Infants and Toddlers

Infant and Toddler Care and Learning at the Brody Family Early Learning Center

Infant Program
6 weeks - 16 months

Our Philosophy
We believe that infants need to explore - that is how they learn - and that learning is fostered by our responsive teachers who observe and create an inspiring environment.  We value each and every infant's individual needs and personalities and are committed to providing the best care to suite those needs.  We emphasize all caregiving experiences, even feeding and diapering, as they all should be important times of unhurried interaction so each and every infant feels secure and nurtured in our safe and warm environment.

What Every Parent Needs to Know

• We are open Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and offer 5-day options for infants.
• We welcome infants 6 weeks to 16 months.
• We provide an exceptional adult to infant ratio – above industry standards.
• We care for infants in a state-of-the-art, developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• We use the state-of-the-art Tadpole app as our 2-way communication with parents.  If your child is in our program, you will receive daily reports from our staff as soon as you check out on the Tadpole app.  These reports include an overview of the daily classroom experience, a feeding, napping and diapering record for your child that day and photos and videos. Parents can use the app on a daily basis to provide the entire teaching team with information about their child's activity prior to arriving at school that day and can share any concerns about their child. 
• We operate off of a rolling admissions list.  To place your child's name on this list, please fill out the registration form (link below) and email it to Ricki Solomita in our Early Childhood office at rsolomita@jccnj.org.  No down payment or deposit is required until you are offered and accept a permanent spot in our program.  We now are only taking full-time, full-week students.
• To schedule a school visit, contact Randi Sosny-Handler, Early Childhood Program Supervisor, at 908-889-8800 x232 or rsosny@jccnj.org for infants and toddlers through preschool 4s and Mindy Katz, Early Childhood Learning Coordinator, at 908-889-8800 x265 for Bridges and Kindergarten.  School visits are Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  A school visit and tour of the JCC runs about 45 minutes.
• We have a Vacation Day Program during our Winter and Spring breaks for enrolled children only when Infant Care is not in session.  This is a per day cost; children attend this program in their assigned rooms.  Please contact Randi Sosny-Handler, Early Childhood Program Supervisor, at 908-889-8800 x232 or rsosny@jccnj.org for more information.

Our Pledge to Parents
Partners in Care
We work together to develop and modify a daily schedule that includes ample play­time, cozy nap times and secure feeding times.

Two-Way Open Communication
We use the state-of-the-art Tadpole app as our 2-way communication with parents.  If your child is in our program, you will receive daily reports from our staff as soon as you check out on the Tadpole app.  These reports include an overview of the daily classroom experience, a feeding, napping and diapering record for your child that day and photos and videos.  Parents can use the app on a daily basis to provide the entire teaching team with information about their child's activity prior to arriving at school that day and can share any concerns about their child. 

A Safe and Stimulating Environment
The infant room is designed for exploration and learning. We comply with strict regulations governing the space and equipment in the room. Our teachers are trained observers and recognize the importance of a safe environment.

Responsive Staff
Our staff is warm and responsive to your baby’s needs. They are not only care­givers; they are trained infant teachers who read to, talk to and sing to babies in order to encourage language development. A balance of planned and spontaneous activities will help your baby grow.

Admissions Process
We operate off of a rolling admissions list.  To place your child's name on this list, please fill out the registration form (link below) and email it to Ricki Solomita in our Early Childhood office at rsolomita@jccnj.org.  No down payment or deposit is required until you are offered and accept a permanent spot in our program.  We now are only taking full-time, full-week students.

To learn more about our Infant program, contact Randi Sosny-Handler, Early Childhood Program Supervisor, at 908-889-8800 x232 or rsosny@jccnj.org. 

Click here for our 2018-19 rates and registration forms.

Toddler Program
16 - 24 months

• Our Toddler Program is geared toward toddlers 16-24 months. It is a 5-day program.
• Days and hours of the Toddler Program are Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• The Toddler Program is a 12-month program.
• The toddler room is a developmentally appropriate learning environment, furnished with state-of-the-art equipment.  The curriculum is age-appropriate, and parent conferences are conducted during the year.
• The staff, which includes a lead teacher with experienced assistants, provides exceptional care and attention.
• We have a Vacation Day Program during our Winter and Spring breaks for enrolled children only when Toddler Care is not in session.  This is a per day cost; children attend this program in their assigned rooms.  Please contact Randi Sosny-Handler, Early Childhood Program Supervisor, at 908-889-8800 x232 or rsosny@jccnj.org for more information.

Click here for our 2018-19 rates and registration forms.

Infant and Toddler Vacation Day Option 

2018-19 Schedule

Spring Break - Monday, April 15 - Thursday, April 18

• $75/day
• For currently enrolled students only
• 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Book one month in advance please

Free Infant Playgroup

For parents and caregivers with children under 2 years old
Thursdays • 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. • Weinberg C (unless otherwise noted) • during the school year
FREE and open to the community!

February 7 - Reading time: we will have some Big Book read alouds and a variety of age-appropriate books available for small-group reading and bonding
February 14 - Free play: peek-A-Boo with babies and caregivers
February 21 - Free play: light and shadows
February 28 - Free play: blocks and towers
March 7 - Infant/toddler first aid/cpr fundamentals (not a certification course) with nurse and EC parent, Abby Price
March 14 - Baby dance party: join us for bubbles and baby boogies (the dancing kind)

Start building the foundations for some great friendships.  Connect with other parents and babies and make new friends!  We will invite special guests to come meet with the group weekly.
For questions and to RSVP, please contact Randi Sosny-Handler, Early Childhood Program Supervisor, at 908-889-8800 x232 or rsosny@jccnj.org.