The Camden County Department of Children’s Services is working remotely to support families who must continue to work during COVID-19 (e.g., essential personnel in our hospitals and grocery stores and others whom we depend on at this time) as well as the child care providers who support them.
As of Wednesday, April 1, only child care centers approved by the NJ Department of Children and Families that exclusively serve the children of essential workers are allowed to remain open. Emergency child care centers that remain open must abide by new Department of Children and Families health and safety guidelines. Registered family child care homes are also open at this time.
Department of Children and Families, Division of Family Development Guidance for Child Care During COVID-19
- DCF COVID-19 Web Page
- Emergency Child Care Important Information and Resources
- Guidance to Emergency Child Care Centers on Client Eligibility and Tuition (April 1, 2020)
- DCF/Office of Licensing FAQs (March 25, 2020)
- DCF/DFD Emergency Child Care Program – Overview & Rates (April 1, 2020)
- Emergency Child Care Health and Safety Guidance (March 25, 2020)
- Governor Murphy Executive Order No. 110, Requiring Child Care Centers to Close on April 1 Unless Approved to Serve Children of Essential Workers (March 25, 2020)
- Essential Personnel Categories (March 25, 2020)
New Jersey Department of Health
NJ Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Unemployment Insurance
- Unemployed? Apply for unemployment compensation here.
- Congress increased funding and expanded the safety net due to COVID-19. The self-employed and individuals working in faith-based organizations are now eligible for unemployment compensation through a new federal program! Apply through the Division of Unemployment Insurance. It’s a one-stop shop!
- COVID-19 Scenarios & Benefits Available, NJ Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development. (English) (Spanish)
Tax Relief
- The IRS general web site
- Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments
- New Employer Tax Credits
Child Care Provider Resources
- Emergency Child Care Health and Safety Guidance (March 25, 2020)
- DCF/DFD Emergency Child Care Program – Overview & Rates (April 1, 2020)
- Routine Schedule for Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting
Podcasts from the Committee for Economic Development (CED), April 16, 2020
The are many new financing options available to support child care programs. However, it can be confusing to know which path might be the best for you. The podcasts below help every child care program understand the options available and key questions to consider.
- How Child Care Businesses Can Survive COVID-19—Considerations for Child Care Centers
- How Child Care Businesses Can Survive COVID-19—Considerations for Family Child Care Homes
Small Business Administration Help, New Jersey Department of Health
- SBA COVID-19 Relief Programs (Summary and Concepts) Bipartisan Policy Center & Committee for Economic Development
- SBA Paycheck Protection Program(P3), Forgivable Loans if Used for Eligible Purposes (Find a local lender)
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), including up to $10,000 in emergency grants (Apply through SBA link)
Need Help Reviewing Business Options?
- Business Resources for Early Education Providers Addressing COVID-19 (web site)
- Find your local Small Business Development Center or local Women’s Business Center. Free help!
State of New Jersey – COVID-19 Information Hib
Have questions about COVID-19?
Use the NJ COVID-19 Information Hub to find quick answers to questions such as
- How can I protect myself from COVID-19/novel Coronavirus?
- What are the “stay at home” rules in New Jersey? What businesses are closed?
- Where and how do I get tested for COVID-19 in New Jersey? Who should get testing?
- Has the deadline for filing taxes been extended?
- What types of benefits or assistance are available to me during the coronavirus outbreak?
- Am I eligible for any unemployment benefits if my work has been negatively impacted by COVID-19?
- What housing and rental assistance and mortgage relief is available for New Jerseyans? What if I’m getting evicted or in foreclosure?
State announcements, services, and assistance are available through the COVID-19 hub. Try it!
Parent Resources
- Div. of Family Development (DFD) Parent Resource Page
- Essential Personnel. Are you among essential personnel looking for child care? Contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for help.
- Emergency Child Care Assistance Program Overview
- Emergency Child Care Assistance Parent Agreement
- Toll-free Hotlines/Helplines
- NJ COVID-19 Family Fact Sheet (Contact #s for Assistance)
Talking About COVID-19 with Children (CDC Suggestions)
- Messages for Parents, School Staff, and Others Working with Children (CDC)
- CDC Checklist for Parents
- Answering toddler questions – why are people wearing masks? (Zero to Three)
- COVID-19 Resources for Parents 24/7 in Multiple Languages (Parenting for Lifelong Health)
Community Resources
- SAMHSA Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (English) (Spanish)
- Sesame Street in Communities (Health Emergencies Web Page and Kids Support) (English) (Spanish)
- CDC Guidance for Schools and Child Care
- CDC Supplemental Guidance for Schools and Child Care that Remain Open
COVID-19 Infographic for Kids
Download PDF: English | Spanish
Downliad JPG: English | Spanish