Bill > A4544

This bill expands the eligibility requirements for New Jersey's child care assistance program to include full-time graduate and post-graduate students, subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this purpose. The bill defines a "full-time graduate student" as an individual who has been accepted and is enrolled in good standing in a graduate program at a public or private institution of higher education, and similarly defines a "full-time post-graduate student" as an individual pursuing post-graduate studies. To implement this change, the Department of Human Services is required to apply for any necessary state plan amendments or waivers to secure federal financial participation under the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the act's purposes. This expansion means that graduate and post-graduate students who meet other existing eligibility criteria regarding income, assets, and residency can now potentially qualify for child care assistance, which could help support students pursuing advanced degrees by making quality child care more accessible and affordable.

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4544