Ramapo College of New Jersey Home Business: Home Daycare Rules (2026)

Bergen County home-based childcare is regulated by a layered state and local framework. The NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing, administers family child care and child care center licensing. Family Child Care Home (FCCH, up to 5 children including provider's own children under 6) requires registration with a DCF-designated sponsoring organization per N.J.A.C. 3A:53-1. Bergen County sponsoring organizations include Community Child Care Solutions of Bergen County. Registration requirements: criminal background check (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-15), CPR and first aid certification, TB test, minimum 200 sq ft indoor space, safe outdoor play area, smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher, emergency plans. Child Care Centers (6+ children, or any non-family operation) require NJ DCF licensing under N.J.A.C. 3A:52. Home-based centers must also meet municipal zoning requirements for home occupation under N.J.S.A. 40:55D. Most Bergen municipalities allow Family Child Care Homes as a permitted home occupation but require registration with the local zoning office. Hackensack Code §175-32 permits family child care as home occupation. Paramus Code §429-67 permits with conditional use permit for 4+ children. Fort Lee Code §345-37 requires home occupation permit. Teaneck Code §33-16 permits as of right with DCF registration. Ridgewood Code §190-53 requires conditional use approval. Large Family Child Care (6-12 children) typically requires conditional use permit and is classified as a business in most Bergen zoning. Traffic and parking impact review may be required for larger operations. State licensing requires fire safety inspection per N.J.A.C. 5:70 conducted by the municipal fire official.