Open a New Center – Environmental Requirements for New Child Care Centers

Before a license to operate a child care center can be issued, Department of Children and Families (DCF) requires applicants to fulfill environmental requirements by obtaining a Response Action Outcome (RAO) issued by a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP), as well as Safe Drinking Water Certification. Please be advised that the New Jersey Department Of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is no longer issuing Child Care Facility Approval letters.

Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) Grants

Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) grants are available to an existing or prospective owner or operator of a child care center that is licensed or who has applied for a license with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The grant is available for reimbursement up to a maximum amount of $1500, for a complete Preliminary Assessment report.

The HDSRF grant application is available at this website: Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) – Child Care Facility Grant Application.

All deficiencies identified by the Department must be resolved within 90 days or the application will be deemed withdrawn.

For additional questions, please see the HDSRF Grant FAQs. To check the status of a grant application, please call 609-633-1403.

Non-DEP Requirements

Related Topics