TRENTON – Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Angela V. McKnight are calling on the Administration to work to address recent policy shifts for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which froze new applications as of August 1 and increased co-payments for participating families.

“The start of the new school year highlights the urgent need to reinforce the Child Care Assistance Program and strengthen the supports that working families and our early education system rely on.

“With children back in school, many parents are left in limbo over after-care options, while others who missed the enrollment deadline cannot return to work. Families should not be locked out of child care assistance so far ahead of the next budget cycle, while the pressure on working households intensifies. We must act now—before it’s too late.

“These subsidies are the backbone of our communities. Without them, parents—especially mothers—are forced to choose between their careers and their children’s well-being. Children lose out on critical early learning, widening achievement gaps, and entering school behind their peers. And providers, often small businesses operating on narrow margins, struggle to keep their doors open.

“The Legislature and this Administration have been dedicated advocates for children and families, and now is the time to continue our commitment. Child care is core infrastructure, and we must continue to strengthen it, expand access, and ensure it is within reach for every family. That starts with reopening the Child Care Assistance Program to new applicants without delay,” said Senate Majority Leader Ruiz and Senator McKnight.