Prenatal to Pre-K
Sunbeams and Baby Beams
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for these child/caregiver classes designed to provide age-appropriate language, motor and social skills. Each week focuses on a theme with associated stories, music and activities including sensory play. If needed, please contact Liza Adams at ladams@mandeljcc.org for assistance with registration.
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.
Kid Kare Babysitting
Work out knowing that your children are being cared for by American Red Cross Babysitting certified staff. Our dedicated room has age appropriate activities and toys for children from three months seven years old. Purchase a monthly membership at Mandeljcc.my.site.com under the Membership and Packages menu.
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
Camps, Early Childhood, K-12
08/17/2025 - 08/17/2025
Enjoy the afternoon at Camp Wise for a family outing.
Wrap up summer with an awesome day at Camp Wise. Kids of all ages and adults can get in touch with their adventurous side by soaring to new heights on the ropes course, using their creative talents to make something in the art shack, enjoying other activities at the lake, pool and more! Free however registration is required
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12
03/27/2025 - 03/27/2025
A program for children and their caregivers to make challah and do a community service project.
Come to The J after school to make your own challah and participate in a hands-on community service (chessed) project. Give back to the community and help prepare for shabbat. For children ages 2-10 and their caregivers.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
02/22/2025 - 03/29/2025
Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old.
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.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
01/11/2025 - 02/15/2025
Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old.
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.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
01/11/2025 - 02/15/2025
Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old.
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.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
02/22/2025 - 03/29/2025
Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old.
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.
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12
03/09/2025 - 03/09/2025
A family day celebrating Purim with fun crafts and activities.
Celebrate Purim by making your own mishloach manot, hearing a Purim story, playing goofy games and more.
Early Childhood
04/07/2025 - 04/28/2025
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.
Early Childhood
02/03/2025 - 02/24/2025
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.
Early Childhood
01/06/2025 - 01/27/2025
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.
Early Childhood
03/03/2025 - 03/31/2025
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.
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, Early Childhood
01/11/2025 - 02/15/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational swimming concepts.
A positive, developmentally appropriate learning experience emphasizing water safety, survival and foundational swimming concepts. Children ages 3-5 years old will work on blowing bubbles, floating and basic water skills.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
02/22/2025 - 03/29/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational swimming concepts.
A positive, developmentally appropriate learning experience emphasizing water safety, survival and foundational swimming concepts. Children ages 3-5 years old will work on blowing bubbles, floating and basic water skills.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
01/11/2025 - 02/15/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational
A positive, developmentally appropriate learning experience emphasizing water safety, survival and foundational swimming concepts. Children ages 3-5 years old will work on blowing bubbles, floating and basic water skills.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
02/22/2025 - 03/29/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational swimming concepts.
A positive, developmentally appropriate learning experience emphasizing water safety, survival and foundational swimming concepts. Children ages 3-5 years old will work on blowing bubbles, floating and basic water skills.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
01/13/2025 - 02/17/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational swimming concepts.
A positive, developmentally appropriate learning experience emphasizing water safety, survival and foundational swimming concepts. Children ages 3-5 years old will work on blowing bubbles, floating and basic water skills.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
02/24/2025 - 03/31/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational swimming concepts.
A positive, developmentally appropriate learning experience emphasizing water safety, survival and foundational swimming concepts. Children ages 3-5 years old will work on blowing bubbles, floating and basic water skills.
Early Childhood, K-12
02/16/2025 - 02/16/2025
A free open gym with large muscle activities for families with young children.
Get out of the cold and join us in The J's gymnasium for large muscle activities such as biking, balls, bouncy house and more! Meet other young families and enjoy a safe space to release that winter energy. Good for families with children ages 0-8.
Early Childhood, K-12
01/26/2025 - 01/26/2025
A free open gym with large muscle activities for families with young children.
Get out of the cold and join us in The J's gymnasium for large muscle activities such as biking, balls, bouncy house and more! Meet other young families and enjoy a safe space to release that winter energy. Good for families with children ages 0-8.
Early Childhood, K-12
03/23/2025 - 03/23/2025
A free open gym with large muscle activities for families with young children.
Get out of the cold and join us in The J's gymnasium for large muscle activities such as biking, balls, bouncy house and more! Meet other young families and enjoy a safe space to release that winter energy. Good for families with children ages 0-8.
Prenatal to Pre-K Leadership
Liza Adams
Co-Director of Early Childhood Services
216-831-0700 ext. 1387
Jaclyn Gordon
Co-Director of Early Childhood Services
216-593-6262
Sarah Jaffe Kasdan
Director of Jewish Life and Culture
216-593-6288
Jill Sadowsky
Sr. Director of Camping and Youth Programming
216-593-6258