New Jersey Childcare Licensing
New Jersey Childcare Training Hour Requirements (2026)
New Jersey childcare staff must complete both pre-service (orientation) training before working with children and ongoing annual training each year. Child care center staff must complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year, while the director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) must each complete 20 hours per year; for Family Child Care, the sponsoring organization must offer at least eight hours of in-service training to providers each year, and providers must document 20 hours of in-service training over each three-year registration period for renewal (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8; N.J.A.C. 3A:54-4.2).
Licensing Agency
New Jersey Division of Family Development, Office of Licensing →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamNew Jersey Training Hour Requirements: The Specifics
Newly hired center staff must receive orientation training within two weeks of the first day of employment and before being left alone with children, of which up to six hours may count toward the annual continuing staff development requirement
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8
for Family Child Care, the sponsoring organization must provide 18 hours of pre-service training to each provider and alternate provider before issuance of a Certificate of Registration (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8
Child care center staff must complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year, while the director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) must each complete 20 hours per year
s
for Family Child Care, the sponsoring organization must offer at least eight hours of in-service training to providers each year, and providers must document 20 hours of in-service training over each three-year registration period for renewal (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8
New Jersey Training Hour Requirements at a Glance
| Pre-service training | Newly hired center staff must receive orientation training within two weeks of the first day of employment and before being left alone with children, of which up to six hours may count toward the annual continuing staff development requirement; for Family Child Care, the sponsoring organization must provide 18 hours of pre-service training to each provider and alternate provider before issuance of a Certificate of Registration (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8; N.J.A.C. 3A:54-4.2). |
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| Annual training | Child care center staff must complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year, while the director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) must each complete 20 hours per year; for Family Child Care, the sponsoring organization must offer at least eight hours of in-service training to providers each year, and providers must document 20 hours of in-service training over each three-year registration period for renewal (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8; N.J.A.C. 3A:54-4.2). |
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New Jersey Training Hour Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pre-service training hours does New Jersey require?
Newly hired center staff must receive orientation training within two weeks of the first day of employment and before being left alone with children, of which up to six hours may count toward the annual continuing staff development requirement; for Family Child Care, the sponsoring organization must provide 18 hours of pre-service training to each provider and alternate provider before issuance of a Certificate of Registration (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8; N.J.A.C. 3A:54-4.2).
How many annual training hours does New Jersey require?
Child care center staff must complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year, while the director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) must each complete 20 hours per year; for Family Child Care, the sponsoring organization must offer at least eight hours of in-service training to providers each year, and providers must document 20 hours of in-service training over each three-year registration period for renewal (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8; N.J.A.C. 3A:54-4.2).
Does CPR/First Aid count toward New Jersey training hours?
States differ on whether CPR and First Aid certification counts toward required training hours. Confirm with the New Jersey Division of Family Development, Office of Licensing before relying on it for your annual total.
New Jersey childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published New Jersey administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the New Jersey Division of Family Development, Office of Licensing before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.