JCC of Central NJ Launches The Village for Families

The JCC of Central New Jersey in Scotch Plains is launching a new program designed to bring together families with young children through weekly classes, Friday gatherings, and parent support groups. The Village at the JCC of Central NJ begins the week of September 14, 2026, and welcomes families throughout the community.

Union County Life covers Scotch Plains family programs, early childhood education, and community resources across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Grown-Up & Me Class Pass

The centerpiece for many families is the Grown-Up & Me Class Pass, which offers four different weekly classes for children ages 9-24 months. All four classes meet from 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Monday: Sensory Play with Julie Gordon includes music, art, stories, movement, and hands-on activities.

Tuesday: Mazel Tots with Julie Gordon offers an interactive exploration of Jewish holidays and values.

Wednesday: Babies, Books, & Bubbles with Karen Nobile focuses on stories, songs, and early literacy development.

Thursday: Nature & Science with Rachel Pasichow features simple experiments, games, and hands-on activities.

Community Shabbat

Community Shabbat takes place every Friday at 10:15 a.m. and is open to all families at no cost, though registration is required. The gathering includes music, connection, and challah. This program welcomes all community members regardless of background or JCC membership.

Baby Bandstand

Baby Bandstand introduces children from birth through age 3 to live music through hands-on classes. The program builds early literacy, language, and social skills while strengthening the bond between child and caregiver.

Parent Support Programs

For parents of newborns, Tiny Toes, Big Conversation is a group for mothers with babies under 6 months. Lisa Greenstein, a licensed clinical social worker with a specialty in maternal mental health and certification in perinatal mental health, leads the sessions. Greenstein is also a mother of three.

Ready, Set, School is designed for children ages 18-30 months and their grown-ups, combining art, songs, stories, and sensory play to prepare for school transition.

Open to All

All programs are open to the community, and JCC membership is not required. The JCC of Central New Jersey welcomes families from all backgrounds and communities.

Program Details

Classes begin the week of September 14, 2026. The JCC of Central New Jersey is located at 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains. For program details and registration, visit jccnj.org/grownupandme or call (908) 889-8800.

Find more Scotch Plains family programs, events, and community resources on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is The Village at the JCC?
A: A new program at JCC of Central New Jersey designed to bring together families with young children through weekly classes, Friday gatherings, and parent support groups.

Q: When do programs start?
A: Programs launch the week of September 14, 2026.

Q: What classes are offered for babies?
A: The Grown-Up & Me Class Pass offers four weekly classes for ages 9-24 months: Sensory Play (Monday), Mazel Tots (Tuesday), Babies, Books, & Bubbles (Wednesday), and Nature & Science (Thursday).

Q: What time are the classes?
A: Grown-Up & Me classes meet from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Community Shabbat is at 10:15 a.m. on Fridays.

Q: Is there a cost for Community Shabbat?
A: No. Community Shabbat is free and open to all families, though registration is required.

Q: Who leads the parent support groups?
A: Tiny Toes, Big Conversation is led by Lisa Greenstein, a licensed clinical social worker with maternal mental health specialization. Instructors for other programs are listed by class.

Q: Do I need to be a JCC member to participate?
A: No. All programs are open to the community, and JCC membership is not required.

Q: Where is the JCC located?
A: 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ.

Q: How do I register?
A: Visit jccnj.org/grownupandme or call (908) 889-8800 for program details and registration.