Programs for Parents, Inc. (PfP), one of the top 10 not-for-profits in New Jersey, works to ensure that children get the best possible start in life. 

In 1984, a small group of early education professionals founded Programs for Parents with the belief that the care a child receives, early in life, critically affects their mental and emotional development. 

During the past 25 years, our experience has confirmed that belief, and our knowledge and work has expanded to meet the ever-increasing need to help nurture children in their formative years. Since our inception, it is estimated that we have provided services to over 100,000 children and families. 

Our primary objective is to link families seeking child care with agencies and groups that provide such services. Furthermore, our goal is to help upgrade the skills and activities of child care providers to ensure that children and families receive high quality services, specifically those that focus on academic, social, emotional and physical development. 

Programs for Parents is now the largest agency of its kind in New Jersey. It has evolved from a child care resource and referral agency to an organization offering a full range of services, including professional training, technical assistance and home inspections. Furthermore, we serve as the principal advocate for child care services in Essex County. 

How We Got Our Name

People sometimes ask why our organization was named Programs for Parents instead of Programs for Children. The answer is that even in this uncertain world one thing is certain: only by strengthening families can children get the best possible start in life.

We utilize our experience, resources, professional skills with passion to develop and implement an ever-growing range of services to meet the needs of our community - services to help parents families and children balance their complex needs in today's world.