In our ongoing effort to create a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment for all our members, we provide support for Special Needs families. We have programs, activities, resources, referrals, workshops and a variety of other support. Take a look at our programming and contact Mike Goldstein, Program Director, at 908-889-8800 x218 or mgoldstein@jccnj.org if you have input and feedback, questions or need more information.

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

Morning Special Needs Support Group
Thursday, February 23 • 9:15 A • at the JCC
If you are overwhelmed with your child's needs and looking for other parents to talk to, come have coffee and chat with parents of pre-K and elementary-aged children with special needs. Share your concerns about evaluations, placement, IEPs and available programming in the community with sympathetic listeners. We will also focus on day-to-day advice and strategies to manage your child's special needs. This group is for parents and facilitated by parents. Support Group Meetings are located at the JCC and are free and open to the public.

Evening Special Needs Support Group
Thursday, April 26 and June 7 • 7:30 P • Location for all evening meetings will be posted at www.jccnj.org. Please RSVP in advance to Amy Ash at amyash99@gmail.com if you plan to attend an evening meeting.

Shadow Program
If you would like your child to participate in any JCC program including preschool and preschool enrichments at the JCC, and feel that he/she may need special accommodations, please contact JCC Program 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. We will look at each child on an individual basis. Please note there may be an additional fee for a shadow if we are unable to find a trained volunteer.

Camp Yachad Shadow Program for Special Needs Children
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 ext. 218 or mgoldstein@jccnj.org.

Visit the Camp Yachad page for more details on our various summer camp programs.

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 Central NJ and the Holly E. Wetscher Ma'ayan Education Fund. For more information, contact the Ma'ayan Program Director, Amy Ash, at 908-232-6770 x137 or aash@tewnj.org.

Upcoming Ma'ayan Programs:
Special Needs-Friendly Tiny Tot Shabbat Saturday, February 4 • 9:30 A at Temple Emaun-El
Purim Celebration Sunday, March 11 • at Temple Emaun-El