Special Needs

In our ongoing effort to create a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment for all our members, we proivde support for special needs families.  We have programs, activities, resources, referrals and workshops and a variety of other support

Join the Special Needs Parents e-mail list to learn more about upcoming programs and events.  Contact amyash99@gmail.com

Shadow Program
If you would like your chilid to participate in a JCC program and feel that he/she may need special accomodations, please contact JCC Assistant Executive Director Mike Goldstein at mgoldstein@jccnj.org.  The JCC will evaluate each program and child to try to successfully match your child with an appropriate shadow volunteer.  We will look at each child on an individual basis to determine need and appropriateness of program.  Please note that there will be an additional fee for a shadow if we are unable to provide a trained volunteer.

Camp Yachad Shadow Program
Whenever possible, Camp Yachad serves children with disabilities in the same groups as all the other campers.  If you are interested in summer camp for your special needs child, please contact Camp Co-Director Mike Goldstein, at 908-889-8800 x218 or mgoldstein@jccnj.org.

Read more about our Camp Yachad Shadow Program.

Ma'ayan Program
Ma'ayan, Temple Emanu-El's education program for children with special needs, ensures that a Jewish education is accessible to every child.  There are a variety of programs offered throughout the year for children ages 3-13 with special needs.  Ma'ayan is open to all members of the Jewish community regardless of synagogue affiliation.  This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Cetnral NJ and the Holly E. Wetscher Ma'ayan Education Fund.  Click here for more information.

NEW! Swim Lessons for Children with Special Needs
Jump Right in for Youngsters 24666-01
Sundays at 12:00 P • Ages 3 – 6 with parent/adult • three child maximum • Late Spring (LS) classes meet May 5 – June 21
Designed for little splashers with special needs and their parent/caretaker, this class will give children the opportunity to explore the water as a therapeutic medium for strengthening weak muscles, normalizing muscle tone, providing sensory input, stretching tight muscles, motor planning and body-in-space awareness and more. A doctor's note stating that your child is able to participate in an aquatics class is required before entering the water in the first class.
Member: $105 (W), $75 (S), $90 (LS); Community Participant: $175 (W), $125 (S), $150 (LS)

Look, I'm Swimming! 24667-01
Sundays at 12:30 P • Ages 7–10 • three child maximum • Late Spring (LS) classes meet May 5 – June 21
This class helps children with special needs progress at their own rate in a social atmosphere. Independent swimming with or without a float of some kind is the long-term goal. (Please note that this goal may not be reached within the session.) Comfort with their bodies in the water while working on important therapeutic components is the primary short-term goal. Parents/caretakers are required to assist in the water during class. A doctor's note stating that your child is able to participate in an aquatics class is required before entering the water in the first class.
Member: $105 (W), $75 (S), $90 (LS); Community Participant: $175 (W), $125 (S), $150 (LS)

Private Swim Lessons for Children with Special needs (all ages)
This one-on-one 30-minute aquatics class, taught by our trained swim instructors, is ideal for children with special needs. Lessons are adapted to each child's specific needs and limitations. for more information, please contact Kiz Koza.
24665-01 Single Lesson: Member: $35/session, Community Participant: $45/session
24665-02 Five Private Lesson Package: Member: $175, Community Participant: $225
24665-03 Ten Private Lesson Package: Member: $300, Community Participant: $400

Ready, Set, Go
Adaptive Sports Takes the Field
Wednesday, May 8 • 7:00 - 9:00 p.m  • at the JCC
Adaptive Sports has always played an important part in the special needs community; per the recent Federal Guidelines, it will now become a hot topic for all schools.  This panel of experts will explore the positive impact adaptive sports can have not only on children with special needs, but on the surrounding commuity including physical education, athletic programs and recreational programs.

This program will offer hands-on training for parents, therapists, teachers and other interested parties on how to coach children with special needs and use sports to encourage both physical activity as well as social skills.  Discussion will include mainstreaming, differentiated learning and most of all, how to have fun.

Information will also be provided about existing private and public local adaptive sports and special needs programs such as spring baseball and summer camps.  Contact julie.d.steinberg@gmail.com for more information.