This bill establishes the Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program within the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, aimed at providing financial assistance to borrowers who have children enrolled in high-quality child care programs. The program will issue vouchers equivalent to the principal monthly loan repayment amount for eligible borrowers whose children are enrolled in approved programs, which include licensed child care centers, preschool programs, Head Start programs, or registered family child care providers with a Grow NJ Kids rating of at least three. The State will allocate necessary funds to cover these vouchers.
To qualify for the program, applicants must be New Jersey residents, provide proof of their child's enrollment in an approved program, submit an application to the authority, and meet income requirements (individual annual income not exceeding $75,000 or combined household income not exceeding $150,000). The bill also mandates that the authority disseminate information about the program to child care providers and the public, while requiring approved programs to promote the voucher program within their facilities and through their communications.