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PLEASE NOTE: Fall registration is now open for JCC members! Registration will open to all on Tuesday, August 18 at 9:00am. |
Birth-5 Classes & Programs | Fall 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 | Aug 28-Dec 18
Free and open to all
RSVP to Susan at slentini@mandelljcc.org
Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item for the Food Pantry cart.
For other events and updates visit www.facebook.com/PJLibraryGreaterHartford
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
Making Music with Michelle and My Grownup
Ages 8 to 35 months old with their 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 facilitate live music-making, singing and movement to enhance motor and language development.
Mon | 10:00-10:45am | Session 1: Sept 14-Nov 2
No class on Sept 21 & Oct 12
$155/$120 JCC Member
Mon | 10:00-10:45am | Session 2: Nov 9-Dec 14
$155/$120 JCC Member
Baby Bunch
Do you have a child younger than 14 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 Tuesday mornings. If you are new to parenthood or our community, this is a great way to meet other parents and share ideas.
Tue | 11:00-11:45am | Oct 6-Dec 15
Free and open to all. Bring a friend.
Please let us know each week when you will be coming. RSVP to Susan at slentini@mandelljcc.org
Tumbling Time
Ongoing Weekends
Another space for your family to enjoy at the J on Saturdays from noon to close and all day on Sundays. 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.
| 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.
The Family Room offers classes designed to meet the needs of children as they navigate through their youngest years. Register for all classes online. Contact Jessica Farrell, jfarrell@mandelljcc.org for financial questions. For more information about programs, classes or events, contact Susan Lentini, 860-231-6374, slentini@mandelljcc.org.
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 | Sept 14–Dec 14
No class on Sept 21 & Oct 12
$350/$285 JCC Member
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. The children will enjoy many stories and games related to the seasons and recipes.
*Please note that this class is not recommended for children with food allergies/sensitivities. 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. (born in or before 2022) and/or in a 4’s or TK class.
Mon | 12:30-1:30pm | Sept 14–Dec 14
Mon | 2:00-3:00pm | Sept 14–Dec 14
No class on Sept 21 & Oct 12
$435/$350 JCC Member
3-5 years
Instructor: Geralynn Kay
While working with clay, your preschooler will learn basic pottery skills and refine their fine motor skills while expanding their imaginations by creating a range of three dimensional works of art. Your potter will bring home all their pieces once they are fired in the kiln. Material fee included.
Ages 3-5
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 9–Dec 16
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 Fee included.
Thur | 12:30-1:00pm or 1:15-1:45pm | Sept 10-Dec 17
$405/$320 JCC Member
Fri | 12:30-1:00pm or 1:15-1:45pm | Sept 11-Dec 18
$375/$295 JCC Member
Age 3-5
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 | Oct 23-Dec 18
| SPECIAL EVENTS |
Funded in part by the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign. 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. In case of inclement weather some outdoor events may be moved indoors. Please call the Member Services Center, 860-236-4571 to inquire. For more information or to RSVP to an event, please contact Susan Lentini, 860-231-6374, slentini@mandelljcc.org.
Sing It with Ms. Sara Concert
Sun. Aug 30 | 3:00pm
Celebrate Jewish joy through music with the fabulous Ms.Sara of YouTube fame. You may have watched the Sing It! with Ms. Sara videos, but she and her band are coming to our community for a live performance! This interactive family concert will welcome new beginnings including the start of school and the Jewish New Year. Children and their grown-ups will explore Jewish values and traditions while creating special memories.
Advance registration is required.
(Location will be provided to ticket holders prior to the concert)
Harvest Family Fun
Sun. Sept 27 | 3:00pm | Mandell JCC
Bring your family to celebrate the harvest holiday of Sukkot in the sukkah. Enjoy PJ Library stories, “building” an edible sukkah, and more. Free and open to all with RSVP.
Chanukah: Eight Nights of Light
Dec 4 to 11
Join us in the Chase Family Gallery each evening to light the Chanukah candles with blessings and song. Mandell JCC Chanukah events are open to the community with registration. Information: www.mandelljcc.org
Celebrate Chanukah!
Sun. Dec 6 | 3:00pm | Mandell JCC
Meet PJ parent and author Jodie Sadowsky who will be reading her newest published Chanukah book, Sharing the Light. She will be joined by Martha Simpson, author of I Will Not Eat Latkes and The Dreidel That Wouldn’t Spin. You and your children will also create holiday decorations, play dreidel, and sing songs. Free and open to all with registration.
Free and open to all with registration
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The Family Room Parenting Center is funded in part by the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign. |
