The Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development has grants available to help increase high-quality child care services and programs for our most vulnerable young children as well as strengthening our economy and our workforce. 

Current Grant:
Recertification period of the Thriving by Three Grant (to help support the development and creation of child care infants and toddlers slots and provide technical assistance to providers for the expansion of child care spaces)

Current Scholarships:
CDA Training and College Course Work Scholarships 

 

Additional Support for Child Care Providers

NJEDA Child Care Facility Improvement Program Grant Phase 2 for Registered Family Child Care Providers

Applications for the Child Care Facilities Improvement Program Phase 2 are now open. Access the application at the “Apply Here” link on the NJEDA Child Care Facilities Improvement Program – Phase 2 page.

This pilot grant of $5 million is to support New Jersey Registered Family Child Care homes (FCCs) with the purchase of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE) that will contribute to Health, Safety and Accessibility and/or High-Quality Learning Environments. 

Family Child Care Homes (FCCs) are an essential component of the state’s child care mixed delivery system and help to meet the varied needs of New Jersey’s diverse population. FCCs are in the same neighborhoods where families live, provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care, flexible hours and often offer non-traditional hours. Investing in the quality of FCC facilities is essential to ensure that all families have access to these positive effects of quality child care. NJEDA aims to provide FCCs with support that promotes long-term stability and ensures that the child care environment that they provide is safe, healthy, accessible, and conducive to high-quality early learning.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Registered with the NJ Department of Children and Families through their local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency
  • Prior to approval be registered to do business in NJ and provide a Tax Clearance Certificate
  • Must currently enroll or have enrolled in the 12 months prior to application submission at least one child receiving support through the NJ Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
  • Offer full time care (a minimum of 6 hours/day, 5 days/week and 10 months/year)
  • Be in good standing with:
    • NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development
    • NJ Department of Environmental Protection
    • NJ Division of Taxation
  • If not already enrolled in DHS’ Grow NJ Kids (GNJK) quality rating and improvement system, commit to enrolling in the program within one (1) year of executing a grant agreement with EDA
  • Commit to maintain registration with DCF to provide child care for at least two (2) years following executing a grant agreement

 
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Checklist

Questions about this grant opportunity can be directed to [email protected] or by calling (844) 965-1125. 
 

3/3/25