Assemblywoman applauds restoration of access to vital program

(TRENTON) - Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (D-Essex, Hudson) issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement that the New Jersey Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) has fully reopened. This program is specifically designed to help income-eligible families afford child care.

"The decision to reopen CCAP is an important step forward in strengthening New Jersey’s child care system. This program serves as a lifeline for working families and provides critical support to the community-based providers who care for them.

"When the Department of Human Services paused new applications last summer, the impact was felt quickly. Families were left scrambling to secure care, and providers experienced declines in enrollment, proving just how essential this resource is.

"With the program first reopening on a limited basis late last year and now fully reopened, I am encouraged by our collective commitment to supporting both families and the child care industry for the overall wellbeing of New Jersey.

"Child care is vital to our state’s infrastructure and economy, and it plays an important role in the healthy development of our children. As a mother of four, I know firsthand how access to dependable, high-quality child care supports families. While there is still more work to be done to ensure the child care system is strong and stable, reopening CCAP is a win for everyone involved."