
C
1
1
3
0
1 plus SA children who reside
with caregivers.
D
1
0
4
0
1 plus SA children who reside
with caregivers.
E
1
0
3
Up to 2 for a
total of 5 Children
Up to 2 for a total of 5
children plus SA children who reside with caregivers.
F
2
5 Children plus up to 3 children below
the age of 6, who reside with the caregiver(s). The caregiver
must be there when their resident children are in care and no fee can
be charged for these children.
Up to 5 for a total of 5 children plus SA
children who reside with caregiver(s).
If more
children are in care then can be covered by the Family Care, the Day
Care is considered a Center and must follow
all Center Rules.
New
Jersey Family Day Care Physical Space Requirements Physical Space (indoor) regulations requires
- "adequate" floor space
- temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit in rooms used by the children
- all surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, equipment, etc) be kept
clean and in good repair
- adequate ventilation provided by open window, fan, air-condition or other
mechanical ventilation system
- warm and cold running water be available
- working indoor toilets are easily accessible to children
- Play equipment, materials & furniture are sturdy, safe construction,
non-toxic, easy to clean and free of hazards that may injure young children
- Electricity be in service
- Rodent and/or insect infestation in home is controlled
- sufficient furniture and equipment to accommodate the children in care
- working telephone (if not must justify and have near by access or correct)
Outdoor Space regulations requires: - adequate and safe outdoor space is available adjacent to or within walking
distance of home.
- Swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, whirlpools and natural bodies of water
are physically inaccessible to children except when in approved and supervised
use by children (see regulation for specific details).
- each child riding a bicycle wares a helmet
Miscellaneous:
- Each child shall have sheets, blankets and other covering for their exclusive
use. These must be changed immediately when wet, soiled or damaged and
must be laundered at least once a week. Only one child may occupy a crib,
playpen, bed, cot or mat at one time. Link to New
Jersey Family Rest and Sleep Regulation.
