Services For Parents

Child Care Counseling and Referral

This PfP service is available to anyone who needs child care and was the very first program we offered. Our experienced counselors introduce parents to a broad selection of child care options, covering infancy to after-school enrichment programs. Parents are offered referrals to available programs that meet their unique needs, including financial assistance for qualified families. Child care referrals are free and confidential. If you have concerns or complaints about your child care call or e-mail Programs for Parents at:

Tel: (973) 744-4050
Email: fccservices@programsforparents.org

Programs for Parents does not license, endorse, or recommend child care providers. The names we give are referrals. They are based on the information supplied by the child care providers themselves about the services they offer.

Child Care Matters

This monthly magazine is designed to enrich the parent/child relationship with articles that focus on play, health, safety, and literacy-every aspect of child development. Each issue features an article which supports development at home. Other regular columns include songs, games, crafts, and book reviews. The book reviews identify age-appropriate books for parents to read to their children, books that are sturdy enough to be handled by young fingers and hands, and books with stories and pictures of exceptional value. Another edition of Child Care Matters brings similar topics to child care professionals. These magazines reach 10,000 families and child care professionals.

First Books

As a First Book distributor in Essex County, Programs for Parents donates books to child care facilities and individuals. Reading is one of life's unique pleasures. It is also how one becomes a truly literate person. Owning books, which encourages rereading them, enriches learning-and life. First Book is a national nonprofit organization that nurtures the lifelong gift of reading in children. Through First Book we have distributed books to child care centers which have structured literacy programs. Over 72,000 books have been distributed to Essex County children since this program began in 1999.

Child Care Assistance Through Two Voucher Programs

For many of the families qualifying for child care vouchers, the cost of care is such a financial burden that it makes working prohibitive. Programs for Parents is the state-designated administrator of child care vouchers in Essex County. Vouchers offset the cost of child care for these parents, making it possible for them to work or get the training necessary to be employable. These programs are enormously valuable to working parents.

New Jersey Cares for Kids

Parents who either work or are full-time students and are income-eligible, qualify for NJCK. PfP counselors help parents choose the child care best suited to their needs. NJCK participants must pay part of their provider's fee, on a sliding scale. There are 4,150 children from 2,556 families being helped by NJCK. For more information, contact us.

Work First New Jersey

PfP is a proud participant in the WFNJ program, because it frees parents to focus on training to enter the work force and gain security for their families. WFNJ participants get counseling on child care options and referrals. Their child care is funded through their participation in a qualified welfare-to-work activity assigned by an Essex County Department of Welfare caseworker. Thanks to WFNJ, there are 3,866 children from 2,577 families being cared for while their parents work. For more information, contact us.