Why Are There So Many Names?
If you've searched for free childcare in New Jersey, you've probably seen CCAP, CCCS, 4Cs, CCCC, and PFP used interchangeably — sometimes on the same page. It's confusing. Here's the simple breakdown.
The Short Answer
There is one state program (CCAP) and multiple county offices that process it. The names change by county:
CCAP — The Main Program
CCAP is the New Jersey Child Care Assistance Program. It's funded by state and federal money and helps working families pay for licensed daycare. CCAP is what you're ultimately applying for — the other names (CCCS, 4Cs, CCCC) are the county offices that process your application.
CCAP was fully reopened on April 9, 2026 for all eligible families.
CCCS and 4Cs — For Edison Families (Middlesex County)
If you live in Edison, New Brunswick, Piscataway, Woodbridge, or anywhere in Middlesex County, your CCAP application goes through CCCS (Community Coordinated Child Care Solutions), also called 4Cs.
CCCS/4Cs is the county-level agency that verifies your eligibility, connects you with approved providers, and manages your voucher. Contact: (732) 745-3126.
Full guide: CCCS and 4Cs Edison NJ.
CCCC — For Roselle Families (Union County)
If you live in Roselle, Roselle Park, Elizabeth, Linden, Rahway, Clark, or anywhere in Union County, your CCAP application goes through CCCC (Community Child Care Connections).
CCCC is Union County's childcare coordination agency. Same result as CCCS — a voucher that pays your approved daycare. Contact: (908) 527-4800 (Union County Social Services).
Full guide: CCCC Roselle NJ.
PFP — A Different Program
PFP (Parents as First Providers) is a separate NJ childcare program. It runs alongside CCAP using a different funding stream. PFP is used to serve families when CCAP has limited slots, or when a family's situation (income, work hours) makes them better suited for PFP vs CCAP.
In practice, the voucher works the same way at approved daycares. You apply through the same system (MyNJHelps.nj.gov), and your caseworker assigns the right program.
Full guide: PFP Roselle NJ.
Which One Do I Apply For?
Apply at MyNJHelps.nj.gov and select childcare assistance. The system will route your application to the correct county agency (CCCS for Middlesex, CCCC for Union). You don't need to choose the program name — just apply and the system assigns it.
If you're unsure, contact your county office:
Little Einstein's Academy Accepts All of Them
Little Einstein's Academy accepts CCAP, CCCS, 4Cs, CCCC, and PFP vouchers at all three locations in Edison and Roselle. Their team will help you navigate whichever program applies to your county — call (732) 985-4700 (Edison) or (908) 241-6200 (Roselle).
Need Help With CCAP?
Our team will call you and walk you through the entire application — free, no obligation.
