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.
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
Music with Michelle and My Grownup
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 | Sept 8-Oct 27
No class on Oct 13
$180/145 JCC Member
Session 2
Mon | 10:00-10:45am | Nov 3-Dec 15
$180/$145 JCC Member
Robin Toomey expands her role in the Family Room. Robin is a dedicated educator who is passionate about creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children. With over 25 years of experience as an early childhood teacher, director, and child life specialist, Robin bring joy and knowledge to share with parents, too. She will be teaching a new class for the little ones and their grownups, as well as multiple preschool enrichment classes featuring stories, movement, art, science, and cooking.
Romp, Rhythm, & Rhymes
You and your little ones will enjoy finger plays, gentle scarf movement, action songs, and parachute play. Your children will be able to practice language and motor skills while exploring a variety of activities.
Session 1
Tue | 10:00-10:45am | Sept 9-Nov 4
No class Sept 23; Oct 7, 14
$160/125 JCC Member
Session 2
Tue | 10:00-10:45am | Nov 11-Dec 16
$160/$125 JCC Member
| DROP-OFF ENRICHMENT CLASSES |
Children must be enrolled in a 3, 4 or 5’s classroom or that age by Dec 31, 2025 to register for enrichment classes.
Little Chefs
Ages 4 and 5 (must be 4-yrs by 12/31/25)
Instructor: Susan Lentini
Your little chef will explore how foods grow and taste, and gain skills measuring, cutting, and combining ingredients. Each child will be able to eat what is made and take home recipes. Many food related stories 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 | Sept 8-Dec 16
Mon | 2:00-3:00pm | Sept 8-Dec 16
No class on Sept 22; Oct 6,13
$420/$335 JCC Member
REGISTER
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 | Sept 8-Dec 15
No class on Oct 13
$350/$295 JCC Member
REGISTER
Storybook Players & Puppet Pals
Ages 3-5
Instructor: Robin Toomey
Favorite picture books will provide inspiration for the children to bring stories to life and take on a characters’ roles. Creative thinking and imaginative play will help transform puppets, props, costume pieces, and objects into a world of make believe.
Tue | 12:35-1:30pm | Sept 9-Dec 16
No class Sept 23, Oct 7, 14
$360/$280 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 | Sept 9-Dec 16
No class Sept 23 Oct 7, 14
$315/$250 JCC Member
REGISTER
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 | Sept 10-Dec 17
No class Sept 24; Oct 8, 15
$345/$275 JCC Member
REGISTER
Artists at Play
Ages 3-5
Instructor: Robin Toomey
The children will explore color and texture with a variety of materials including paint, watercolors, clay, and pastels. Each child can be creative in the process of discovery and creating art inspired by famous artists and illustrators.
Wed | 3:00-4:00pm | Sept 10-Dec 17
No class Sept 24; Oct 1, 8, 15
$315/$250 JCC Member
REGISTER
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 | Sept 12-Dec 19
No class Nov 28
$365/$295 JCC Member
REGISTER
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
Thu | 12:30-1:00pm or 1:15-1:45pm | Sept 11-Dec 18
No class Oct 2, Nov 27
Fri | 12:30-1:00pm or 1:15-1:45pm | Sept 12-Dec 19
No class Oct 3, Nov 28
$405/$325 JCC Member
REGISTER
| 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.
Fun on the Farm!
Sun. Sept 14, 12:30-3:30pm
Bring your family for a delicious kosher luncheon, hayrides, and to visit the animal barn. Join PJ Library Greater Hartford for Rosh Hashanah card making and stories at the pavilion.
Location provided upon registration - Be sure to RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 8 - www.jewishhartford.org/funonthefarm2025
This community family-friendly meet-up is free thanks to the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the “Good. Great. Greater Hartford” welcoming program.
Harvest Family Fun
Sun. Oct 5, 3:00pm | Mandell JCC Presidents’ Courtyard
Bring your family to celebrate the harvest holiday of Sukkot with a special book reading of A Sukkah for Bella by PJ parent and author Jodie Sadowsky. Enjoy creating decorations like Bella makes in the story and “build” an edible sukkah, too.
Free and open to all
RSVP to 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.
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The Family Room Parenting Center is funded in part by the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign. |
