New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3139

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires mandatory registration of family day care providers.

Impact

The bill will require annual monitoring and evaluation of registered family day care providers, a significant increase from the biennial evaluations allowed under the current law. This change is intended to establish more rigorous compliance with state health and safety standards, ensuring better protection for children in day care. Additionally, parents will have access to permanent records of registered providers upon request, facilitating increased transparency and informed choice for families. DCF will also be responsible for preparing and submitting annual reports detailing the number of registered homes and inquiries made by parents.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3139 aims to enhance regulatory oversight for family day care providers in New Jersey by transitioning from a voluntary to a mandatory registration system. Currently, family day care providers can choose to register voluntarily under the Family Day Care Provider Registration Act of 1987. The proposed legislation mandates that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) contract with sponsoring organizations to ensure that all family day care providers are registered, thereby increasing accountability and oversight regarding the care they provide.

Contention

Supporters of A3139 argue that mandatory registration and increased monitoring are essential steps for safeguarding children in family day care settings, particularly in light of past difficulties with voluntary registration. Critics, however, may express concerns about the burden this new requirement could impose on day care providers, particularly small home-based operations, which may struggle with compliance costs associated with the increased regulatory regime. The fiscal implications of implementation, including potential licensing fees for providers, could also be a point of contention, impacting the availability and affordability of family day care services.

Companion Bills

NJ A850

Carry Over Requires mandatory registration of family day care providers.

Previously Filed As

NJ A850

Requires mandatory registration of family day care providers.

NJ A1068

Permits up to 10 children to be cared for by a registered family day care provider.

NJ A2910

Permits up to 10 children to be cared for by a registered family day care provider.

NJ A1991

Clarifies statutory exemptions from mandatory immunization requirements for child care center and school attendance.

NJ A1812

Clarifies statutory exemptions from mandatory immunization requirements for child care center and school attendance.

NJ A1469

Allows gross income tax credit for certain child care staff and registered family day care providers.

NJ S1099

Allows gross income tax credit for certain child care staff and registered family day care providers.

NJ A2243

Allows gross income tax credit for certain child care staff and registered family day care providers.

NJ S3382

Allows gross income tax credit for certain child care staff and registered family day care providers.

NJ A2244

Requires State provider subsidy payments for child care services to be based on enrollment.

Similar Bills

NJ A850

Requires mandatory registration of family day care providers.

NJ S109

Provides for background checks and other requirements for certain agencies providing temporary home for child or pregnant woman during crisis.

NJ A1324

Provides for background checks and other requirements for certain agencies providing temporary home for child or pregnant woman during crisis.

NJ A1148

Provides for background checks and other requirements for certain agencies providing temporary home for child or pregnant woman during crisis.

NJ S1988

Provides for background checks and other requirements for certain agencies providing temporary home for child or pregnant woman during crisis.

NJ A4178

Establishes Department of Early Childhood.

NJ S2475

Establishes Department of Early Childhood.

NJ S2237

Establishes Department of Early Childhood.