Examining Center-Based Early Care and Education in New Jersey: Findings from the 2019 National Survey of Early Care and Education
November 17, 2025
This data brief analyzes New Jersey’s center-based early childhood education (ECE) landscape using data from the 2019 National Survey of Early Care and Education (NSECE). Conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the report establishes a baseline of child care availability and use, focusing on center characteristics such as schedules, enrollment capacity, and funding sources. Results describe the structure and operation of ECE programs across the state and compare them with national data to contextualize New Jersey’s child care system. Findings highlight variation in program offerings and participation in quality improvement efforts, underscoring the importance of continued investment in accessible, high-quality ECE.
The Authors
Jennifer K. Duer, Ph.D. is an Assistant Research Professor at the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University. Her work focuses on both federal and state policies designed to improve the health and development of young children and their families with an emphasis on finance, quality, and prenatal-to-three policies.
Dr. Milagros Nores is the Co-Director for Research and Research Professor at the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). With a profound expertise in early childhood evaluation, informing data-driven policy and programming, cost and benefits of early interventions, evaluation design, equity, and English language learners, she has established herself as a leading researcher in the field of early care and education.
W. Steven (Steve) Barnett is a Board of Governors Professor and the founder and Senior Co-Director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University. Dr. Barnett’s work primarily focuses on public policies regarding early childhood education, child care, and child development.
Allison Friedman-Krauss is an Associate Research Professor at NIEER where she is also the Associate Director for Policy Research and Director of the Infant and Toddler Policy Research Center.
About NIEER
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at the Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, conducts and disseminates independent research and analysis to inform early childhood education policy.
Suggested Citation
Duer, J.K., Nores, M., Barnett, W.S. & Friedman-Krauss, A. (2025). Examining Center-Based Early Care and Education in New Jersey: Findings from the 2019 National Survey of Early Care and Education. New Brunswick, NJ: National Institute for Early Education Research.
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