SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — The Murphy administration has invested more than $1 billion to increase access to affordable child care and early education in New Jersey. The latest effort, an apprenticeship program, is designed to help boost employment in the industry.
New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said the state is investing $300,000 to hire 20 apprentices at 14 child care centers in 11 counties. The apprenticeship pilot program will “fund on-the-job training, education and certification expenses.”
“We really are solving two problems at once,” said Adelman. “We’re helping address shortages in child care facilities and we’re helping recruit and build up a highly qualified workforce to support our children in the future.
“Quality child care programs rely on educators with specific training and knowledge and skills to serve our children, and this funding will help these providers recruit those staff at no cost.”
Each facility was awarded $15,000. A few of the grants are going to providers in South Jersey, including Cinnamon Sticks Learning Center in Cinnaminson, Linwood Head Start Center in Linwood, Son Catchers Learning Center in Somers Point, and Woodbine Head Start Center in Woodbine.