Early Childhood
Early Childhood Center
Mandel JCC’s Early Childhood Center offers year-round programs for children ages 8 weeks old through Pre-Kindergarten. For more than 50 years, we have been committed to offering an exceptional child care and preschool curriculum and experience, as evident by our Step-Up-To Quality Gold Award designation from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services tiered quality ratings and improvements system.
Young Family Programing
Join The J for interactive programs that are perfect for parents, grandparents and caregivers of young children. Our hands-on events and classes spark interest, engage minds and explore Jewish traditions, culture and values. Enroll in swim lessons or get active at our seasonal family gym times.
Parenting Programs and Support
There’s no better way to build community and feel supported in your parenting journey than connecting with others. The J’s early childhood team brings professionals together with families and caregivers for programs such as Village Voices parent discussion group.
We believe Early Childhood education is more than just preparing children for future success in school.
It is about honoring the process of childhood, holding sacred space for it and supporting every child in realizing their potential.
Featured Classes
Aquatics, Early Childhood
06/14/2025 - 07/26/2025
Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old. No class on July 5th
Perfect for children ages 6 months through 3 years old to learn the basics of swimming and getting acclimated to the water. Parents/caregivers are in the water with the children and are an important part of the experience. Participants will learn water adaption, blowing bubbles and the beginnings of strokes. No class on Saturday, October 12
Aquatics, Early Childhood
06/14/2025 - 07/26/2025
Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old. No class on July 5th
Perfect for children ages 6 months through 3 years old to learn the basics of swimming and getting acclimated to the water. Parents/caregivers are in the water with the children and are an important part of the experience. Participants will learn water adaption, blowing bubbles and the beginnings of strokes. No class on Saturday, October 12
Early Childhood
05/05/2025 - 05/19/2025
A child and caregiver class that builds developmental skills and enhances curiosity.
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for this class for children 0 - 5 years old that is designed to help children build language, motor, and social skills, enhance curiosity and creativity, and help them learn the conventions of playing at school and being part of a group.
Aquatics, K-12
06/14/2025 - 07/26/2025
An introduction to water skills that help children ages 6-12 feel comfortable in the water. No class on July 5th
Children ages 6-12 receive lessons based on a logical, level progression that helps swimmers develop water safety, survival and swimming skills. The class is designed to give participants a positive learning experience while working on strokes, floating and basic water skills.
Aquatics, K-12
06/14/2025 - 07/26/2025
Level 2 swim lessons build upon introductory water skills to help children ages 6-12 succeed with fundamental aquatic skills and strokes. No class on July 5th
Children ages 6-12 receive lessons based on a logical, level progression that helps swimmers develop water safety, survival and swimming skills. The class is designed to give participants a positive learning experience while working on fundamental aquatic skills including front crawl and backstrokes, floating and basic water skills.
Contact Early Childhood and Young Families Leadership
Sarah Jaffe Kasdan
Director of Jewish Life and Culture
216-593-6288
Liza Adams
Co-Director of Early Childhood Services
216-831-0700 Ext. 1387
Jaclyn Gordon
Co-Director of Early Childhood Services
216-831-0700 Ext. 1362
Kathy Newman
Early Childhood Business Manager
216-593-6275
