Childcare Workers (CCWU)
CCWU represents all Child Care Providers receiving subsidy from the State of New Jersey. Some Providers are not sure when they should contact the Union office.
If you are caring for a child but do not have a signed Agreement for that child issued by the CCR&R Agency you should contact the Union office. If you do not have an Agreement the CCR&R Agency may refuse payment.
If you do not receive payment for your services you should contact the Union office. This includes delayed payments that are expected. Providers should contact the Union office immediately and together attempt to resolve the issue before filing a formal dispute.
When Providers in the same area share a common problem they should contact the Union office. We will contact the CCR&R Agency Director and attempt to resolve the issue. If the problem continues it will be placed on the agenda for the next Committee Meeting with the Department of Family Development
Meeting Translators
The Union received several complaints that translators were not available at Provider events held by the CCR&R Agencies. This subject was discussed at the Committee Meeting with the Department of Family Development in November. Family Development plans to alert the CCR&R Agencies that bilingual communities should have a translator. If you plan to attend an event and need a translator please call your CCR&R Agency and make the request prior to the event.
Termination Notices
According to the NJ Child Cares Operation Manual “in all cases of termination, the family and all providers involved must be issued a 10 day notice of termination. The contracted agency must use the Re-Determination of Eligibility Form. All providers involved must be issued a 5 day notice of termination.”
In some counties the CCR&R Agency is not issuing termination notice. This subject was discussed at the Committee Meeting with the Department of Family Development. The State plans to review the Re-Determination Process.
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(1-888-829-3711)
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www.njcitizenaction.org
To View In Spanish, Click Here.
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Monmouth County & New Jersey Cares for Kids
The Union has been contacted by several Providers in Monmouth County. Providers have been receiving revised New Jersey Cares for Kids (NJCK) Agreements for children in their care.
The State’s Response:
Agency funds were not sufficient to accommodate the total number of children under agreement. CCR&R’s are contractually obligated not to spend beyond their contract ceilings. As a result, all agreements were adjusted to ensure that funds were not overspent. No violation of regulations occurred. All parents signed the agreement certification page indicating they “understand that the subsidy and any future subsidies funded by the program for which I am eligible, are contingent upon availability of federal and state funds”.
In accordance with the Agreement between the State and the Union, the Union has filed a formal dispute with the Department of Family Development.
Tips for Providers:
Providers should receive notice
Parents receiving notice have the Right to Appeal
Parents have 10 days to submit Appeal to Agency and 90 days to submit Appeal to Department of Family Development; Appeal process is explained in the Parent Handbook.
Parents should reapply for New Jersey Cares for Kids (NJCK)
Please contact the Union office with any questions at 973-623-1828.
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See the CCWU Agreement Here. (Spanish Version Here)
The New Jersey First Steps Infant/ Toddler Initiative was created to assist early educators in offering the very best possible care for New Jersey’s youngest citizens. Three regional agencies, Programs for Parents, Community Coordinated Child Care of Union County, and the Southern Regional Child Care Resource Center will serve as lead agencies for the 16 child care resource and referral agencies across the state.
Contact the Infant/Toddler Specialist at any of these agencies for professional development, technical assistance, consultation services, program assessment and resources.
Northern New Jersey www.programsforparents.org
Central New Jersey www.ccccunion.org
Southern New Jersey www.eirc.org
Labor Notes "Steward's Corner" Article