The JCC is now making it easier for parents to get fit, even with their little ones in tow.
Starting July 13 the JCC will offer onsite childcare for free while parents work out. J-Play, which is for children 6 weeks to kindergarten, previously cost $4 an hour. Its hours have been expanded to Saturday as well, from 10 a.m.-noon.
Also, a new program will be introduced for older children. J-Play Plus, a new childcare drop-off pilot program for kids entering 1st-5th grades, is being offered in the lower gym Saturday and Sunday mornings, starting July 13. It’s free as well.
“Our big goal is to offer new, family-friendly options,” said Angie Hiland, Early Childhood Assistant Director. “The thinking was, what can we do at the JCC to be more family-friendly?”
Children in J-Play will have access to a host of activities, such as Wii video games, ping pong and basketball.
“We wanted to give kids a safe, age-appropriate place where they can be engaged and have something to do while you work out,” Hiland said.
J-Play Plus is a pilot to determine if and when the parents might want the program.
“If you want J-Play Plus, utilize it so we’ll know there is a need,” Hiland said.
Both J-Play and J-Play Plus will have a 90-minute limit and a 15-child capacity.
Parents are invited to call ahead to check the number of children and how much time until a space opens up.
Hiland said that if they find the program is filling up often, they’ll increase the capacity for more children.
“We’ll make adjustments to meet member needs,” she said.
There’ll be two staff persons at both J-Play and J-Play Plus and they’ll be familiar faces, typically staff from camp, family gym class or other JCC programs.