Move and Groove Tot Shabbat

Educators Maria Hanley and Dana Saltzman lead a movement and music-filled program every Friday at The J. Parents and caregivers of children ages birth through six are invited to join us from 9:15 – 9:45 a.m. Free and open to the community. Enter through the Stonehill Entrance.

Early Childhood Center

We believe that early childhood education is more than just preparing children for future success in school. It’s about honoring the process of childhood and supporting every child in realizing their potential. The J’s program is full year and open to children ages 8 weeks old through pre-kindergarten.

Jewish Young Family Events

Building a community is important to families of all sizes. Our engaging and hands-on programs are offered year-round. Families connect, celebrate and explore together. We have created a holiday series that reviews symbols and customs associated with each major holiday and offers ideas for activities for families.

American Red Cross Learn to Swim

The J has been a winner of the Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Award for Best Place for Kids' Swim Lessons several years in a row.
We offer group swim lessons for children starting six months old – with specific classes targeted
to infants, toddlers and preschool children.

Parenting Programs and Support

The J’s early childhood team brings professionals together with families and caregivers for programs such as Village Voices parent discussion group.

Pop-In-Play

Little ones will love exploring and meeting new friends in an environment set up to engage them in play. Ages birth to five years old. This interactive room is open to Mandel JCC members anytime the Early Childhood Center does not have regularly scheduled programming.

Featured Classes

Early Childhood, K-12

04/26/2026 - 04/26/2026

Open gym with bikes, balls, mats and more for families with kids ages 6 and younger.

Join us in The J's gymnasium for large muscle activities such as biking, balls, play mats, and more! Meet other young families and enjoy a safe space to release that winter energy. Good for families with children ages 6 and younger.

Aquatics, Early Childhood

04/04/2026 - 05/16/2026

Non Member Registration Opens on 3/23. Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old. No class on April 11

Children ages 6 months through 3 years old will learn the basics of swimming and getting acclimated to the water. Parents/caregivers are in the water with the children. No class on April 11.

Aquatics, Early Childhood

04/04/2026 - 05/16/2026

Non Member Registration Opens on 3/23. Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old. No class on April 11

Children ages 6 months through 3 years old will learn the basics of swimming and getting acclimated to the water. Parents/caregivers are in the water with the children. No class on April 11.

Aquatics, Early Childhood

04/05/2026 - 05/10/2026

Non Member Registration Opens on 3/23. Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old.

Children ages 6 months through 3 years old will learn the basics of swimming and getting acclimated to the water. Parents/caregivers are in the water with the children. No class on April 11.

Early Childhood, Jewish Life, Arts and Ideas

03/29/2026 - 03/29/2026

Celebrate Passover at The J with hands-on activities for young families!

Celebrate Passover at The J with hands-on activities for young families!

Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12

04/19/2026 - 04/19/2026

Celebrate Israeli Independence Day at the Mandel JCC with hands-on activities for young families.

Join us at the Mandel JCC for an Israeli Independence Day celebration featuring hands-on activities for young families with children ages 0–8. This event is free and open to the community.

Aquatics, Early Childhood

04/05/2026 - 05/10/2026

Non Member Registration Opens on 3/23. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5.

A positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.

Aquatics, Early Childhood

04/08/2026 - 05/13/2026

Non Member Registration Opens on 3/23. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5

A positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.

Aquatics, Early Childhood

04/04/2026 - 05/16/2026

Non Member Registration Opens on 3/23. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5. No class on April 11

A positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes. No class on April 11

Aquatics, Early Childhood

04/07/2026 - 05/12/2026

Non Member Registration Opens on 3/23. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5

A positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.

Aquatics, Early Childhood

04/04/2026 - 05/16/2026

Non Member Registration Opens on 3/23. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5. No class on April 11

Level 2 swim lessons build upon introductory water skills to help children ages 3-5 succeed with fundamental aquatic skills and strokes. No Class on April 11

Aquatics, Early Childhood

04/07/2026 - 05/12/2026

Non Member Registration Opens on 3/23. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5

Level 2 swim lessons build upon introductory water skills to help children ages 3-5 succeed with fundamental aquatic skills and strokes.

Aquatics, Early Childhood

04/06/2026 - 05/11/2026

Non Member Registration Opens on 3/23. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5

A positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.

Prenatal to Pre-K Leadership