Childcare & Family Support for Student Parents
At Rutgers–New Brunswick, we understand that student parents and caregivers face unique challenges. The Basic Needs Center is here to help you access resources that support your academic success and family well-being.
Who We Support
We welcome and support:
- Pregnant students
- Parenting students
- Caregivers of young children
Whether you're looking for childcare, financial support, or basic supplies, we’re here to help.
Available Resources
We connect students to a range of services, including:
- On-campus and community childcare programs
- Financial aid and childcare subsidies
- Parenting support groups and academic accommodations
- Referrals to local family services
Diaper Bank Pantry
Our Food Pantry includes a Diaper Bank Pantry, offering free diapers and wipes to student parents. Supplies are subject to availability during regular pantry hours and can be accessed once per week.
Appointments & Documentation
Students with families must schedule an appointment with a Basic Needs Center staff member to access childcare-related support.
During your appointment, you’ll be asked to provide documentation to help us better understand your needs and connect you with the most appropriate resources.
If you are a student with a family and need to adjust item limits within the food pantry to meet your household’s needs, please schedule an appointment with our staff to discuss your situation.
Childcare & Family Support Resources
Rutgers–New Brunswick offers a wide range of resources to support student parents and caregivers. Below is a curated list of local, state, and campus-based services to help you navigate childcare, health care, financial assistance, and parenting support.
- Local Childcare Providers
Finding reliable childcare is a top priority for student parents. These resources can help you explore options near campus and across New Jersey:
- Rutgers Child Care and Development Centers
- Offers early childhood education and care for children of Rutgers faculty, staff, and students.
- State of New Jersey Child Care Locator
- Search licensed childcare providers by location, age group, and program type.
- Care.com Child Care Locator
- A national platform to find babysitters, nannies, and daycare centers.
- Middlesex County Childcare Resources
- Local listings and support services for families in the New Brunswick area.
- Rutgers Child Care and Development Centers
- Childcare Financial Assistance
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
- State-funded program offering subsidies for childcare costs.
- Apply for a NJ Care Subsidy
- Application portal for NJ FamilyCare, which includes childcare and health benefits.
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
- Family Therapy Options
- Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
- CAPS is Rutgers–New Brunswick’s comprehensive mental health service for students. While not exclusively focused on family therapy, CAPS offers several services that may benefit student parents and families.
- Psychology Today
- A comprehensive directory of licensed family therapists across New Jersey. You can filter by location, specialty, insurance, and therapy approach
- Thriveworks
- Offers both in-person and online family therapy sessions. Thriveworks matches you with licensed professionals based on your needs and insurance coverage.
- LifeStance Health
- Provides access to licensed therapists and mental health clinics throughout New Jersey. You can book online or in-person sessions and filter by insurance and specialty.
- Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
- Health Care Resources
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Low-cost health coverage for children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.
- Planned Parenthood of NJ
- Offers reproductive health services, prenatal care, and parenting support.
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
Provides nutrition education, food vouchers, and breastfeeding support.
Contact Your Local WIC Agency
- New Jersey Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
- Supports healthy meals and snacks in childcare and adult care settings.
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Pregnancy & Parenting Support
- Graduate Student Life Parenting Resource Page
- A collaborative resource from the Office of Graduate Student Life, Title IX & Compliance, and Supporting Parents & Caregivers at Rutgers (GSO).
- New Jersey TANF Program (WorkFirst NJ)
Provides temporary financial assistance and work support services.
Contact Your Local TANF Agency
- Graduate Student Life Parenting Resource Page
- On-Campus Lactation Rooms & Changing Stations
The Lactation Project, created by Rutgers–New Brunswick Registered Nurses, provides private, clean spaces for breastfeeding or pumping.
- Access: No forms required; bring a valid RUID.
- View Current Lactation Room Locations
