Jim Jones 11:17 AM (27 minutes ago) to me Early Childhood Education, Preschool & Afterschool Enrichment Programs, Baby, Toddler & Sensory Play Classes Montclair & Ridgewood NJ - NJ READY 2 PLAY
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NJ Ready 2 Play - Early Childhood Education Program Montclair, NJ
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NJ READY 2 PLAY

Rooted in play. Focused on literacy. 

Educational play classes and enrichment programming

Ages 6 months-8 years

Educational Playgroup & Enrichment Center

NJ Ready 2 Play is an expert-led early childhood enrichment center serving children ages 6 months to 8 years in Montclair and Ridgewood, NJ. Our mission is to build strong foundations in language, literacy, and early learning through intentionally designed, play-based programs that foster curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.

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Empowering Learners Through Play & Early Literacy in New Jeresy

At NJ Ready 2 Play, we believe the foundation for a lifelong love of learning is built through warmth, connection, and joyful discovery. We’ve created a vibrant, intimate learning environment where children feel known, supported, and excited to grow.

Our expert-led programs for children ages 6 months to 8 years go beyond traditional enrichment classes, offering intentionally designed, small group experiences that nurture early language, literacy, curiosity, and confidence. Every class is built to spark imagination while strengthening foundational skills through meaningful, play-based learning.

Through a thoughtfully designed progression—from early language development and sensory exploration to literacy, STEM discovery, and school readiness—children build skills step by step in a way that feels natural, engaging, and developmentally aligned.

From our baby language classes to our preschool literacy and STEM programs, and through to kindergarten and early elementary enrichment, we provide a clear pathway that supports the whole child: cognitively, socially, emotionally, and developmentally.

At NJ Ready 2 Play, your child is seen, supported, and inspired to explore the world with confidence—one meaningful learning experience at a time.

Fall 2026 Schedule
September - December
Caretaker & Me Classes will run in a 7-week semester format.
All other programming will run for the full 14-week semester.
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52 Upper Montclair Plaza
Ridgewood YMCA
www.njready2play.com

Our Approach

At NJ Ready 2 Play, learning is rooted in joyful, sensory-based experiences because young children learn best through play. Every class is intentionally designed to make complex early literacy and learning concepts engaging, hands-on, and developmentally meaningful.

Literacy is at the core of everything we do—from early language and first sounds to kindergarten readiness and early elementary skills. Each program is thoughtfully woven into a clear developmental pathway that builds confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading.

We prioritize small-group, high-engagement learning environments where children learn through movement, storytelling, sensory exploration, and creative play. This allows each child to feel seen, supported, and actively engaged in their learning experience.

Our expert educators bring deep experience in early childhood education, literacy, and language development, ensuring that every class is both nurturing and academically intentional.

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Designed to Grow with Your Child

Every child learns and develops at their own pace, which is why we offer a thoughtfully designed pathway of intimate, play-based programs that grow with your child from infancy through early elementary years. From early language and sensory exploration to emerging literacy and school readiness, each stage is intentionally structured to support confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our early exploration stage (6 months–3 years) includes Babbles & Books, Little Lit Explorers, which build early language, communication, and curiosity through play and connection. In our discovery and pre-academic stage (1.5–4 years), Storytime Science Lab and Preschool Prep introduce early problem-solving, independence, and foundational learning through hands-on, story-based experiences.

In the early literacy stage (3–5 years), Little Readers & Writers Club and ABC & Phonics Explorers build strong foundations in reading and writing through intentional, engaging instruction. This leads into Kindergarten Readiness (5–6 years), where children strengthen literacy and classroom skills for a confident school transition. For early elementary learners (6–7 years), First Grade Literacy Club supports fluency, comprehension, writing, and critical thinking development. Story 2 Stage adds in the element of acting and screen writing. 

 

Across every stage, our expert educators partner closely with families to support each child’s growth, celebrate milestones, and nurture confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Join Our Community of Growing Minds
Ready to Get Started?

Come visit our center in Montclair, NJ or join our classes at the Ridgewood, YMCA and see how we turn play into powerful learning. Whether your child is just beginning to babble or ready for chapter books, we have a place for them to grow, explore, and thrive.

Classes Available for All Age Groups

Babbles & Books 
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ABC Explorers
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Kinder Literacy Club
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Private Learning Pods
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StoryPlay: Sensory Explorers
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Preschool Prep 
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1st Grade Literacy Club
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Storytime Science Lab
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Little Readers, Writers, & Phonics Club
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Story 2 Stage
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FAQs

“I loved the thoughtfully curated collection of materials that was displayed to accompany the week's theme. The balance of teacher-led literacy experiences with playful invitations around the room was perfect for my curious one-year-old. There were multiple ways for children to engage with the invitations depending on their age and learning styles. And the learning continues at home as he rereads the book he made in class! We are excited to return for more classes with nj READYy 2 play!

Rachel R., Montclair NJ

"My two kids loved the interactive nature of the class. Dani and Allyse had numerous stations and activities set up. They interacted with the kids and were great at engaging them. Furthermore, I got to meet a few local moms which was a lovely benefit."

Kim, Montclair NJ

"It's a safe contained space where my toddler can explore various stations at his own pace. I also enjoyed the literacy focus since my son is particularly interested in books."

Rachel, Montclair NJ

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