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Please Note: The NJ Registry office has moved.

New Mailing address:

PO Box 718

Union, NJ 07083

New Physical Address:

225 Long Avenue

Hillside, NJ 07205

Please see "Contact Us" menu above to get driving directions.

About the NJ Registry for Childhood Professionals Serving Children Birth Through Age Thirteen

The New Jersey Registry for Childhood Professionals Serving Children Birth Through Age Thirteen is a statewide system that guides, tracks and recognizes the professional growth and development of individuals working in early care and education, out-of-school time and primary education. It keeps track of professional development achievements by maintaining confidential records for each individual who participates in the system. Participants will be approved at one of the seven levels of the NJ Registry, based on their education and experience.

The NJ Registry also issues Head Teacher, Group Teacher and School-age Program Supervisor Approvals recognized by the Department of Human Services, Office of Licensing - Youth and Family Services. This Approval meets the requirements set forth in the NJ Manual of Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers.

Who should register?

The NJ Registry serves individuals who work at all levels in fields related to early care and education, out-of-school time and primary education, in many different settings.

• Staff of child care centers, including teachers, aides and administrators
• Head Start teachers, assistants and administrators
• Staff of out-of-school-time programs
• Registered family child care providers
• Kindergarten and primary school teachers, principals and assistants
• College and University faculty in education, family development and related fields
• Social workers, family workers, early intervention specialists and nurses
• Resource and Referral staff
• Early care and education trainers and CDA advisors
• Consultants, educators, and policy makers in early care and education
• Individuals working in any early care and education, primary education, or out-of-school-time program or service

Why should I register?

The NJ Registry will help you keep track of your professional qualifications and experiences, including FCC training hours, Head Teacher and Group Teacher requirements, child care licensing annual training requirements and public school professional development. The NJ Registry keeps you connected to and supported by other professionals while providing a pathway for advancing in your career. Additionally, participants demonstrate their professional commitment since NJ Registry requirements are stronger than state licensing requirements.

How do I register?

The NJ Registry Application can be printed from this website or you may call (973) 391-2633 to request a NJ Registry Packet. The application with all required documentation along with the registration fee should be mailed to:

Please note the NJ Registry office has moved.

What information will I need to complete the NJ Registry Application?

• General information
• Employment information
• Employment history
• Education level (if college education was not received in US, transcript must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service)
• Professional development certificates for last 5 years
• Work experience
• Other credentials and requirements
• Note: Policy change for NJ Registry applicants regarding acceptable credits/degrees. Effective October 15, 2005 the NJ Registry will only recognize education credits and degrees granted by accredited higher education institutions. Accepted accrediting bodies and accredited institutions will be determined by referring to the following websites: www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation or www.chea.org.

I’ve applied, now what?

1. The NJ Registry staff will review your application.
2. After your qualifications are verified, you will receive a certificate that indicates the professional development level you have achieved.
3. Your professional development record will be kept on file in the NJ Registry database for you to refer to as needed.
4. All records remain confidential.
5. You may view your records online at any time by using your personal access code. To access your account go to the NJ Registry menu option and choose "Access your NJ Registry Account". You must sign up to receive an access code.Click here for more information.

You can use your NJ Registry certificate when:

• Applying for a promotion or new position
• Negotiating a salary increase
• Documenting continuing education
• Reflecting on future plans and career goals

How often should I update my registration?

• Annually, for a low renewal fee (see fees below)
• If you move or change personal information
• Upon new employment, promotion or change in job title

Remaining active in the NJ Registry will enable you to apply to be an "Approved Instructor" through the Instructor Approval System.

How do I advance to the next level of the NJ Registry?

You must follow the non-credit and for credit requirements set forth in the Registry Levels. Participants should submit all additional education, training and work experience to the NJ Registry at least annually. New certificates will be issued as a participant reaches a higher level on the NJ Registry.

Do I need to do anything to maintain my current level in the NJ Registry?

To maintain your current level, you must complete 20 hours of community-based (non-credit) education per year. Twenty clock hours of a for-credit course at a college or university will also be accepted. The classes and content areas of study are your choice. Participants can find the recommendations of Professional Impact NJ on the NJ Registry Maintenance Grid.

Where can I register for community-based educational programs to progress in the NJ Registry?

Professional Impact NJ maintains an online Directory of Instructional Resources, allowing you to search a statewide database of classes. You can view the database by clicking on Education and Training Programs/Find a Training. The Directory includes educational programs by resource and referral agencies, the NJ Child Care Training Program and other organizations. Professional conferences, seminars and other educational programs may also qualify.

How much are the fees to join or renew NJ Registry membership?

$25 Initial Application Fee

$10 Current Renewal (if your present certificate has not yet expired).

$35 Expired Renewal (if your current certificate has expired).

Group rates are available for those submitting more than 10 applications. Please call 973 391-2633 for details.

What if I have additional questions?

The staff members of the NJ Registry are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Call (973) 391-2633 for assistance.

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