ABOUT THIS CLASS
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Communication starts at birth, and we’ve designed this class to nurture the earliest stages of interaction and understanding. Crafted for babies from birth through 1.5 years, this class blends engaging songs with basic baby sign language (ASL) to empower pre-verbal and early verbal communication. Each week, caregivers and babies learn new signs, reinforced through music, movement, and repetition, ensuring both adults and children build skills together in a fun and supportive environment.
In addition to fostering communication, this class supports key developmental milestones. Activities are thoughtfully designed to enhance cognitive development by encouraging pattern recognition, memory, and early problem-solving through music and signing. We also promote gross motor development with guided movement and play, helping babies build core strength, coordination, and balance. Sensory integration is another key focus, as babies are introduced to a variety of textures, sounds, and motions that help them process and respond to their environment.
This class is taught by two experts: an early music educator with a deep understanding of musical development, and a family life educator with experience working for the world’s most trusted parenting and pregnancy brand, What to Expect When You're Expecting. Rooted in Family Life Education principles, this program emphasizes the caregiver’s role in fostering connection, trust, and meaningful communication. Each session begins with our signature welcome song, parachute activity, and bubbles to provide a smooth and joyful transition into learning and discovery.
PRIMARY DEVELOPMENTAL FOCUS OF THIS CLASS:
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Engage your babies and toddlers in a sensory-rich environment where they can explore various sounds, textures, and musical instruments, enhancing their sensory development.
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Foster the development of fine and gross motor skills through interactive activities that involve movement, rhythm, and coordination.
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Stimulate language acquisition by incorporating music, songs, and rhymes, providing a playful and expressive platform for your child to explore and develop their communication skills.
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Promote cognitive development through exposure to different musical elements, patterns, and rhythms, laying the foundation for future learning and problem-solving skills.
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Provide a safe and supportive space for emotional expression through music, allowing your child to explore and understand their emotions while fostering a positive relationship with music.
WHAT PARENTS CAN EXPECT:
Musical Exploration: Dive into a world of musical wonder as your child discovers the joy of rhythm, melody, and sound through interactive and engaging activities.
Developmental Milestone Focus: Witness your little one's growth in areas such as motor skills, language development, and social interaction, all seamlessly incorporated into the musical journey.
Shared Joy: Experience the delight of making music together, creating precious moments of shared joy and connection that extend beyond the classroom.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of our experienced program leaders and assistants, guiding you through each musical interaction and offering insights into your child's developmental cues.
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 Ensemble Room in the Dorothy Delson Kuhn Music Institute on the 2nd Floor.
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.
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