Professional Center FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) for the Professional Center at DCF:
What Is The Address And How Do I Get There?
Our physical address is:
NJ DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
The Professional Center at DCF
Office of Training and Professional Development
30 Van Dyke Avenue, CC # 967
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Main Number (732) 448-6300
Fax Number (732) 418-3252
Where Do I Park?
First Option:
The Professional Center has parking for 250 onsite. There are a finite number of parking spaces available in the immediate area. Coming early and carpooling are always good ideas.
Second Option:
We are excited to announce additional parking for the Professional Center guests. The lot is located at 1735 Jersey Avenue, North Brunswick, NJ 08902. The lot will be open from 8:00am-5:00pm and is free. The lot is located away from the Professional Center and has a shuttle service transporting you to and from the building.
The Shuttle service will be available to take you to the lot during various times, if you are leaving the building for the day. The shuttle service is not available for lunch as there is not enough time for the transport. A member of our security team will be present at the lot during the day and will assist you with any questions you may have.
Third Option:
If parking is not available at The Professional Center on the day of your class, meeting or event, learners/guests can obtain parking at the Jersey Avenue Park n Ride Train Station Overflow Parking Lot at the New Brunswick Parking Authority which is located on the left hand side of the Jersey Avenue train station (if coming from Route 1 exit) before the 571 Jersey Avenue Wenner Bakery.
Google Maps Link for Train station and Parking Lot
Link to the Jersey Ave train schedule
When walking to the building from the train station parking lot, please make a left at the open gates into the Paul Robeson School building (#40) parking lot to get the Professional Center building (#30) from the back of the building. The train station parking lot is 6.5 minutes walking distance of The Professional Center.
If the gates are closed to the Paul Robeson School, please walk around the school and make a left into our front parking lot of the Professional Center building (#30) located off of Van Dyke Avenue. The train station parking lot is 7.5 minutes walking distance of The Professional Center.
For your convenience the following are Taxi services near the Professional Center:
- All Brunswick Taxi: 732-545-0900 (1.4 Miles)
- Yellow Cab of New Brunswick: 732-246-2222 (1.6 Miles)
- Allo Taxi: 732-214-1111 (3.2 Miles)
Please make sure your receipt is saved, so it can be turned in for parking reimbursement. Please refer to CP&P Policy IX-F-1-700 for reimbursement directions.
Can You Set Things Up For Us This Way?
Please use the attached Event/Meeting Request Form to explain how you would like the room to be set up for your event/meeting. Facilities will put the room back together after you are done with your event/meeting.
Do You Have Internet Or Wi-fi Access
Yes, the Professional Center is equipped with internet and Wi-Fi access. DCF staff can access the DCF network and internet from any computer at the Professional Center by using their DCF network login account.
Internet and Wi-Fi access is currently available for non-DCF staff. Please use the attached Wi-Fi Request Form to request this for your meeting/event.
Do You Have All Of The Supplies We Need?
Although we always help people in a pinch, it is expected that you will bring all of the copies and supplies you will require during your stay here.
Do You Have An IT And Audio/Visual Person Onsite?
Yes, we do, however his familiarity is with our system. If your personal system is not working, we are limited in the assistance we can offer you. If you have audio visual needs, please write out what they are on the meeting/event form.
Can You Suggest A Caterer?
There are many fine caterers in the area. Please contact the Professional Center if you have any particular questions.
Where Do They Set Up The Food?
If you are in one of the Auditoriums, the food can be set up in Auditorium 2. Please be sure to reserve both auditoriums if needed. If you are in a classroom, the food is usually set up in the classroom.
How Many Rooms Do You Have? How Many People Do They Each Fit?
Auditorium #1 (300)
Auditorium #2 (300)
Room 102 (60)
Room 103 (60)
Room 104 Meeting Room (20-25)
Room 105 Meeting Room (20-25)
Room 106 Courtroom (44)
Room 113 Courtroom (44)
Room 130 (25)
Room 131 (25)
Room 138 (30)
Room 139 (30)
Room 140 (30)
Room 141 (30)
Room 144 (30)
Room 145 (30)
Room 149 (30)
Room 150 (30)
Room 156 (60)
Room 158 (120)
Room 165 (40)
Room 166 (40)
Room 167 (40)
Room 168 (40)
Room 181 (40)
Room 182 (40)
Room 183 (40)
Room 187 (40)
Room 188 (40)
Room 191 (40)
How Many People Fit In Auditorium #1? How Many People Fit In Auditorium #2?
Auditorium #1 has stadium seating and fits up to 306 people. Maximum occupancy is 325 with chairs on the floor.
Auditorium #2 is a lunchroom style seating and fits up to 300 people. This room has 21 round tables, 5 small rectangular tables and 16 large rectangular tables. There are 290 chairs total available for the room, if needed. Guests can rent more tables and/or chairs from an outside vendor if needed. Maximum occupancy is 300.
Do You Have A Sound System And Microphones In The Auditoriums? If So, How Many?
Yes, we have a sound system and microphones.
Both Auditoriums #1 and 2 have 4 hand-held microphones and 2 lavaliere microphones.
Do You Have Computers In The Rooms? If So, Which Rooms Have Them?
All rooms have computers.
Do You Have Projectors And Screens?
All rooms have projectors and screens.
Can We Put Up Signs With The Event's Name On Them? Where Can We Place The Signs?
Yes, signs are allowed to be put up in the front and sides of the building. Signs should not block the scheduling display. All signs can ONLY be attached to the walls with blue painter's tape. NO Scotch or clear tape is allowed as it would remove the paint from the wall.
Will Our Event Be On The Schedule Screen On The Front TV In The Morning?
If you give us the name of the event ahead of time, it will show up on the scheduling display in the morning. Furthermore, if you give us names for breakout rooms ahead of time, these will show up also.
Will You Have Staff Available To Direct People To Our Event?
As a normal part of our morning activities, we assist guests/students in finding their classroom, meetings or conference events. We cannot staff registration tables or assist in any event processes or functions.
Can We Send Out Material Ahead Of Time And Can It Be Held There For The Event?
U.S. postal mail is not delivered to the site at 30 Van Dyke Avenue. If you use U.S. mail, you must send it to: 50 E. State Street, PO BOX 717,Trenton, NJ 08625-0717. We do receive packages from FedEx, UPS or any other private carrier. Regardless of which mail service you use, please notify us ahead of time so that we can track and store it for you.
Do You Have Only One Entrance Or Can People Enter The Building Through The Back? How About The Side?
We only have one front and one back entrance to the building.
Where Can I Go To Eat Around There?
Here are some places in the area. Feel free to ask for menus in the front office.
Local Food Eateries
| Restaurant |
Phone # |
Deliver (Y/N) |
Other Info |
| Brookside Deli |
(732) 545-1250 |
No |
5:30am to 3:00pm |
| Café Bollywood Vegetarian Food |
(732) 658-1004 |
No |
11:30am to 10:00pm |
| China Moon Chinese Restaurant |
Tel: (732) 249-5883 Fax: (732) 249-5887 |
Yes (Min. 10$) |
11:00am to 10:30pm |
| Cielito Pollo A La Grasa |
(732 ) 247-9977 |
Yes |
10:00am to 11:00pm |
| King's Pizza & Italian Restaurant |
(732) 828-3388 |
Yes |
10:00am to 10:00pm |
| LaCasa De Tortilla Tex Mexican |
(732) 398 -0660 (732) 398 - 0206 |
Yes (Min. 15$) |
11:00am to 10:00pm |
| LaPoncena Restaurant |
(732) 249-3754 |
Yes |
10:30am to 9:00pm |
| Mr Subs |
(732) 828-7827 |
Yes (Min. 20$) |
Opens at 6:00am |
| Ninja Sushi |
(732) 658-6668 (732) 658-6667 |
Yes (Min. 20$) |
11:00am to 3:00pm |
| Santini's Pizza Palace |
(732) 545-1776 |
Yes (Min. 10$) |
10:30am to 11:00pm |
| Sultan Wok & Sushi |
Tel: (732) 393-9656 Fax: (732) 393-1697 |
Yes |
10:30am to 10:30pm |
| Sunny Deli |
(732) 846-2312 |
No |
6:00am to 4:00pm |
| US Fried Chicken & Spanish Food |
(732) 296-8444 |
No |
7:00am to 11:00pm |
| West End Grill |
(732) 640-0215 |
Yes (Min. 10$) |
6:00am to 10:00pm |
Please note: The Department of Children and Families reserves the right to cancel any reservation within a reasonable timeframe due to emerging operational needs.
LMS FAQs
LMS FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) for the DCF LMS:
Where can I view how many hours of training I have completed?
- You can view your inservice hours by going to "My resources", "My reports". It will be under "total_inservice_hours"
- Click your name on the top right corner. Then "My reports", "user reports", "2023 Inservice hours". It will be under "total inservice hours".
Do supplemental hours show up on my transcript?
No, supplemental hours do not show up on your transcript. However, they are counted in the number of inservice hours shown on your transcript
Can I enroll myself in trainings?
No, users may not enroll themselves in trainings on the LMS. There are exceptions for select classes. For example, supplemental trainings like those offered by NCWII, will specifically state they are self-enrollment.
Do clips trainings count toward the 40-hour training mandate?
Some CLIP training hours will count towards the 20 training credit hours expected for completion. All trainings are subject to approval and can be sent to @dcflms_helpdesk@email.rutgers.edu
- Caseload Carrying (CLC) staff may apply 5 CLIP training hours towards their 20 hours.
- Non-Caseload Carrying (Non-CLC) staff may apply up to 10 CLIP training hours towards their 20 hours.
Can I take a required or elective course before I finish all foundation courses?
Preservice and Foundation courses take precedence over other courses. You will be scheduled to complete those courses first. If there is space in your schedule you may take other courses as long they don’t interfere with preservice or foundation.
Will my future hours show on my transcript?
They will not show on your transcript. You can see them by:
- My resources, my reports, under total_inservice_hours
- Click your name, my reports, user reports, 2022 Inservice hours, total inservice hours
What courses are part of preservice?
- Computer Orientation
- Understanding Child Welfare in NJ (CPM1)
- NJ SPIRIT
- Cultivating Awareness: Promoting Safety, Well-being, & Success
- Focusing on Families from Screening to Closing
- Child Development: Identifying Abuse and Neglect
- Structured Decision Making and Critical Thinking (SDM)
- Making Visits Matter (CPM2)
- Solution Base Casework (SBC)
- Simulation
What courses are part of Foundation?
- Why Kinship Matters
- Concurrent Planning
- Human Trafficking: Survivor Identification and Engagement
- Substance Use Module 1 & 2
- Domestic Violence Fundamentals and DCP&P Policy
- Engaging Families with Mental Health Conditions
- Fathers are Important: A Case Worker's Guide to Working with Familes
- What Every Caseworker Needs to Know About Education and Special Education
- First Responders-Foundation
- Substance Use Module 3 & 4
- Child Sexual Abuse Issues for Child Welfare Professionals: Part 1
- Child Sexual Abuse Issues for Child Welfare Professionals: Part 2
- Cultural Competency In LGBTQI
- Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Child Welfare Workers
- Lifebook Work with Children and Familes
What courses are part of Required?
- Administrative/Management
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)
- Adolescents
- Adoption
- Assistance Family Service Workers
- Bringing the Protective Factors to Life
- Car Seat Safety (DCF Orientation Only)
- Car Seat Safety
- Cultural Competency
- Collaborative Safety
- Connection Matter
- Difficult Conversations
- Domestic Violence
- Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action
- Fathers are Important: A Caseworker's Guide to Working with Families
- First Responders
- Kinship
- Intervening with Batterers
- Nurtured Heart Approach
- Resource Family Support
- Safety Awareness for Child Welfare Worker
- SDM (Structured Decision Making)
- Solution Base Casework
- Special Health Issues
- SPRU
- Supervisory/Administrative Content
- Building Investigating Findings
- Transforming Child Welfare Through Anti-Racism
What courses are Electives?
- New Jersey Child Welfare Certificate Program in Substance Use
- Masters Child Welfare Education Program (MCWEP)
- Baccalaureate Child Welfare Education Program(BCWEP)
- Violence Against Women Certificate Program(VAWC)
What courses are Supplemental?
- Active Shooter
- CSOC -Children System of Care
- DCF Commissioner Beyer Listening Tour
- Groundwater Analysis of Racial Inequities Strategic Planning
- NCWWI/Children's Bureau Webinars
- NJ Leader Transformative Collaborative Series
Are there online trainings?
Yes, we offer several trainings completely online. They can be found by clicking "Learning Path" , "Online".
Can trainings not listed on the LMS be counted as supplemental?
Trainings found outside of the DCF have to be preapproved to be eligible for supplemental hours.
Who do I ask to get a training approved for supplemental hours?
Please Email: dcflms_helpdesk@email.rutgers.edu
Where do I submit my CLIP course certificate to?
The following Clip trainings are mandatory Civil Service Commision trainings and do not count towards your in-service hours. No need to submit:
- NJ Work Smart
- Security Awareness
- Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Training
- New Jersey Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace
- CFA - New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace Written Policy and Model Procedures
- New Jersey Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace Policy Only
- The New Jersey State Employee Cannabis Briefing
- New Jersey State Employee Ethics Training 2023
- New Jersey Workplace Violence: Recognize, Prevent and Report
- New Jersey Active Shooter Response Training
- Annual Defensive Driving Course
How do I submit my Supplemental certificate?
Please Email: dcflms_helpdesk@email.rutgers.edu
Where do I see all the courses I am currently enrolled in?
Your name, profile, Course details, Course Profiles
Can I check my attendance for each of my courses?
As a student you can not view your own attendance record. Feel free to reach out to your trainer if you have any questions
Where can I see a breakdown of my grades?
Your name, my reports, user reports, Complete User Grade Report
