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Rutgers Child's Play is the unique family program thatís fun for babies, toddlers, and parents alike. Our playgroups feature singing, art, story time, active play, and more to engage children. Just as important, Childís Play gives parents a chance to find community and support, so children are accompanied by parents or grandparents only (no nannies). Activities are facilitated by a group leader who is happy to exchange parenting stories, offer encouragement, and play alongside the kids. All playgroup leaders are parents who have attended Childís Play with their own children and have years of experience working with children under the leadership of founder/director Holly Nedelka. Our program is child-centered and developmentally appropriate for babies and toddlersóno activity is ever mandatory and children are free to move around and explore. Be prepared to have fun!
| About the Director
For more than 20 years, Holly Nedelka has been the director of Child's Play, one of the longest running New York City family programs. She founded Child's Play in 1986 when she was a stay-at-home mom and was looking for a fun, affordable social activity for herself and her two young children, and one that created a place specifically for parents to meet other parents. Holly has since expanded Child's Play to four locations, two on the Upper East Side and two on the Upper West Side. Holly was a dance major at Butler University and later studied early childhood education and psychology at Marymount College. She has developed and implemented parent education workshops, music classes, dance education, and other family programs. Holly is also a teacher in the afterschool program at the Rhinelander Children's Center, located on the Upper East Side. |
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About the Playgroup Leaders
Jennifer Moore began coming to Child's Play in 2003 when she was a stay-at-home mom. She became a playgroup leader in 2005 when her daughter was a toddler, and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere at Child's Play so much that she continues as a group leader and assistant to director Holly Nedelka, even though her daughter is now in elementary school! In the past Jennifer has worked as a camp counselor and an editor of parenting and other nonfiction books.
Angela Zagoren has been teaching children for eight years. She created and developed a very popular toddler program called Storytime at Pirate's Cove for the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum in Newport, California, where she taught for three years. She has a B.A. in Performing Arts and Political Science from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas. Angela has been a playgroup leader at Child's Play since 2007. She has two young daughters.
Philosophy
At Child's Play we believe that children are happiest when they can play at their own pace, following their own interests. While we offer a reliable routine each session, our program is child-centered and developmentally appropriate for babies and toddlers - no activity is ever mandatory and children are free to move around and explore.
Just as important, Child's Play understands that moms and dads need time to relax and enjoy conversation with peers. So, unlike most family programs, Child's Play includes only parents - and occasionally grandparents - with their children (no nannies or babysitters are allowed). Our playgroups are relaxed and fun for parents, babies, and toddlers alike!
"As a new parent, youíre on duty all the time, "Holly explains. "It can be hard to make friends, make connections, share your experiences. So I hope that Childís Play will always be a place where parents can make new friends and can just be themselves, not only mommy or daddy.".
Class Descriptions
Baby Playgroup, up to 14 months
Bring your baby up to 14 months for an hour of relaxed, friendly conversation with new moms/dads and plenty of fun for baby. We sing songs, blow bubbles, read simple stories, and offer toys just right for your baby. Talk about sleep issues, teething, feeding, and the rest of your life too!
Toddler Playgroup
These groups include parents with toddlers as they become more active and take their first steps toward independent play. Each 90-minute session includes circle time, art, exploratory play at our learning centers, active play in our “indoor playground,” interactive story time, and more.
Preschooler Playgroup/On My Own
This 2-hour playgroup helps 2-3 ½ year olds gradually and gently transition to separation from mommy or daddy when and if they are ready. Parents may either stay with their children the entire session or exit when and if the child feels comfortable separating. While the group leader and an assistant lead the session, this playgroup is also an opportunity for children to engage in child-directed play that is imaginative, creative, and fun. We offer hands-on activities at our learning centers for the children to explore at their own pace, as well as circle time, art, stories, and active play.
Note: Siblings are included at no extra cost! Scholarships and payment plans are available. Two make-ups per term allowed, by prior arrangement with the director, which must be taken during the same term as the missed classes.
Contact information: Holly Nedelka and Jennifer Moore, 212-877-8227, x204, e-mail: holly@rutgerschurch.com |
