Garden State Times

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn of Morris County directly questioned Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer during a recent Assembly budget hearing about the lack of support for New Jersey's licensed child care centers. When asked about the department's retention and recruitment plan for the child care workforce, Beyer responded, "Unfortunately, I can't. That's not the work of my department."

Beyer acknowledged the decrease in the number of child care centers in the state since 2020, with only eight out of the 21 counties experiencing an increase. She mentioned an increase in capacity at the centers but could not explain how it was achieved without additional workers.

Assemblywoman Dunn highlighted the impact of shifting subsidies from attendance-based to enrollment-based during the pandemic, which stabilized the child care sector. However, she expressed concerns about the current attendance-based program leading to the closure of child care centers.

Dunn, who sponsors legislation to base subsidy payments on enrollment, emphasized the importance of supporting licensed child care centers. She pointed out the disparity in enrollment growth between district-operated preschool programs and licensed child care centers, stating, "A 3-year-old is a 3-year-old. Their needs are the same."

Beyer clarified that subsidies fall under the Department of Human Services, not DCF, and noted the distinction between child care centers and universal pre-K programs within the state's education system.

Despite an increase in DCF funding for fiscal year 2025, child care licensing revenue has decreased. Dunn's questioning shed light on the challenges faced by licensed child care centers in New Jersey and the need for greater support and attention from state agencies.

To address the concerns raised during the budget hearing and support the licensed child care centers in the state, further collaboration and action from relevant departments are essential.