$54 Million Available To NJ Families To Help Pay For Child Care

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — More than $54 million will be made available to New Jersey families to help offset the cost of childcare, state officials announced Thursday.

The subsidies, $30 million from the federal government and $24 million from New Jersey, will help support and incentivize improving child care programs through the Grow NJ Kids program.

The program serves about 100,000 children by helping low-to-moderate income families who are working, in training, or in school afford child care. About 5,000 child care providers in New Jersey participate in the program.

Support for infant care will have increased nearly 40 percent under the Murphy administration to nearly $1,000 by Jan. 1. Rates for toddler care will have increased to about $690 per month. The higher a provider's quality-rating from the state, the more aid is available.

"A mother should never have to choose between paying her rent and keeping her baby in quality child care," First Lady Tammy Murphy said in a news release. "Investing in child care is a critical component to reducing maternal and infant mortality as well as a commitment to New Jersey families, gender equality, and the general well-being of our children."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com