Early Care & Education Use Among Young Children in New Jersey 2024

A comprehensive look at how families with children under age five use non-parental care, the hours in care, and what drives their choices.

NIEER’s statewide parent survey (spring 2024, n=1,705) reveals that 76 % of children under five in New Jersey are in non-parental care—with usage climbing from 64 % of infants to 83 % of four-year-olds. The type of care shifts with age and income: younger children more often rely on relatives, while older preschoolers increasingly attend center-based programs. On average, children spend 22 hours per week in non-parental care, with higher hours in center-based settings. Child-care costs vary: around half of families pay more than 7 % of their household income, surpassing federal affordability guidelines. Choices are driven by three key factors: affordability, location, and schedule flexibility—with quality gaining weight for families of 3- to 5-year-olds. Differences in participation emerge by income, family structure, race/ethnicity, and region.

Key Findings

• 76 % of children under five are in non-parental care; from 64 % (infants) to 83 % (age 4).
• Center-based care for infants stands at 30 %, rising to 68 % for four-year-olds.
• Full-time employed parents have the highest participation; center-based use grows with income.
• Single-parent households and Black/Hispanic families rely more on relative care.
• 32 % of families pay $0 for child care; among payers, monthly averages are $740 (center), $613 (home non-relative), and $429 (relative care).
• About 50 % of families pay > 7% of income for care.

• Key influencers of choice: affordability, location, schedule; quality matters particularly for preschool-age.

   

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