Need someone to watch your kids during remote learning? N.J. extends child care funding through Jan. 31. – NJ.com

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New Jersey families who need help paying for child care for kids who are home remote learning will get at least another month of state subsidies, state officials announced Monday.

The state Department of Human Services will extend several COVID-19-related child care programs through the end of January for school-age students and younger children in daycare.

The programs, which are funded through the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, were set to expire this week. But newly signed federal legislation extended the deadline for the money, allowing New Jersey to offer the programs at least through Jan. 31.

“As we continue fighting through this public health and economic emergency, it’s crucial that we provide as much assistance to working families and the child care sector for as long as we can. We will continue to look to find ways to help,” said Carole Johnson, the state human services commissioner.

The programs extended through Jan. 31 include:

— Child Care Tuition Assistance for Children in Families Earning up to $150,000 and in Remote Learning. Families with children ages 5 to 13 who have been approved for assistance will continue to get money to help pay for full- or part-time child care on days their schools are remote learning.

— State Child Care Subsidy during School Day. During the pandemic, the state extended a program offering state aid to pay for before- and after-school care to include additional care during the school day while students are remote learning. That program will continue for children ages 5 to 13 at licensed child care centers and registered family child care providers.

— Child Care Center Subsidies. The state will continue to pay child care providers a $300 subsidy for eligible infants, toddlers and school-age children. In addition, the state will continue to pay child care providers based on how many children they enroll who qualify for assistance, rather than actual attendance, so daycare centers don’t lose money when children stay home.

“The department will also continue to waive co-pays in the state’s child-care subsidy program for parents who request it due to impacts from COVID-19,” Gov. Phil Murphy said at his coronavirus press briefing.

State officials said they wanted to quickly extend the existing programs through the end of January after the federal legislation was signed by President Donald Trump. But they plan to continue to look for ways to help New Jersey families with child care expenses in the months ahead as the pandemic continues.

Families can apply online for the state’s Child Care Subsidy Program at childcarenj.gov.

Some child care centers, YMCAs, Jewish Community Centers and other providers have expanded their offerings to help look after students who are remote learning during the school day. Parents can check with their county’s child care resource and referral agencies for help finding child care.

Before most schools closed for winter break, 362 school districts were offering a hybrid of in-person and remote instruction, state education officials said. Another 320 were all-remote and 82 were fully open for in-person classes. The remaining 47 districts were offering a combination of formats in different schools or grade levels.

The totals include only public school districts, charter schools and private schools for students with disabilities. Catholic schools, private prep schools, yeshivas and other private institutions are not being tracked.

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Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com.

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