N.J. Day Care Centers, Summer Camps Can Reopen in June, July

A youth sports camp. (Photo: USAG- Humphreys/ Flickr)

Gov. Phil Murphy announced Friday that dare care centers will begin to reopen in New Jersey within weeks, and summer camps will be allowed this season, including those run by municipal recreation departments.

Child care centers will be able to reopen June 15, Murphy said at his daily briefing on the coronavirus pandemic Friday. The departments of Health and Children and Families will each be releasing guidelines on how the day cares will operate. All day care centers were shut down to the general public by April, however some were allowed to continue serving children of medical personnel and other essential workers.

With warm weather on the way, Murphy’s announcement also included news that summer camps would be allowed to operate this season. No-contact sports activities will be restart June 22 and youth day camps, including including summer recreation programs run by individual towns, could start July 6.

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“As more and more workers prepare to get back out to their jobs, we must ensure a continuum of care for their children,” Murphy said.

Murphy’s administration announced a number of grant programs for child care centers and camp programs to the tune of $20 million Friday afternoon.

Child care centers can receive up to $5,000, while youth camps can receive up to $2,000. The money can be used to purchase additional cleaning products, personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves and thermometers, and other products and services to assist centers in complying with appropriate guidelines.

“We urge residents to visit www.ChildCareNJ.gov for additional information regarding the New Jersey Child Care Subsidy Program,” said Human Services Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson, who directs the Division of Family Development that oversees the child care program. “I also thank the child care centers and their staff for their amazing dedication and commitment during this difficult time.”