Employers Can Help
Supply & Affordability
The availability and affordability of child care remain a top struggle for parents. For many, to obtain or retain a job relies on child care.
The price of child care in New Jersey is high. A 2023 Child Care Market Rate Survey conducted by Rutgers University on behalf of the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development found the annual price of center-based child care for an infant is $21,000 (based on the ability of parents to access 75% of the market). The annual price of care for an infant in a family child care home is $15,000 (based on the ability of parents to access 75% of the market).
The combined average price of full-time care for an infant in a family child care home and a preschooler in a child care center was $32,544 in 2023, 24.4% of median income for a family of three, 19.9% of median income for a family of four for New Jersey families.
Employers Can Help
There are many options available for employers to consider to better support the child care needs of working parents. Employers can begin with a survey of employees to better understand their greatest challenges.