Birth-5 Classes & Programs | Spring 2026
For more information about programs, classes or events, contact Susan Lentini, 860-231-6374, slentini@mandelljcc.org.
| PARENT/CHILD CLASSES |
Join other families with little ones under 3 for age appropriate playtime and activities in the Family Room.
Pre-registration preferred - Susan Lentini, 860-231-6374, slentini@mandelljcc.org
PJ Library Family Shabbat
Bring your little ones to the Family Room Parenting Center to welcome Shabbat with friends, family, songs, blessings and challah!
Fri | 11:00-11:45am | Mar 27, April 10-June 12
Free and open to all
RSVP to Susan, slentini@mandelljcc.org.
Please visit www.facebook.com/PJLibraryGreaterHartford for events, news, and updates.
Tumbling Time
Ongoing weekends. Another space for your family to enjoy at the J. The Karate Studio will be set up with soft equipment for the little ones to roll and tumble. Open to children 5 and under - supervision required by an accompanying adult. Please remember this is a food free zone.
Sat & Sun | April 4-June 14
Making Music with Michelle and My Grownup
Ages 15 to 35 months old with their grownup
Michelle Russell is returning to teach our littlest learners with their grownups as well as a drop off preschool music class. Michelle has a MA and is a board-certified music therapist with over 20 years of experience. Her child-centered programming supports developmental milestones, musical exploration, and having fun. www.mmmusictherapy.com
Come tap, clap, cuddle, dance, and sing with your little ones! This music class is designed for children under 3 years old with their adult companions. Michelle will facilitated live music-making, singing and movement to enhance motor and language development.
Mon | 10:00-10:45am | April 20-June 8
No class on May 23
$175/$140 JCC Member
New! Terrific Toddlers
Ages 18 to 35 months old with their grownup
Instructor: Robin Toomey
You and your toddlers will be in the Family Room weekly for a variety of activities including hands-on art, sensory exploration, dramatic play, and building activities. Everyone will also gather for a circle time featuring finger plays, songs, and stories. This class provides opportunities for your child to build fine motor and social skills while interacting with children close to their age. Parents raising toddlers have many of the same questions and can support each other by sharing ideas.
Wed | 10:30-11:15am | April 22-June 3
$175/$140 JCC Member
| DROP-OFF ENRICHMENT CLASSES |
Children
must
be
enrolled
in
a
3 ,
4
or
5
year-old
classroom
and/or
born
in
2022,
2021,
or
2020
to
register
for
enrichment
classes.
Little Chefs
4’s program and TK
Instructors: Susan Lentini & Robin Toomey
Your little chef will explore how foods grow and taste, and gain skills measuring, cutting, and mixing ingredients. Each child will be able to eat or take home what they make.
The children will enjoy many stories and games related to the season or recipes.
*Please note that this class is not recommended for children with food allergies. We will be using dairy and wheat products, eggs and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Little chef’s age requirement is 4 years or older (born in or before 2021)
Mon | 12:30-1:30pm | April 20-June 1
Mon | 2:00-3:00pm | April 20-June 1
No class on May 25
$260/$210 JCC Member
Making Music with Michelle
Ages 3-5
Instructor: Michelle Russell
Your child will have fun using percussion instruments, singing, and moving with the music. Michelle sings and plays her guitar and keeps the children active and engaged. These educational activities support developmental skills in language, social/emotional, fine motor and gross motor.
Mon | 12:30-1:15pm | April 20-June 1
No class on May 25
$200/$160 JCC Member
Clay Creations
3-5 years
Instructor: Geralynn Kay
While working with clay, your preschooler will learn basic skills, refine their fine motor skills and cognitive development all while expanding their imaginations by creating a range of three dimensional works of art. Material fee included.
Tue | 3:00-3:45pm | April 21-June 2
$205 /$165 JCC Member
Sticky Fingers And Steam
Ages 3-5
Instructor: Robin Toomey
Your children will explore Science Technology Engineering Art Math (STEAM) by experimenting with light, color, gravity, and magnets. Each week, different open-ended activities will allow for building, problem solving, using concoctions, creating process art, and more.
Wed | 12:35-1:30pm | April 22-June 3
$220/$175 JCC Member
New! Artists Who Love Books!
Ages 4-5
Instructor: Robin Toomey
Favorite picture books will come to life through imaginative activities that build literacy skills. The children will explore a variety of materials and techniques to create art inspired by illustrators and famous artists.
Wed | 3:00-4:00pm | April 22-June 3
$220/$175 JCC Member
Movin’ And Groovin’
Age 3-5
Instructor: Becca Barnard
Through playful movement, music, props, and yoga, the children will build motor skills, balance, and coordination. While using their imagination they will express themselves, improve body awareness, and gain self-confidence.
Fri | 12:30-1:15pm | April 24-June 5
No class on May 22
$165/$130 JCC Member
Happy Piano
Age 3-6
Instructor: Julie Rosenberg
Introduce your child to music through keyboarding classes. Each class includes keyboard instruction, music theory, songs, games, music activities and use of a personal classroom keyboard. Lessons are 30 minutes per week.
Thu | 12:30-1:00pm or 1:15-1:45pm | April 23-June 4
No class May 21
$185/150 JCC Member (New students- add the $35 materials fee)
Fri | 12:30-1:00pm or 1:15-1:45pm | April 24-June 5
No class May 22
$185/150 JCC Member (New students add the $35 materials fee)
| SPECIAL EVENTS |
The Mandell JCC’s holiday programs and special events are always open to all. We welcome the diversity of our community to come together and share experiences by joining us for fun-filled Jewish programs both inside and outside the walls of the JCC.
For more information or to RSVP to an event, please contact Susan Lentini, 860-231-6374, slentini@mandelljcc.org.
Passover with PJ Library
Sun. Mar 22, 3:00pm
Bring your family to get ready for the Passover holiday through stories, songs, and hands-on activities before for your family’s Seder.
Free and open to all with your registration
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The Family Room Parenting Center is funded in part by the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign. |
