Birth-5 Classes & Programs | Fall 2025
For more information about programs, classes or events, contact Susan Lentini, 860-231-6374, slentini@mandelljcc.org.
Babysitting
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:45-11:30am | Saturday and Sunday: 8:30-11:45am
Members using the JCC are offered childcare for children ages 4 months–7 years old in the Fitness Wing. Our experienced childcare staff, under the supervision of Jill Rothstein, encourage children to engage in fun, age-appropriate activities. For the safety of all children, the babysitting room is a food free zone with the exception of baby bottles. The cost is $4.00 per child per half hour. Prepaid babysitting cards are available for frequent users for $75 for 20 half hour punches. This service is for JCC members only and you must remain in the JCC while using babysitting.
| 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 | Weekly Beginning on Sept 5
No gathering Nov 28 or Dec 26
Free and open to all
RSVP to Susan, slentini@mandelljcc.org. Please visit www.facebook.com/PJLibraryGreaterHartford for events, news, and updates.
Baby Bunch
Are your little ones younger than 15 months old? Are you looking for some adult conversation and playtime with your little one? You and your baby are invited to drop in to play in the Family Room Parenting Center on Wednesday mornings. If you are new to parenthood or our community, this is a great way to meet other parents and share ideas.
Wed | 10:30-11:15am | Oct 19-Dec 17
Free and open to all. Bring a friend.
Membership not required, but please let us know when you will be coming. RSVP to Susan at slentini@mandelljcc.org or Robin Toomey at rtoomey@mandelljcc.org
Tumbling Time
Sat & Sun - Begins August 23
Another space for your family to enjoy at the J. The Karate Studio will be set up with soft play equipment for children 5 and under. All children must be supervised by an adult.
| 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.
Chanukah is Almost Here!
Sun. Dec 7, 3:00pm
Meet author, Joy Nelkin Wieder who will be reading her newest book The Mouse Who Loved Latkes. The story features the Katz family and C.J. the mouse. Find out if a spinning dreidel helps mice and cats become friends. You and your children will also be creating Chanukah decorations, playing dreidel, and singing songs.
Free and open to all
Please bring a set of new children’s pajamas to help those in need stay warm at bedtime.
Chanukah: Eight Nights of Light
Dec 14-21
All Mandell JCC Chanukah events are open to the community.
Join us in the Chase Family Gallery daily to light the Chanukah candles with blessings and song.
Birth-5 Classes & Programs | Winter 2026
For more information about programs, classes or events, contact Susan Lentini, 860-231-6374, slentini@mandelljcc.org.
|
PLEASE NOTE: Winter Registration Opens on Thursday, December 11 at 9:00am for JCC Members | Thursday, December, 18 at 9:00am Opens for All |
| 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 | Jan 2-Mar 27
Free and open to all
RSVP to Susan, slentini@mandelljcc.org.
Please visit www.facebook.com/PJLibraryGreaterHartford for events, news, and updates.
Baby Bunch
Are your little ones younger than 15 months old? Are you looking for some adult conversation and playtime with your little one? You and your baby are invited to drop in to play in the Family Room Parenting Center on Wednesday mornings. If you are new to parenthood or our community, this is a great way to meet other parents and share ideas. Free and open to all! Membership not required. Please let us know you will be coming.
Wed | 10:30-11:15am | Jan 7-Mar 25
Free and open to all. Bring a friend.
Please let us know when you will be coming. RSVP to Susan at slentini@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6374 or Robin Toomey at
rtoomey@mandelljcc.org
Tumbling Time
Ongoing weekends beginning Jan 4th. 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 Begins Jan 4
Making Music with Michelle and My 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.
Session 1
Mon | 10:00-10:45am | Jan 5-Feb 9
No class on Jan 19
$125/$100 JCC Member
Session 2
Mon | 10:00-10:45am | Feb 23-Mar 23
$125/$100 JCC Member
Toddler Tuesdays
Age:18 to 35 months old with their grownup
Instructor: Robin Toomey
Toddlers are terrific. You and your little ones will gather for a circle time featuring finger plays, songs, and stories. Activities in the Family Room include hands-on art, sensory exploration, dramatic play, and building activities. Soft climbing toys and big movement games will be in the karate studio. This class provides opportunities for your child to interact other children close in age while you meet other adults raising toddlers.
Session 1
Tue | 10:30-11:15am | Jan 6-Feb 10
$150/$120 JCC Member
Session 2
Tue | 10:30-11:15am | Feb 24-Mar 24
$125/$100 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 by Dec. 2025.
Mon | 12:30-1:30pm | Jan 5-Mar 23
Mon | 2:00-3:00pm | Jan 5-Mar 23
No class on Jan 19, Feb 16
$375/$300 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 will play the guitar and keep the children active and engaged while supporting developmental skills and educational milestones.
Mon | 12:30-1:15pm | Jan 5-Mar 23
No class on Jan 19, Feb 16
$300/$240
JCC
Member
Artists Who Love Books!
Ages 3-5
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.
Tues | 2:00-3:00pm | Jan 6-Mar 24
No class Feb 17
$345/$275 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 | Jan 6-Mar 24
No class Feb 17
$300/$240 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 | Jan 7-Mar 25
$375/$300 JCC Member
Wed | 2:00-3:00pm | Jan 7-Mar 25
$375/$300 JCC Member
Movin’ And Groovin’
Age 3-5
Instructor: Melissa Bambery
Through playful movement, rhythm, music, and props, 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 | Jan 9-Mar 27
No class Jan 30
$325/$260 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. Material Fees included
Thur | 12:30-1:00pm or 1:15-1:45pm | Jan 8-Mar 26
$375/300 JCC Member
Fri | 12:30-1:00pm or 1:15-1:45pm | Jan 9-Mar 27
No class Jan 30
$355/280 JCC Member
(New students will need to pay a
$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.
Family Lantern-Making Workshop
Thu. Dec 18, 5:00pm
Celebrate the light of Hanukkah in this joyful family lantern-making workshop led by local artist Anne Cubberly! Designed for children ages 8 and up with an accompanying adult (maximum 2 children per adult), this hands-on class invites families to create beautiful, glowing lanterns inspired by the themes of light, hope, and creativity. Using natural and festive materials, participants will work together to craft unique lanterns to brighten the holiday season. No experience needed—all materials provided as well as a pizza dinner.
$40/$36 JCC Member - Includes one adult and one child; $5 for each additional child
Register www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Books are ‘Snow’ Much Fun!
Sun. Jan 11, 3:00pm
It’s Storytime! Bring your children to listen to favorite winter stories featuring The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats read by our special guest readers.
Free and open to all
Please bring new hats or mittens to give to families in our community to keep them warm this winter.
Grow Together:
A Tu B’Shvat Garden Workshop
Sun. Feb 1, 3:00pm
Celebrate Tu B’Shvat, the New Year of the Trees, with a unique, hands-on workshop perfect for all ages! In this multigenerational class, participants will explore the wonders of hydroponic gardening and build their own soil-free herb garden to take home to enjoy year-round.
This experience is designed for an adult and younger learner to do together.
Registration is $22 for each adult and child pair
For more information, contact Susan Lentini, slentini@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6374 or Kasi Friedman, Director of Adult Engagement, 860-231-6311, kfriedman@mandelljcc.org
PJ Library Purim Party
Sun. Feb 22, 3:00pm
Families with children are invited to come in costume for lots of some Purim fun. Learn how to make hamantashen cookies, create a noisy grogger, play games, and more.
Free and open to all with registration
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
> Birth-5 Sports > PJ Library > Martial Arts > Dance > Swim Lessons
 |
The Family Room Parenting Center is funded in part by the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign. |
