Getting Started in Child Care
Starting a child care business is both a rewarding profession and a great responsibility. If you are considering working with our youngest children, we are here to help you by providing resources, advice and information. We are certain you share our goal of quality care and education for all children. We congratulate you on your choice of careers and the seriousness of your decision to help children learn and grow. There can be no more important work than nurturing and respecting the children who spend hour in out-of-home settings.
Please use the resources on this website to help you get started. Remember, we can help you develop your curriculum and assist with environment planning. For further information, you can contact Marcy Spinner, Child Care Development Manager, at 732-918-9901, Ext. 124 or at mspinner@ccrnj.org.
Opening a Licensed Child Care Center
Providing care and education for young children in a child care setting is a rewarding and important profession. The demand for safe, healthy, high quality care and education for our youngest children requires knowledge of child development, a nurturing attitude, energy and the ability to work with staff and parents. Your careful planning and strong commitment will be necessary as you go forward with your goal.
Contact the Office of Licensing
In New Jersey, all child care centers must be inspected, licensed and monitored by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You will need a copy of the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers. You may obtain a copy by calling 1-877-677-9485 or by accessing the Manual of Requirements online at: http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/providers/licensing/laws/CCCmanual.pdf.
Prepare a Business Plan
You may want to write a business plan. In fact, this will be necessary if you are seeking funding. You will find the information you need at http://www.sba.gov/ and http://www.bplans.com/.
How Child Care Resources Can Help
Once you have read the Manual of Requirement and have had a courtesy inspection by the Office of Licensing, please contact us to:
- Help you plan or develop a curriculum
- Set up your environment
- Guide you to resources for every aspect of child care and early childhood education
Contact our Child Care Development Manager, Marcy Spinner, at 732-918-9901, Ext. 124 or at mspinner@ccrnj.org. Marcy will meet with you to discuss your plans and she will help you find materials from our Lending Library.
Our goal is to help you create a child care program that provides the very best for the young children and families you serve.