Birth-5 Classes & Programs | SPRING 2025

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.

Join other families with little ones under 5 years of age for appropriate playtime and activities in the Family Room. For more information about programs, classes or events, or to RSVP, contact Susan Lentini, 860-231-6374, slentini@mandelljcc.org.

PJ Library Family Shabbat 
Bring your little ones to welcome Shabbat with friends, family, songs, blessings and challah!

Fri |  11:00-11:45am | April 4-June 6
Free and open to all
RSVP to Susan, slentini@mandelljcc.org
Please visit www.facebook.com/PJLibraryGreaterHartford for events, news, and updates.
 
Making Music with Michelle and My Grownup
Come tap, clap, cuddle, dance, and sing with your little ones. This music class is designed for children with their adult companions. Small class sizes are facilitated with all live music-making to meet the individual needs of each family. Michelle Russell 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
Mon | 10:00-10:45am | April 21-June 9

No class on May 26 & June 2
$145/115 JCC Member

REGISTER
 
Music Together continues at the Mandell JCC this Spring!
Participate in the internationally recognized early childhood music and movement curriculum with your infant, toddler, or preschooler. Choose from weekly, mixed age classes for children from birth to 5 years, plus a special Babies Class for infants 0-9 months and the grownups who love them! The 10-Week spring Session begins in April. Classes will be held on Thursday, Friday & Saturday mornings and lead by “Miss Lexi” of Music Together of West Hartford & Farmington Valley
Details and registration here: www.musictogetherWHFV.com

Tumbling Time  

Sat. & Sun. 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.
 
    

The Family Room offers enrichment classes designed to meet the needs of children as they grow and learn.  Register for classes online.
Contact Jessica Farrell, jfarrell@mandelljcc.org with any financial questions. For more information about programs, classes or events, contact Susan Lentini, 860-231-6374, slentini@mandelljcc.org.
Children must be enrolled in a 3, 4 or TK classroom or 3-years-old by Dec 31, 2024 to register for drop off enrichment classes.
 
Making Music with Michelle
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 and educational milestones. 
Mon | 12:30-1:15pm | April 21-June 9
No class on May 26 & June 2 
$155 /$125 JCC Member

REGISTER
 
Little Chefs
Ages 4 & 5
Instructor: Susan Lentini
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. Stories related to the season or recipes will be read.
**If your child has any food allergies, please note that we will be using a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as dairy, egg, and wheat products.
Mon | 12:30-1:30pm | April 21-June 9
Mon | 2:00-3:00pm | April 21-June 9
No class on May 26 & June 2 
$200/$160 JCC Member

REGISTER
 
Mindful Yoga
3-5 years
Instructor: Mira Godel
Mindful Yoga engages children in a multitude of ways including balance & flow, basic yoga poses, sequencing, breathing, meditation, mindfulness and yoga games with music.
Tue | 12:35-1:30pm | April 22-June 10
$200/$160 JCC Member

REGISTER
 
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 22-June 10
$200/$160 JCC Member

REGISTER
 
Sticky Fingers & 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 23-June 11
$225 /$180 JCC Member

REGISTER
 
New!!! Artist at Play
Ages 3-5
Instructor: Robin Toomey
The children will explore a variety of media and techniques and use their imagination.  Each child can take pleasure in the process of discovery and creating art inspired by famous artists and illustrators.
Wed | 3:30-4:30pm | April 23-June 11
$215/ $170 JCC Member

REGISTER
 
Happy Piano
Ages 3-5
Instructor: Julie Rosenberg
Introduce your child to music through keyboarding classes. Lessons are 30 minutes per week with a limit of 6 children. Each class includes keyboard instruction, music theory, songs, games, music activities and a personal classroom keyboard. Material Fees included
Thu | 12:30-1:00pm or 1:15-1:45pm | April 24-June 5
Fri  | 12:30-1:00pm or 1:15-1:45pm | April 25-June 6
$185/$150 JCC member (New students will need to add the $35 materials fee)

REGISTER
 
Moovin' & Groovin'
Ages 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 | April 25-June 6
$175/$140 JCC member

REGISTER

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.

 
Get Ready for Passover!
Sun. Mar 30 | 3:00pm
Learn about the upcoming Passover holiday with author Alan Katz who will be reading his newest book, The Mysterious Missing Matzoh.
Enjoy hands-on activities to get ready for your family’s Seder.
Free and open to all with your registration 

REGISTER HERE
 
Israel’s Birthday Celebration

Save the date for Israel Fest on May 4th
 
Family Shabbat with a Special Shavuot Treat!
Fri. May 30 | 11:00am and 4:00pm
Come welcome Shabbat and get ready for the holiday of Shavuot which is the Festival of the Giving of the Torah. In addition to songs, blessings and challah, we’ll enjoy some yummy dairy foods and share some holiday stories.

Free and open to all
RSVP to Susan at slentini@mandelljcc.org

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The Family Room Parenting Center is funded in part by the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign.