Quick answer: How do I start a daycare in New Jersey?
To start a daycare in New Jersey, you need a license from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Office of Licensing if you care for six or more children under age 13 for less than 24 hours a day. Secure a Certificate of Occupancy, apply at least 45 days before opening, pay the fee, complete background checks, and pass inspection. Homes with five or fewer children can register voluntarily.
In this guide
New Jersey daycare licensing at a glance
| Requirement | Child care center | Family child care home |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Six or more children under age 13, less than 24 hours a day | Up to five children at a time in the provider's private residence (up to eight in limited cases) |
| Oversight | License from the DCF Office of Licensing (required) | Voluntary registration through your county Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency |
| Fee | $110 to $250 for the three-year license, based on licensed capacity | $25 registration fee, paid to the sponsoring organization when a certificate is first issued and at each renewal |
| License term | Three-year licensing period | Three-year registration period |
| Timing | Apply at least 45 days before opening | Renewal application due 45 days before your certificate expires |
| Background checks | Fingerprint (CHRI) check for staff age 18 and older, plus Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) check | CARI consent forms for everyone age 14 and older who lives or works in your home |
| Training | Staff orientation within two weeks of hire, plus 12 hours of staff development a year | 18 hours of pre-service training, plus current first aid and CPR certification |
Sources: DCF Office of Licensing, Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, and DCF Licensing & Billing page.
Do I need a childcare license in New Jersey?
Yes, if you run a center. The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) says child care centers provide care for six or more children below 13 years of age who attend less than 24 hours a day, and State law requires them to be licensed. Source: DCF Office of Licensing. The Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers (N.J.A.C. 3A:52) is the rulebook. If you are unsure whether your program needs a license, call the Office of Licensing at 1-877-667-9845 before you begin operating. Source: DCF Office of Licensing.
Which programs do not need a center license in New Jersey?
The manual does not treat these as centers (section 3A:52-1.2(c)), or exempts them by law (3A:52-1.3). Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers.
- Fewer than six children. A program caring for fewer than six children under 13 is not a center. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers.
- Drop-in care. Children attend on a drop-in basis for no more than two hours, and a parent is readily accessible in the same building. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers.
- Federal facilities. Programs operating in an area or facility owned or operated by the federal government. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers.
- Open-door programs. Programs where there is no agreement for the program to assume responsibility for the child. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers.
- Emergency care. Care offered on an occasional basis to meet an emergency, such as a school closing. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers.
- Other exempt programs. The list in 3A:52-1.3 includes public school board programs, religious instruction programs, single-activity programs, homework programs, youth camps, and certain Department of Education-approved programs for children with disabilities. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers.
Not sure where to begin? Use our checklist for starting a preschool to compare program types.
Can I register a family child care home in New Jersey?
Family child care homes (also called family day care homes) care for five or fewer children below age 13 in the provider's private residence. Providers may choose to register voluntarily through a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency under contract with the Department of Human Services. Source: DCF Office of Licensing. To register, DCF lists these steps. Source: DCF Licensing & Billing page.
- Apply. Submit an application to your county CCR&R with two character references, results of a medical examination and tuberculin Mantoux test, disclosures of any criminal convictions, and Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) consent forms for everyone age 14 and older who lives or works in your home. Source: DCF Licensing & Billing page.
- Train. Complete 18 hours of pre-service training, provided free of charge by the sponsoring organization. Source: DCF Licensing & Billing page.
- Pass a home inspection. The sponsoring organization examines the numbers and ages of children in care, health, safety, program activities, nutrition, supervision, discipline, record keeping, and communication with parents. Source: DCF Licensing & Billing page.
- Pay the fee. Pay a $25 fee to the sponsoring organization. Source: DCF Licensing & Billing page.
What are the family child care registration rules in New Jersey?
The registration rules are in the Manual of Requirements for Family Child Care Registration (N.J.A.C. 3A:54). Key points:
- Capacity. You may care for no more than five children at a time. You may care for up to three more, for a maximum of eight, only if the extra children live with you and are under age six, or are the unpaid children of your alternate provider, substitute provider, or provider assistant. Children age six and older who live with you do not count toward the limit of eight. Source: Manual of Requirements for Family Child Care Registration, 3A:54-6.1.
- Infants and toddlers. Without a second caregiver, you may care for no more than three children under age one, or four children under age two (no more than two of them under age one). Source: Manual of Requirements for Family Child Care Registration, 3A:54-6.2.
- Registration period. Each registration period is three years and can include temporary certificates, each lasting up to six months. You cannot operate on temporary certificates for more than one year. Source: Manual of Requirements for Family Child Care Registration, 3A:54-5.4 and 5.5.
- Health and safety documents. Submit a health care provider's statement based on an exam within the past six months and proof of a Mantoux tuberculin skin test (or a chest x-ray in certain cases) for you, your alternate provider, your assistant, and household members present during care. Keep first aid and CPR certification current, with an in-person component. Source: Manual of Requirements for Family Child Care Registration, 3A:54-5.2 and 4.1.
- Home evaluation. The sponsoring organization evaluates your home, including rooms used by children and areas not meant for children, such as the basement, attic, garage, and storage shed. Monitoring inspections happen at least once every two years. Source: Manual of Requirements for Family Child Care Registration, 3A:54-5.2 and 5.4.
- Renewal. Your sponsoring organization sends a renewal packet at least 90 days before expiration. Submit it at least 45 days before your certificate expires, with documentation of 20 hours of in-service training (not including first aid or CPR) from the past three years. The $25 fee applies at each renewal. Source: Manual of Requirements for Family Child Care Registration, 3A:54-5.7 and 4.5.
Visit childcarenj.gov or contact your county CCR&R for more about the types of family child care providers.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
What are the childcare licensing requirements in New Jersey?
Everything you need to know, from facility and staffing requirements to record keeping, insurance, health, and safety standards, is in the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers. The state also publishes the Understanding Licensing Regulations forms packet, which includes checklists to help you prepare for inspection. Source: DCF Licensing & Billing page.
What staff qualifications does a New Jersey childcare center need?
Every early childhood center needs a director and a head teacher (or a consulting head teacher), and teachers who meet group teacher qualifications. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.6.
- Director, more than 30 children. A master's degree in any field related to children or business, or a bachelor's degree plus one year of managerial or supervisory experience. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.6.
- Director, 30 or fewer children. The director meets the group teacher qualifications below. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.6.
- Group teacher. One year of teaching experience in a group program for children under six, plus one educational credential: an associate's degree in early childhood education or child development; six college credits in early childhood education or child development plus nine credits in a related field; a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; a Certified Child Care Professional (CCP) certificate; a Group Teacher endorsement from the New Jersey Registry for Childhood Professionals; or the New Jersey Infant/Toddler Credential. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.6.
- Head teacher. Seven options combine education and experience, such as a master's degree in education with six college credits and one year of experience, or a bachelor's degree in education or a related field with six credits and two years of experience. The Head Teacher endorsement from the New Jersey Registry for Childhood Professionals is also accepted. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.6.
- School-age programs. The director meets the program supervisor qualifications, which depend on licensed capacity. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.6.
What training do childcare staff need in New Jersey?
Newly hired staff complete orientation within two weeks of hire, and no one is left alone with children until it is done. All staff repeat the orientation topics each year and complete 12 hours of staff development a year. The director, head teacher, group teacher, and program supervisor complete 20 hours a year instead, and directors complete staff development in understanding licensing regulations within 90 days of hire. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.7 and 4.8.
What facility and safety rules apply to New Jersey childcare centers?
These are some of the building and safety rules in Subchapter 5 through 7 of the manual. Read the full text before you sign a lease. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-5.3 to 7.8.
- Indoor space. Plan for at least 35 square feet of usable indoor activity space per child if your center opened on or after July 1, 1989 and serves 16 or more children. Smaller centers (fewer than 16 children) and centers that opened before July 1, 1989 need at least 30 square feet per child. Hallways, bathrooms, offices, storage, kitchens, and closets do not count. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-5.3(q).
- Outdoor space. Early childhood centers need net outdoor space for children over 10 months old who are in care for three or more consecutive hours. New and relocating centers licensed on or after September 1, 2013 need at least 350 square feet, plus 35 square feet for each child beyond 10 using the space at one time. Existing centers need 150 square feet, plus 30 square feet for each child beyond five. Exceptions exist if outdoor space is impossible at the site. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-5.4(a)7.
- Infants and toddlers. New and relocating centers licensed after September 1, 2013 must keep children under 2½ on the floor level of exit discharge. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-5.3(m).
- Environmental checks. Centers must submit a lead paint inspection (unless the building was built after 1978), water testing for lead and copper, and radon testing at least once every five years in classrooms on the lowest floor. Centers cannot be licensed in a building with a dry cleaner or nail salon unless indoor air sampling shows no impact. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-5.3.
- Fire and emergency drills. Hold fire drills at least once a month, evacuate all children within three minutes, and conduct two lockdown drills a year. Keep a written emergency plan. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-5.3(l) and (n).
- First aid and CPR. At least two staff members with current first aid and CPR certification, including a hands-on component, must be in the center whenever children are present. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-5.3(o).
- Health records. Early childhood programs need a health exam on file for each child not in school (within six months of admission for children 2½ or younger, within a year for older children) and an immunization record. Staff who spend 20 percent or more of the center's weekly hours with children need a Mantoux tuberculin test and a health statement from a health care provider based on an exam within the past six months. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-7.3 and 7.4.
What insurance does a New Jersey daycare need?
The sponsor must secure comprehensive general liability insurance for the center and keep a copy of the policy or proof of current coverage on file. The manual does not set a dollar amount. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-3.4. Centers that transport children also need vehicle insurance under 3A:52-9.6. Source: DCF Licensing & Billing page.
New Jersey daycare ratios and group sizes
The manual sets minimum staff-to-child ratios by age. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.3.
| Age of children | Staff-to-child ratio |
|---|---|
| Under 18 months | 1:4 |
| 18 months to 2½ years | 1:6 |
| 2½ to 4 years | 1:10 |
| 4 years | 1:12 |
| 5 years and older | 1:15 |
Ratios are different during rest periods and for groups with children who have special needs. Centers also need at least two staff members whenever six or more children under age six are present. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.3. Group size limits apply too: no more than four infants or six toddlers per primary caregiver, no more than 20 children in an early childhood group of children 2½ and older, and no more than 30 in a school-age group. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.4.
See also brightwheel's guide to childcare ratios.
How do I apply for a childcare license in New Jersey?
- Find a site and get a Certificate of Occupancy. Contact the municipal construction official to confirm the property is zoned for a center, and secure a variance if the building is not in a business zone. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) showing the building meets the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code for one of these use groups: E (Educational) for six or more children age 2½ and older, I-4 (Institutional) for one or more children under 2½, or A-3 (Assembly) for school-age programs only. A new CO is also needed if you change the group classification, make a major renovation, add floor area, or relocate. Source: DCF Licensing & Billing page and Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-5.2.
- Check location rules. A license is issued for a specific location and sponsor and is not transferable. New or relocating centers cannot be in a building that was formerly a dry cleaner or funeral home. If one sponsor uses several buildings, you may apply for a separate license for each, or one license if the buildings are on the same or contiguous properties and have the same director. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.3.
- Request a courtesy inspection and plan review. Once you know the site is zoned for a center, call the Office of Licensing at 1-877-667-9845 for a courtesy inspection. The office also reviews architectural plans for renovations and new construction, at no cost to prospective operators. If you plan to build or renovate, submit drawings to the Office of Licensing for approval before construction begins. Source: DCF Licensing & Billing page and Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-5.2.
- Submit your application and fee. Apply at least 45 days before you plan to open, using the Child Care Center Application. Include the licensing fee as a check or money order payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey. The fee depends on licensed capacity (see the fee table below). Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.1 and DCF Licensing & Billing page.
- Complete background checks. You and all staff members age 18 and older who work at the center on a regularly scheduled basis complete an electronic fingerprint Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) check through the State's authorized vendor. Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) checks are also required, and the center submits $10.00 per CARI check with the consent forms. New staff complete fingerprinting within two weeks of starting. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.10 and 4.11.
- Pass your licensing inspection. A licensing inspector reviews your facility and records to confirm compliance. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.2. The state's forms packet includes an administrative records checklist you can use to prepare. Source: DCF Licensing & Billing page.
- Receive your license. A center in full compliance receives a regular license. A center in substantial compliance, with no serious or imminent hazard, receives a temporary license of up to six months, with the steps needed for a regular license in writing. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.2. Once you are licensed, choose a name for your childcare program and market your program to families.
How long is a New Jersey childcare license valid?
Each licensing period is three years and can include one or more temporary licenses and one regular license. A center cannot operate on temporary licenses for more than 18 months. The first period is counted from the date the first temporary or regular license is issued. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.2.
Plan your business too. Our guide to writing a daycare business plan and checklist for starting a daycare business can help. Whether you open a center or a family home, brightwheel's new program support and childcare management software can help you launch. Compare other states in our childcare licensing requirements by state.
Getting your childcare license is just the beginning. Launching your program takes planning, tools, and reliable support. That’s why brightwheel offers a dedicated New Program Experience designed to guide you every step of the way. With our all-in-one platform, you can simplify enrollment, set up billing plans, and stay on track for a smooth, successful opening.
I would say that if you are a new program that you should definitely jump on brightwheel and just experience it. It’s tools that help make your life easier as the owner and director. There’s no reason not to, with the cost and the effectiveness, it’s 100% a yes for me.” Crystal D., Owner & Director at Lil’ Ranch Hands Family Childcare Home in Minco, OK
As I build my new program, the billing features are a game changer. I can easily invoice parents, and everything is automatically tracked—especially helpful come tax season.” Emily K., Owner of Emily Finzen Childcare in Lake Benton, MN
Experience Curriculum allows you to lean into creativity while following the curriculum. It’s all right there, it’s all prepared for you, and then you can lean into it.” Leinani G., Owner of Creative Minds Learning Academy in Bothell, WA
Brightwheel helps us in every way possible. From their onboarding and support team to the features that keep us organized, on track with planning, and communicating smoothly as a team to parents and each other. I couldn't imagine a better management system for our program." Harida H., Administrator at Play Pals Daycare in Maumee, OH
How much does a daycare license cost in New Jersey?
The licensing fee is paid with your application for the three-year license. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.1.
| Licensed capacity | Fee |
|---|---|
| 6 to 15 children | $110 |
| 16 to 30 children | $140 |
| 31 to 60 children | $165 |
| 61 to 100 children | $195 |
| 101 to 180 children | $220 |
| 181 or more children | $250 |
- Payment. Check or money order payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.1.
- Head Start and free school-age programs. A Head Start center or a school-age program that charges parents nothing pays $110. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.1.
- Refunds. DCF refunds the fee if the application is denied or the center does not open, but not after a license is issued. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.1.
- Background check fee. $10.00 for each CARI background check, submitted with the consent forms. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-4.10.
How do I stay compliant with my New Jersey daycare license?
- Renew every three years. Apply for renewal at least 45 days before your license expires. DCF conducts renewal inspections every three years and annual monitoring inspections, and investigates complaints. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.1 and DCF Office of Licensing.
- Post your license. Display the license in a prominent location in the center and in each building associated with it. Do not claim to be licensed by any agency other than DCF. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.2.
- Keep records and checks current. Keep conviction disclosures and CARI and CHRI background check results on file. Failure to maintain them is a reason DCF may deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.4.
- Allow inspections. Refusing DCF access to the center, or refusing to provide files, reports, or records, can lead to denial or revocation. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.4.
- Protect children's health and safety. Policies or staff conduct that present a serious hazard, or a failure to provide developmental activities that meet children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs, can lead to loss of your license. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.4.
- Act on background check results. Refusing to end the employment of a staff member whose CARI check shows a substantiated incident of child abuse or neglect is a reason for revocation. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.4.
- Know the reapplication wait. After a denial or revocation, you generally must wait one year before reapplying. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.4.
- Close and reopen carefully. A center with no children in attendance for six months or more is deemed closed and needs a new license to serve children again. Source: Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers, 3A:52-2.2.
Our checklist for starting a daycare business can help you stay organized.
What financial resources are available for New Jersey childcare providers?
Grants are financial awards from government agencies or private foundations that do not need to be repaid. You can use them for facility updates, equipment, or staff training. Review the current grants for childcare providers in New Jersey to find options that fit your program. The Department of Human Services also lists child care facility loan and grant information, and the DCF Office of Licensing points to the Department of Environmental Protection's Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund child care facility grant. Source: DCF Licensing & Billing page and DCF Office of Licensing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to run a home daycare in New Jersey?
A license is required for six or more children under age 13. Family child care homes with five or fewer children in the provider's own residence can choose to register voluntarily through their county Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, which includes training, a home inspection, background checks, and a $25 fee.
How much does a New Jersey daycare license cost?
The licensing fee for a child care center ranges from $110 to $250 for the three-year license, based on licensed capacity. For example, a center licensed for 6 to 15 children pays $110, and a center licensed for 181 or more pays $250. Each Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) check costs $10.
How long is a New Jersey childcare license valid?
Each licensing period is three years. A center that is in substantial compliance can receive a temporary license of up to six months, but it cannot operate on temporary licenses for more than 18 months.
What are the daycare ratios in New Jersey?
For centers, the ratios are 1:4 for children under 18 months, 1:6 for 18 months to 2½ years, 1:10 for 2½ to 4 years, 1:12 for 4-year-olds, and 1:15 for children 5 and older. Ratios differ during rest periods and for groups that include children with special needs.
What background checks do I need to open a daycare in New Jersey?
You and all staff age 18 and older who work at the center regularly complete an electronic fingerprint Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) check. A Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) check is also required, and the center pays $10 for each one.
When should I apply for a New Jersey childcare license?
Submit your application to the Office of Licensing at least 45 days before you plan to open. DCF does not publish a processing timeline, so allow time for your Certificate of Occupancy, background checks, and inspection.
Final thoughts
Securing a childcare license is a critical first step in launching a program in New Jersey. Designed with new childcare programs in mind, brightwheel's software streamlines operations, improves communication, and supports your program's growth from day one, and you can begin setting it up before you open.
