ABOUT THIS CLASS
Join us for a delightful family open play and music experience designed to bring families closer through joyful exploration and bonding. Our mixed-aged sessions are perfect for families with children aged 0 to 5, as well as their cherished supporters. This class takes place in the expansive 2nd floor gym with traditional wooden equipment and soft play equipment, each session promises an array of enriching activities, including music, parachute play, bubbles, and boundless fun!
Embark on a journey this summer, where every family member—from the smallest to the tallest—can engage in playful discovery and connection, fostering wonder and creativity in your little ones. Our inclusive environment caters to the developmental needs of young children, promoting independence and confidence through child-led exploration alongside trusted family members or caregivers. We developed this class to intentionally be less structured than our other classes to give family’s the opportunity to learn, connect, and discover at their own pace and leisure — all while focusing on family bonding. We are always here for any questions!
Guided by experienced facilitators trained in Family Life Education (FLE) principles, our sessions blend some structured activities with open-ended play, ensuring every participant feels valued and empowered. We believe in fostering a supportive community where families contribute to each other's growth and celebrate milestones together. Each session is an opportunity for shared triumphs and meaningful connections that strengthen family bonds.
Join us at Happy Day Play, where each moment is crafted to nurture your child's developmental journey and create lasting memories of family joy and togetherness.
PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS:
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Engage in activities promoting the development of fine and gross motor skills for the little ones, alongside opportunities for physical play for older siblings and family members.
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Explore cognitive play stations designed to challenge and stimulate young minds, providing an enjoyable learning experience for children and sparking engaging discussions for parents and caregivers.
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Cherish moments of connection between generations as grandparents, parents, and siblings come together in a shared space. Strengthen family bonds through laughter, shared discoveries, and the joy of collective play.
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Form connections with other families on a similar journey, creating a supportive network where experiences and insights can be shared. 'Family Open Play' is not just a class; it's a community of families growing together.
WHAT PARENTS CAN EXPECT:
Celebrating Milestones: Acknowledging and celebrating each small victory with your child, reinforcing their sense of accomplishment.
Community Support: Connecting with other parents, sharing experiences and insights, creating a supportive network.
Observation and Adaptation: Paying attention to your child's cues during activities, adapting and personalizing the experience to meet their unique needs and learning how to do so at home.
Responsive Parenting: Learning to respond to your child's exploration with positive reinforcement, fostering a secure attachment.
Quality Time: Cherishing the moments of connection during class, and extending these bonding experiences through activities and further learning at home.
Consistent Engagement: Incorporating elements from class into your daily routines, providing a consistent and supportive environment for your child's development.
PROGRAM LOCATION - MID ISLAND
Happy Day Play at JCC Bernikow (Grown Up and Me Program)
1466 Manor Rd
Staten Island, NY 10314
ROOM LOCATION: This class takes place in the 2nd floor gym.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET THERE
When you arrive, please go to the front desk and tell the JCC member that you have arrived for a Happy Day Play class. They will direct you to the room.
Upon entry, please present your confirmation to a Happy Day Play staff member. If you have not registered, you can do so at the start of class by scanning the QR code and registering online.
For play and music classes, please remove shoes and leave on socks. Strollers are permitted but must stay parked outside the classroom. If your baby needs to be nursed or have a bottle, we encourage you to do so to keep them comfortable. All other items with the exception of light blankets and pacifiers should be left with your personal belongings. Your personal belongings will remain visible to you the entire duration of class.
See Happy Day Play Classes in Action
