Programs for Parent's (PfP) primary goal  is to link families seeking child care with the option that meets their specific needs, as well as to other community resource agencies and groups. In addition, our goal is to help build on the skills and activities of child care providers. Children and families should have access to high quality services that focus on all the developmental needs of the child, such as the academic, social, emotional and physical.  

PfP is the only agency in Essex County offering financial assistance for child care to eligible families.

For Parents

As the Child Care and Resource Referral Agency for Essex County, Programs for Parents offers resources, professional skills and experience to develop and implement an ever-growing range of services to meet the needs of families in our community.  Click here for more information

For Child Care Providers

Evidence shows that the developmental needs of a child (such as academics, social, emotional and physical) require professionals who have earned credentials in their field. Programs for Parents' trainers help early childhood professionals achieve certification that acknowledges their skills in early childhood development. In addition, our trainers provide ongoing training to refresh and expand their knowledge in this evolving area. Training is available to meet the needs of staff at all levels, from entry level to executive. PfP trainers have all met the qualifications required for the Professional Impact New Jersey Registry.  Click here for more information

For Child Health Programs

Fostering children's wellness is a primary goal at Programs for Parents. The Child Health Initiatives Department is staffed by nurses with pediatric experience. They create and implement programs that support wellness and assist child care professionals who face child health issues daily.  Click here for more information

For Getting Child Care

Let trained counselors help you select the child care that meets your specific needs.  Click here for more information

For Businesses 

Programs for Parents can work with businesses to provide tailored referral services and counselling for their employees.  To find out more about this service and how it can help a company meets its employees child care needs please call us at 973.744.4050 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and ask about our Corporate Referrals programs.

Why should employers take an active role in child care? - It's Good Business!

Today's workforce has changed dramatically compared to 30 years ago. The majority of skilled employees currently in the workforce are parents with child care needs. In 2009, 87.8% of families with children had an employed parent. In single parent households headed by a female, 67.8% of the mothers were employed. In households headed by a single father, 76.6% of the dads were employed. In married couple families with children, 59.8% of both parents were in the workforce (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010). 
CCR&Rs can provide the following core services and programs:

• Child care referrals for your employees.
• Information on and access to child care subsidy programs.
• Consumer education for parents on how to select quality child care.
• Data collection and analysis. CCR&Rs are the number one source of all the latest information on early childhood services in your community and across the country. CCR&R staff is available to sit on planning committees to provide data, research and lend technical support in the development of workplace child care programs.
• Training. Highly trained professionals, with knowledge of current trends and information in the early childhood field, are available to provide training on a wide variety of topics tailored to your needs.
• Technical Assistance. CCR&R staff can provide technical assistance to aid in the development and implementation of a child care program.
• Advocacy. CCR&Rs participate in a variety of advocacy efforts to ensure that all families have equal access to affordable, high quality child care.