Searchable Database Contains Nearly 4,000 Centers, Making It Easier To Pick The Right One

For Immediate Release	Contact: Ernest Landante, Jr.
November 16, 2015	609-888-7915

TRENTON - The Christie Administration is making it easier for parents and caregivers to find the right licensed child care center for their child.  The New Jersey Department of Children and Families has created a searchable online database of nearly 4,000 state licensed child care centers, enabling parents to search for centers and access a center's state inspection report.

"Finding the right child care center can be stressful for any parent or caregiver," said DCF Commissioner Allison Blake.  "Whether you're new parents or parents new to the area, there's much to consider and this new online database will help make finding a center a little easier."

The Licensed Child Care Center Explorer is available at https://data.nj.gov/childcare_explorer.

The database includes convenient access to child care center state inspection reports.  DCF regularly inspects licensed child care centers to ensure they comply with rules governing child supervision, staff to child ratios, activities, nutrition, sanitation, health and fire safety, and more.

When visiting a child care center, parents should ask plenty of questions about the center's policies and procedures.  The New Jersey Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies provides a helpful checklist that parents can use to ask questions, compare child care centers, and make an informed decision.  The checklist is available at http://www.njaccrra.org/documents/parentsPublications/Child%20Care%20Checklist.doc.

In New Jersey, a child care center is any home or facility that cares for the development or supervision of six or more children less than 13 years of age.  Centers are licensed by the DCF Office of Licensing, which regulates and inspects child care centers.  Inspection ensure licensed child care centers comply with rules governing child supervision, staff to child ratios, activities, nutrition, sanitation, health and fire safety, and more.

"Our licensed child care center database is regularly updated, so parents and caregivers always have access to the latest information about centers near their home or work," added Blake.

DCF is dedicated to ensuring a better today and an even greater tomorrow for every individual the department serves. In partnership with New Jersey's communities, DCF ensures the safety, well-being, and success of New Jersey's children and families.  DCF funds and directly provides services and support to over 100,000 women, children, and families each month.