A family child care provider cares for no more than five non-resident children, 13 years old or younger, at any one time in the providers home. These are programs that are privately-funded or may be funded with NJ Child Care Assistance Program payment.

NOTE: The rating process is tailored to your individual program needs and takes an average of 18-24 months (about 2 years) to complete. Staff will attend formal training offerings based on individualized professional development plans. This begins during the introduction and continues throughout process.

Step 1 - Enroll

• Apply for enrollment in Grow NJ Kids through NJCCIS.
• Receive a Welcome email and complete the online GNJK Orientation.
• Receive assignment of a Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS) after the GNJK Orientation is complete.
• Partner with your Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS) to get started.

Step 2 - Getting Started 

• Meet with your QIS and review your NJCCIS program profile to ensure all staff are associated to your program.
• Review GNJK protocol and sign participation agreement.
• QIS completes a 3-hour observation in the home using the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-3) to assess program strengths and areas for growth.
• Identify training and professional development goals.
• Transition to a Regional Technical Assistance Center and meet your Technical Assistance Specialist (TAS).

Step 3 - Self-Assessment and Goal Planning

• Complete a customized Grow NJ Kids program Self-Assessment with support from your TAS.
• Develop your program's goals and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
• ​Programs that qualify may submit a request for classroom enhancements and learning materials – that were identified in your Self-Assessment.

Step 4 - Meet Your Quality Improvement Goals

• Partner with your TAS to implement your Quality Improvement Plan.
• Complete necessary professional development.
• Gather and review rating documentation and professional development certifications.

Step 5 - Get Rated

• Meet GNJK criteria for the star rating you intend to obtain.
• Submit rating request through NJCCIS and submit a “Rating Readiness Checklist” to the GNJK rating partner at CREEHS.
• Upload evidence and documentation for rating to the NJCCIS file cabinet.
• A representative from GNJK Rating at CREEHS will contact your program to arrange the rating process details.
• Achieve your first 3, 4 or 5-star rating!

Step 6 - Continuous Quality Improvement

• A Grow NJ Kids star rating is valid for three years.
• Work to maintain or improve upon your achieved level of care and professional development by completing a new self-assessment and QIP every 3 years.
• Continue receiving coaching support from your TA Specialist.
• At least six months prior to your rating expiration, apply for re-rating.

Who Will Support Me?
Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS):
The QIS is from the local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency. Each county in the state of New Jersey has a CCR&R Agency. The QIS will support registered family child care providers enrolled in Grow NJ Kids through phase 1 (Steps 1-2) of the Grow NJ Kids protocol.

Technical Assistance Specialist (TAS):
The TAS is from one of the four regional Grow NJ Kids technical assistance centers. The TAS will support registered family child care providers through phase 2 (Steps 3-6) of the Grow NJ Kids protocol that includes the GNJK Self‐Assessment, Quality Improvement Planning and Rating Process.

Child care centers provide care for six or more children, under 13 years old, for less than 24 hours a day. They are licensed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing (OOL). Child care centers are required to meet health and safety, program and staffing requirements. These are programs that are privately-funded or may be funded with NJ Child Care Assistance Program payment.
 
Blended programs:
A blended program is a licensed child care center that contracts with school districts or have head start/early head start classrooms within their program. If you fall into this category, please review the “Who Will Support Me” document as your Road to Quality supports may look a little different. 
 
Grow NJ Kids is a site-level rating, it is not by classroom or district. The program is responsible to only submit one self‐assessment, quality improvement plan, and rating readiness for each site using NJCCIS.

NOTE: The initial rating process is tailored to your individual program needs and takes an average of 18 months (about 1.5 years) to complete. Staff will attend formal training offerings based on individualized professional development plans. This begins during the introduction and continues throughout the process. Programs must submit for their first rating within 18 months of enrollment.

Step 1 - Enroll

• Submit a Grow NJ Kids enrollment application in NJCCIS.
• Upon approval, programs will receive a welcome email and instructions for how to complete the online Grow NJ Kids Orientation. Orientation should be completed within 30 days of enrollment acceptance. Programs that fail to complete GNJK Orientation within 90 days will be disengaged.
• After you complete the Grow NJ Kids Orientation, you will be assigned a Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS).
• Partner with your Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS) to get started.

Step 2 - Getting Started

• Work with your QIS to complete a pre-assessment of Personal Care Routines and Health and Safety Practices.
• Review your NJCCIS account to ensure all staff are associated with your program.
• Receive an overview of Grow NJ Kids and the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) for staff and begin observing classrooms using the ERS tool.
• Identify training and professional development goals for staff.

Step 3 - Self-Assessment and Goal Planning

• Transition to a Regional Technical Assistance Center and meet your program's Technical Assistance Specialist (TAS).
• Select an approved research-based curriculum and assessment pedagogy.
• Receive mentoring, coaching and observation for the ERS tools from your TA Specialist.
• Complete the Grow NJ Kids program Self-Assessment with support from your TAS.
• Develop your program's goals and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
• Programs that qualify may submit a request for classroom enhancements and learning materials – that were identified in your Quality Improvement Plan.

Step 4 - Meet Your Quality Improvement Goals

• Partner with your TAS to implement your Quality Improvement Plan.
• Gather and review rating documentation and professional development certifications.
• Conduct internal Environment Rating Scale (ERS) observation assessments for all age groups to prepare for rating.

Step 5 - Get Rated

• Meet Quality Improvement Plan criteria for star rating you intend to obtain.
• Submit rating request through NJCCIS and submit a “Rating Readiness Checklist” to the GNJK rating partner at CREEHS.
• Upload evidence and documentation for rating to the NJCCIS file cabinet.
• A representative from GNJK Rating at CREEHS will contact your program to arrange the rating process details.
• Achieve your first 3, 4 or 5-star rating!

Step 6 - Continuous Quality Improvement

• A Grow NJ Kids star rating is valid for three years.
• Work to maintain  or improve upon your achieved level of care and professional development with continuous quality improvement and rating renewal.
• Receive ongoing coaching, mentoring and consultation support from your TA Specialist.
• At least six months prior to your rating expiration, apply for re-rating.

Who Will Support Me?
Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS) – The QIS is from the local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency. Each county in the state of New Jersey has a CCR&R. The QIS will support all child care classrooms and family child care providers enrolled in Grow NJ Kids through phase 1 of the Grow NJ Kids TA protocol.

Technical Assistance Specialist (TAS) – The TAS is from one of the four regional Grow NJ Kids technical assistance centers. The TAS will support child care classrooms through phase 2 of the Grow NJ Kids Self‐Assessment, Quality Improvement Planning, and Rating Process. For child care classrooms and family child care providers, all questions regarding your QIS/TAS should be directed to [email protected].

Blended programs: A blended program is a licensed child care center that contracts with school districts or have head start/early head start classrooms within their program. If you fall into this category, please review the “Who Will Support Me” document as your Road to Quality supports may look a little different. 

Head Start and Early Head Start are free, federally-funded programs that provide comprehensive early learning and childhood development services. Early Head Start programs support pregnant women and families with children younger than age 3 years. Head Start programs serve children between 3 and 5 years old. Early Head Start and Head Start programs may be located in licensed child care centers or family child care homes through agencies in local communities.
 
New Jersey funds free preschool programs referred to as the state’s Preschool Expansion program. The preschool programs provide a full-day program to all 3- and 4-year-olds who live in those districts and choose to enroll. Additionally, some private child-care centers and Head Start programs contract with school districts to deliver educational preschool services.

Blended programs: A blended program is a licensed child care center that contracts with school districts or have head start/early head start classrooms within their program. If you fall into this category, please review the “Who will Support Me” document as your Road to Quality supports may look a little different. 
 
Grow NJ Kids is a site-level rating, it is not by classroom or district. The program is responsible to only submit one self‐assessment, quality improvement plan, and rating readiness for each site using NJCCIS.

NOTE: The initial rating process is tailored to your individual program needs and takes an average of 21 months (about 1.75 years) to complete. Staff will attend formal training offerings based on individualized professional development plans. This begins during the introduction and continues throughout process. Programs must submit for their first rating within 21 months of enrollment.


Step 1 - Enroll

• Submit a Grow NJ Kids enrollment application in NJCCIS.
• Upon approval, programs will receive a welcome email and instructions for how to complete the online Grow NJ Kids Orientation. Orientation should be completed within 30 days of enrollment acceptance. Programs that fail to complete GNJK Orientation within 90 days will be disengaged.
• After you complete the Grow NJ Kids Orientation, you will be assigned a Technical Assistance Specialist (TAS).
• Partner with your Technical Assistance Specialist (TAS) to get started.

Step 2 - Getting Started

• Meet your TAS and review GNJK Protocols and the GNJK participation agreement.
• Review your NJCCIS account to ensure all staff are associated with your program.
• Identify a GNJK Lead – an individual that will lead the program’s improvement efforts and serve as the primary contact for the TA Specialist.
• Identify training and professional development goals for staff.

Step 3 - Self-Assessment and Goal Planning

• Receive mentoring, coaching and observation on the GNJK Standards from your TA Specialist.
• Complete the Grow NJ Kids program Self-Assessment with support from your TAS.
• Develop your program's goals and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).

Step 4 - Meet Your Quality Improvement Goals

• Partner with your TAS to implement your Quality Improvement Plan.
• Gather and review rating documentation and professional development certifications.
• Conduct internal Environment Rating Scale (ERS) observation assessments for all age groups to prepare for rating.

Step 5 - Get Rated

• Meet Quality Improvement Plan criteria for star rating you intend to obtain.
• Submit rating request through NJCCIS.
• Upload evidence and documentation for rating to the NJCCIS file cabinet.
• A representative from GNJK Rating at CREEHS will contact your program to arrange the rating process details.
• Achieve your first 3, 4 or 5-star rating!

Step 6 - Continuous Quality Improvement

• A Grow NJ Kids star rating is valid for three years.
• Work to maintain  or improve upon your achieved level of care and professional development with continuous quality improvement and rating renewal.
• Receive ongoing coaching, mentoring and consultation support from your TAS.
• At least six months prior to your rating expiration, apply for re-rating.

Who Will Support Me?
All Head Start and Early Head Start programs should identify a team from within their agency or umbrella agency to support the site through the Grow NJ Kids process. The team composition should include staff from the following content areas: education, health, disabilities, family engagement, compliance, or anyone deemed important to the team. For NJCCIS, one designee from this team should be selected to be assigned the role of GNJK Lead for reporting and tracking progression in Grow NJ Kids in the data system. For Head Start and Early Head Start programs, all questions regarding your Grow NJ Kids team should be directed to [email protected].
 
Technical Assistance Specialist (TAS): 
The TAS is from one of the four Regional Grow NJ Kids Technical Assistance Centers. The TAS will guide the identified Head Start/Early Head Start team though the Grow NJ Kids process. All questions regarding your TAS should be directed to [email protected].

Blended programs: A blended program is a licensed child care center that contracts with school districts or have head start/early head start classrooms within their program. If you fall into this category, please review the “Who Will Support Me” document as your Road to Quality supports may look a little different. 

As we work to bring you a improved training calendar, our partners at Grow NJ Kids Training Services are continuing to support your professional development as a Grow NJ Kids program. 

Download a list of current trainings for:  September  |  October  |  Always Available Online  |  SEFI Keeping Babies and Children in Mind Virtual Workshops

And remember that the New Jersey Child Care Information System (NJCCIS) is the point of access to the NJ Workforce Registry - allowing you to maintain a record of your experience, education and professional development and to access all your training resources. 
 
To help you make the most of your training opportunities, we’ve put together a collection of quick tips you may find helpful.
Tips for Success in Virtual Training Flyer | Consejos para el éxito en el folleto de formación virtual
 
If you have any questions or issues with any of the Grow NJ Kids trainings, please contact 732-258-5203 or [email protected].

These resources are intended for early care and education programs. Topics include mental health and social-emotional resources, face coverings, hand washing, sanitizing surfaces, infection spread, using gloves, diapering and changing and self-care for providers. Note that this guidance does not supersede New Jersey state requirements, but instead provides best practices for implementation. 

View Resources

If your program is receiving payment through the NJ Child Care Assistance Program and/or enrolled in Grow NJ Kids - and you are a teacher or assistant teacher in a child care center or are a registered family child care provider you may be eligible for a scholarship. 

Scholarships can be used for CDA training and college coursework. Download the flyer for more information or visit NJCCIS to apply.

• Office of Licensing
• Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&Rs) agencies