Prenatal to Pre-K
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
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/19/2026 - 10/24/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old.
Children ages 6 months to 3 years old will learn basic swimming skills and water acclimation. Parents or caregivers are in the water with the children.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/27/2026 - 11/01/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old. No class 9/21
Children ages 6 months to 3 years old will learn basic swimming skills and water acclimation. Parents or caregivers are in the water with the children.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/17/2026 - 10/22/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old.
Children ages 6 months to 3 years old will learn basic swimming skills and water acclimation. Parents or caregivers are in the water with the children.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/19/2026 - 10/24/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Children ages 6 months to 3 years old will learn basic swimming skills and water acclimation. Parents or caregivers are in the water with the children.
Children ages 6 months to 3 years old will learn basic swimming skills and water acclimation. Parents or caregivers are in the water with the children.
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12
09/10/2026 - 09/10/2026
Join us with your family to make vegan Rosh Hashanah challah! Register children only; caregivers must stay during the event.
Get ready for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, by making your own delicious vegan challah! Families will mix dough, shape traditional round challahs, and add sweet fillings like raisins, chocolate chips, and more. Register children only; caregivers must stay with their child throughout the event.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/14/2026 - 10/26/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5. No class 9/20
A positive, developmentally appropriate swimming learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/27/2026 - 11/01/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5. No class 9/21
A positive, developmentally appropriate swimming learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/17/2026 - 10/22/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5
A positive, developmentally appropriate swimming learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/16/2026 - 10/21/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5
A positive, developmentally appropriate swimming learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/19/2026 - 10/24/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5.
A positive, developmentally appropriate swimming learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/19/2026 - 10/24/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5
A positive, developmentally appropriate swimming learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/14/2026 - 10/26/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5. No class on Sept 20
A positive, developmentally appropriate swimming learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/17/2026 - 10/22/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5
A positive, developmentally appropriate swimming learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/16/2026 - 10/21/2026
Non Member Registration Opens on 8/24. Developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for ages 3 - 5
A positive, developmentally appropriate swimming 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
Jill Sadowsky
Director, Early Childhood Center
216-593-6258
Kelly Borders
Early Childhood, Assistant Director
216-593-6215
Sarah Jaffe Kasdan
Director of Jewish Life and Culture
216-593-6288
Kathy Newman
Early Childhood Business Manager
216-593-6275