New Jersey has a powerful opportunity to invest in our children, our working families, and the professionals who support them.
S3457/A2414 would establish the first-ever New Jersey Out-of-School Time (OST) Advisory Commission—bringing together agencies like the Department of Education, the Office of Licensing, the Department of Human Services, and community-based organizations to create a stronger, more sustainable school age child care system across the state.
What is Out-of-School Time (OST)?
OST refers to programs, activities, wraparound services, and experiences that take place before school, after school, on weekends, and during school breaks, including summer. These programs can be run by schools, municipalities, nonprofits, or other organizations. They accelerate academic achievement, build social-emotional and life skills, and offer hands-on learning in areas like STEM and teamwork. OST programs also provide access to healthy meals and serve as a critical strategy for youth crime prevention during the peak hours after school.
Why This Bill Matters
A2414 will lead the state’s first coordinated study of OST needs, costs, pay rates for providers through school age child care quality standards, and opportunities for better collaboration among public agencies and providers.
This legislation also responds to the urgent challenges faced by the OST sector:
What is Out-of-School Time (OST)?
OST refers to programs, activities, wraparound services, and experiences that take place before school, after school, on weekends, and during school breaks, including summer. These programs can be run by schools, municipalities, nonprofits, or other organizations. They accelerate academic achievement, build social-emotional and life skills, and offer hands-on learning in areas like STEM and teamwork. OST programs also provide access to healthy meals and serve as a critical strategy for youth crime prevention during the peak hours after school.
Why This Bill Matters
A2414 will lead the state’s first coordinated study of OST needs, costs, pay rates for providers through school age child care quality standards, and opportunities for better collaboration among public agencies and providers.
This legislation also responds to the urgent challenges faced by the OST sector:
- Workforce shortages continue to strain providers’ ability to meet demand.
- High costs place an unsustainable burden on families—averaging $17,213 per year for school-age childcare, or 11% of household income.
- Access is inequitable: Low-income families access afterschool programs at just 38%, according to a 2024 Gallup report.
- For every child enrolled, three more are waiting—leaving New Jersey working families without critical support.
Despite these challenges, New Jersey parents overwhelmingly support these programs, making it a unifying issue for communities across the state.
OST programs are essential—they help working families fill the gap between school and work schedules, support academic and mental health outcomes, and keep kids safe and engaged when it matters most.
But to meet the need, we must act.
We need your help. Contact your Assemblymembers today and urge them to support A2414— for New Jersey’s children, working families, and OST workforce.