Awards Will Fund On-The-Job Training & Related Expenses for 20 Apprentices Under the NJ Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program

November 20, 2024

(TRENTON) - Continuing State efforts to expand access to quality child care, New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman and Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo today announced that awards totaling $300,000 have been provided to 14 child care centers in 11 counties to help grow the capacity of the child care workforce serving infants and toddlers across the state.

The awards are part of the NJ Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot Program. The program is being offered by Human Services' Division of Family Development and Labor, in partnership with the NJ Workforce Registry, to expand the number of child care staff with the Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, and increase the infant and toddler workforce. It is funded by the Preschool Development Grant Birth to 5 (PDG B-5) program.

"Quality child care programs rely on educators with specific knowledge and skills to serve our youngest residents. This funding will help these providers recruit staff for their infant and toddler classrooms by offering training at no cost and assistance acquiring the required credentials, while apprentices work full-time within the classroom. This will help providers meet staffing demands and the diverse child care needs of working families," said Commissioner Adelman.

"We're excited to work with New Jersey Human Services on the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program," said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. "This innovative pilot will provide aspiring educators with valuable hands-on experience and showcases the importance of apprenticeships in strengthening communities and nurturing future generations."

Sites were awarded $15,000 for each of the 20 apprentices to support on-the-job training, mentoring, substitute reimbursement, paid release time, and wages. Expenses related to the CDA certification-including class registration, book, and assessment fees-will be fully covered through the NJ Scholarship Program. Apprentices will receive a $500 merit award upon successful completion of the CDA. It is estimated that most apprentices will complete the requirements of the program within 18 months.

During the pilot phase, the State will be working to register the apprenticeship program with the US Department of Labor.

"This apprenticeship program will offer a pathway for individuals to gain the skills and credentials needed to work in the child care industry while earning a living wage. By investing in early childhood educators, this program not only strengthens the workforce but also enhances the quality of care for young children," said Human Services Deputy Commissioner for Social Services Michael J. Wilson.

"I'm thrilled that we are making this investment in the care community together with our partners at the Department of Human Services. Our care professionals are core to our communities. We are excited to support them through new Apprenticeship opportunities and to build the capacity and connection of veterans in the field to those just starting out," said Division of Workforce Development Assistant Commissioner Yolanda Allen.

"This pilot program is a first step in exploring how we can further support child care staff by providing on-the-job training, mentorship, and educational opportunities. By helping these child care providers build a skilled workforce, we help ensure that high-quality child care is accessible to more working families," said Human Services Division of Family Development Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson.

Awards were made to the following child care centers:

• Believers Learning & Day Care Center, Sussex County
• Busy Bees of Palisade Day Care Learning Center, Hudson County
• Chiki Daycare, Hudson County
• Cinnamon Sticks Learning Center, Burlington County
• Half Pint Day Care, Hunterdon County
• Learning Tree Academy, Morris County
• Linwood Head Start Center, Atlantic County
• Monmouth Day Care Center, Inc., Monmouth County
• Newark Federal Kids Care, Essex County
• Son Catchers Learning Center, Atlantic County
• The Learning Center, Mercer County
• The Learning Gate, Somerset County
• The Nurturing Place, Hudson County
• Woodbine Head Start Center, Cape May County

The Murphy Administration has invested more than $1 billion in expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care across New Jersey, including through direct assistance and subsidies for families, wage increases for child care workers, and facility infrastructure investments.

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