The federal Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act increases the health and safety requirements for all child care and early learning settings that accept child care subsidies, including youth camps. These provisions include pre-service and annual trainings, annual comprehensive criminal background checks, written policies and procedures, and inspections and monitoring. Summer Youth Camps interested in receiving Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds through the Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development (DHS/DFD) are required to comply with certain requirements. These requirements apply to current and prospective staff including volunteers, and individuals who have unsupervised access to children. Watch the 2026 Info Session and learn more about the requirements below.
To apply for or renew a Youth Camp Permit, visit the New Jersey Department of Health's (DOH) website. To register as a summer youth camp that accepts CCAP funding, you must have a New Jersey Child Care Information System (NJCCIS) account. If you already have an account, you can login to www.NJCCIS.com and complete the DFD Youth Camp Acknowledgment Form. If you do not have a NJCCIS Account – STOP! You must contact your Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency so they can provide you with information on how to register and get started. In addition to a completed Acknowledgment Form, all summer youth camps must:
Comply with the Youth Camp Safety Standards (N.J.A.C. 8:25) and have a 2026 Youth Camp Certificate of Approval on file.
Comply with CCDBG Health and Safety Requirements (45 CFR 98) detailed below.
Complete the pre-service trainings and comprehensive criminal background check for all Youth Camp Directors/Operators, eligible staff and any volunteers supervising children.
Youth Camp Certificate of Approval 2026 Signed Youth Camp Acknowledgment Form
IdentoGO Criminal Background Check Forms-will be available once agreements are authorized
Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) Form
All providers must complete all registration requirements before July 11, 2026 These forms can be accessed and uploaded through www.NJCCIS.com.
New youth camp staff must complete the 10-hour pre-service health and safety trainings. All returning staff of youth camps that receive CCAP funds must complete at least 4 hours of in-service training annually. Trainings are free and offered online through the NJ Workforce Registry at www.NJCCIS.com. Required trainings include:
New Staff: Health, Safety and Child Growth and Development: Basic Requirements for Licensing (10-hour module – overview of the required health and safety topics)
Returning Staff: The annual 3 hour Health, Safety, and Child Growth and Development Refresher training shall count towards the annual minimum of 4 hours of in-service training
First Aid and CPR Training
