New Jersey Childcare Licensing Requirements

New Jersey childcare centers must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3.

Licensing Agency

New Jersey Division of Family Development, Office of Licensing →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Required Handbook Sections

The following sections must appear in every New Jersey childcare parent handbook per state licensing rules.

SectionDescriptionCitationStatus
Hours of OperationDays and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3Required
Behavior Guidance and Discipline PolicyPositive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5Required
Illness and Exclusion PolicySymptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.2(b)Required
Medication Administration PolicyProcedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3Required
Emergency ProceduresFire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7Required
Arrival and Departure ProceduresSign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)Required
Nutrition and Meals PolicyMeals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.4Required
Parent Communication PolicyDaily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)Required
Grievance and Complaint ProcedureSteps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(c)Required
Child Abuse and Neglect ReportingMandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline.New Jersey NJSA 9:6-8.10; NJAC 3A:52-7.6Required
Enrollment, Fees, and Payment PolicyEnrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(d)Required
Health and Safety PoliciesHandwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1Required
Nondiscrimination PolicyStatement of equal access; protected classes covered.New Jersey Law Against Discrimination NJSA 10:5-4; NJAC 3A:52-1.1Required
Transportation PolicyVehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-8.1Recommended
Field Trip PolicyAuthorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities.New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 3A:52-8.3Recommended

Staff-to-Child Ratios

New Jersey mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group.

Age GroupStaff-to-Child Ratio
Infant (0-12 months)1:4
Toddler (12-30 months)1:6
Preschool (2.5-3.5 years)1:10
Preschool (3.5-5 years)1:12
School Age (5+ years)1:15

Immunization Requirements

  • DTaP
  • Polio
  • MMR
  • Varicella
  • Hib
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis A
  • Pneumococcal
  • Influenza

Background Check Requirements

  • NJ State Police background check
  • FBI fingerprint check
  • Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) check

Inspection Frequency

Annual; complaint-based; unannounced follow-up visits

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Fines; license suspension or revocation under NJSA 30:5B-30

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many sections must be in a New Jersey childcare parent handbook?

New Jersey childcare centers are required to include at least 13 mandatory sections in their parent handbooks per state licensing regulations enforced by the New Jersey Division of Family Development, Office of Licensing.

Who oversees childcare licensing in New Jersey?

Childcare licensing in New Jersey is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Family Development, Office of Licensing. You can find official licensing information at https://www.nj.gov/njchildcare/.

What happens if a New Jersey childcare center doesn't have a compliant handbook?

Non-compliance with New Jersey parent handbook requirements can result in: Fines; license suspension or revocation under NJSA 30:5B-30

How often are New Jersey childcare centers inspected?

New Jersey childcare centers are subject to the following inspection schedule: Annual; complaint-based; unannounced follow-up visits