Families are expressing concerns with finding quality child care in New Jersey. A new report from Advocates for Children of New Jersey found programs are offering 10 fewer seats for infants and toddlers even if they have the space, just because they don’t have adequate staffing. Child-care advocates say lack of compensation is one of the main reasons the centers are understaffed.
Sen. Majority leader Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) is sponsoring a package of bills that would make child care more accessible and affordable. Last month, Gov. Phil Murphy signed one of the bills into law; it would create a $28 million grant program to help centers make more spots available for infants and toddlers. But advocates say that’s not enough.
