NJ · Grow NJ Kids
New Jersey — CDA & ECE Workforce Credentials
New Jersey accepts CDA in licensed centers but state-funded pre-K (Abbott, Preschool Expansion) requires the P-3 (PreK-Grade 3) endorsement with bachelor's.
Data current as of April 2026.
CDA acceptance & requirements
- Lead teacher requirements (licensed centers): New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) child care licensing accepts CDA in licensed centers.
- Lead teacher requirements (state-funded pre-K): CDA does NOT satisfy lead-teacher requirements in New Jersey state-funded pre-K (Abbott-district pre-K, NJDOE Preschool Expansion Aid). Those require the P-3 (PreK to Grade 3) endorsement with bachelor's degree minimum + state-approved EPP.
- Assistant teacher requirements: Minimum age 18, HS diploma/GED, plus required orientation and ongoing PD.
- Director requirements: NJ DCF Director Permit for child care administrators.
- QRIS: Grow NJ Kids — New Jersey's QRIS. Higher star (Level 5) requires P-3 cert.
- T.E.A.C.H. & apprenticeship: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® New Jersey is administered through Programs for Parents.
State-specific ECE workforce credentials
- NJ DOE P-3 (PreK-Grade 3) Certification — Issuing agency: New Jersey Department of Education. Required for state-funded pre-K teachers (Abbott-district pre-K, NJDOE Preschool Expansion). Bachelor's + state-approved EPP.
- NJ DCF Director Permit — for child care administrators.
Notable state context
New Jersey is among the most aggressive states on workforce credentials, due in large part to the Abbott v. Burke state Supreme Court rulings driving preschool quality requirements. The P-3 mandate for state-funded pre-K means CDA's role in NJ is confined to private licensed care; CDA portability into NJ's state-pre-K sector is effectively zero.