The Division of Youth Services provides funds to licensed Mercer County child-care centers serving children of low-income families. Funding supports infant/toddler days for children ages birth to 2 ½ years, preschool days for children ages 2 ½ years to 5 years, summer day camp for ages 5 years to 13 years, and before and/or after school care for children ages 5 years to 13 years. The Division also supports program enhancements at agencies.

Mercer County funding is not used for Abbott subsidies, nor is it provided directly to county residents.

Child-care agencies funded through the County of Mercer must adhere to State of New Jersey childcare licensing/registration standards as defined in the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers or the Manual of Requirements for Family Child Care Registration, both of which can be found here. Standards include staff/child ratios, grouping of children; staff qualifications; staff responsibilities; record keeping; and facility, program, health, and transportation requirements.

Through these contracts, child-care agencies will serve Mercer County families that meet income-eligible guidelines and earn up to no more than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level in gross yearly wages. The income guidelines for 2025 as of Jan. 16, 2025, are as follows: 

Child-care agencies are selected via the Request for Proposals (RFPs) process. Contracts are awarded after Board of County Commissioners approval. The contracted agencies will screen applicants for eligibility.

For more information, contact Chantel Forbes at 609-989-6575 or cforbes@mercercounty.org.