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
Early Childhood, Fitness, Jewish Life, K-12
11/23/2025 - 11/23/2025
Beat the winter blues with active play in The J’s gym—bikes, balls, mats and more! Great for families with kids ages 0–8.
Get out of the cold and 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 0-8.
Early Childhood, K-12
12/14/2025 - 12/14/2025
Open gym with bikes, balls, mats and more for families with kids ages 6 and younger.
Get out of the cold and 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.
Early Childhood, K-12
01/18/2026 - 01/18/2026
Open gym with bikes, balls, mats and more for families with kids ages 6 and younger.
Get out of the cold and 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
11/01/2025 - 12/13/2025
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.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
11/01/2025 - 12/13/2025
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.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
11/02/2025 - 12/07/2025
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.
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12, Adult
12/25/2025 - 12/25/2025
Join us for family-friendly service projects and hands-on learning that highlight the cultural values behind giving back—benefiting local organizations and those in need.
Spend the morning at the Mandel JCC engaging in family-friendly community service projects and service learning. Learn what is Jewish about community service and participate in projects that will benefit local organizations and those in need.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
11/03/2025 - 12/08/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational swimming concepts.
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
11/02/2025 - 12/07/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational swimming concepts.
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
11/04/2025 - 12/09/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational swimming concepts.
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
Jill Sadowsky
Sr. Director of Camping and Youth Programming
Interim Early Childhood Director
216-593-6258
Sarah Jaffe Kasdan
Director of Jewish Life and Culture
216-593-6288