New Jersey Assembly Bill A1068

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

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

Impact

Enactment of A1068 would significantly alter the operational landscape for family day care providers across New Jersey. By allowing providers to care for up to ten children, the bill could potentially facilitate better income opportunities for such businesses. However, this increase in capacity is contingent upon the providers fulfilling enhanced health and safety regulations to safeguard the welfare of both children and staff. Family day care homes must demonstrate compliance with these regulations, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to manage larger groups effectively.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1068 proposes amendments to current New Jersey legislation governing family day care providers. The bill primarily seeks to increase the number of children that a registered family day care provider can care for at one time, changing the limit from five to ten children. This adjustment aims to provide greater flexibility for family day care homes and address the rising demand for child care services, particularly in a state where many parents are seeking reliable care options for their children.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, A1068 has not been without contention. Proponents of the bill assert that it is a necessary change to improve child care access without compromising quality. However, critics express concerns regarding the readiness of family day care providers to handle the increased responsibilities associated with larger child groups, particularly in terms of maintaining safety and quality standards. There have been discussions around whether the current training programs and resources available to these providers are sufficient to support the proposed expansion.