Assemblywoman Angela McKnight (D-Hudson County) is tirelessly fighting to have the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) rescind their directive to stop paying childcare providers their contracted amounts. The DOE sent a short three-line directive via email on October 25 informing providers that the way they have been getting paid for at least the last three years would cease by December. This change would result in income reductions for as much as 50 percent for some providers.

Assemblywoman McKnight met with directors of the Jersey City childcare community in November and since met with DOE Assistant Commissioner of Early Childcare Cary Booker as well as members of the Jersey City Board of Education.

“After meeting with DOE and the Jersey City BOE we were able to get the providers a 60-day extension before the new payment structure goes into effect. But this is still not acceptable.  This is simply not enough time for these childcare providers to adjust their operating budgets. They will have to lay off workers or possibly go out of business,” says Assemblywoman McKnight.

One provider sent a letter to McKnight’s office noting that “(we are) a family-owned educational facility located in the Greenville Section for the past 25 years. On October 25, 2023 we were given notice that funding specifically for PreK 3 and 4 students will be cut on December 1, 2023. If this were to occur, we will be forced to close our doors. The impact on the Greenville working community with young children will be devastating. It will also negatively impact our teachers and support staff.”

“There is no sensible reason for this type of financial change in the midst of the school year. The Jersey City school budget was passed in March and the state DOE budget was passed in July so the funds are already accounted for in the budget,” explains Assemblywoman McKnight. “I will continue to meet with whomever I have to until our childcare providers are protected and financially secure,” she says.