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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

Welcome to NJ READY 2 PLAY located in Montclair and Ridgewood, NJ. We are a center for foundational literacy and engaging early learning. Our core mission is to inspire a lifelong love of reading through expert-led, play-based programs for children aged 6 months to 8 years. We offer a variety of services, including baby and toddler classes, comprehensive preschool prep, and afterschool enrichment. Explore our fun birthday parties, private learning pods, and tutoring options.

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Empowering Learners Through Play & Early Literacy in New Jeresy

At NJ Ready 2 Play we believe that the foundation for a lifelong love of learning is built on warmth, connection, and joy. That’s why we’ve created a vibrant, intimate learning environment where children thrive.

Our expert-led programs for children 6 months to 8 years go beyond traditional classes, focusing on small group settings that encourage meaningful social relationships and nurturing attention. We design every experience to spark curiosity, creativity, confidence, and the joyful exposure to foundational literacy through interactive, age-appropriate activities.

From our engaging baby classes to comprehensive preschool prep and enrichment programs, we offer play-driven opportunities that holistically support cognitive, social, emotional, and fine motor development.

At NJ READY 2 PLAY, we offer a place where your child is seen, supported, and inspired to discover, grow, and connect—every single class.

Spring Registration is LIVE
April 6 - June 12th
Birthday Parties -  Available by Request
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52 Upper Montclair Plaza
Ridgewood YMCA
www.njready2play.com

Innovative Programs for Early Childhood Success
  • Rooted in Joyful, Sensory Play: We harness the power of play because it’s the most effective way for young brains to internalize complex literacy concepts. Every class includes engaging, sensory-rich play that builds the essential foundation for curiosity and real learning.

  • Focused on Foundational Literacy: From first sounds to school readiness, literacy is intentionally woven into every class to inspire a lifelong love of reading.

  • For Ages 6 Months–8 Years: We offer a seamless learning pathway that grows with your child through every developmental stage, from baby milestones to early elementary enrichment.

  • Intimate & High-Engagement Learning: We prioritize small group settings, using movement, storytelling, sensory exploration, and creative activities to make learning irresistible and personal.

  • Expert-Led Instruction: Our team brings deep knowledge of early childhood education, literacy, and language development to every session, ensuring high-quality, nurturing instruction.

  • Comprehensive Offerings: Includes early literacy classes, preschool prep, after-school enrichment, and personalized tutoring—all designed to support confident, curious learners.

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Designed to Grow with Your Child

Every child learns and grows uniquely, which is why we offer a variety of intimate, play-based programs that support diverse needs and individual learning styles. Our programs grow with your child, from babies & toddlers exploring the world alongside caretakers to big kids building reading and phonics skills. Little ones can enjoy StoryPlay: Sensory Explorers, then dive deeper into topics with STEM for Littles. PreK Prep helps toddlers take their first steps toward independence, while Little Lit, Story 2 Stage, and ABC/Phonics Explorers build confidence, literacy, and a love of learning every step of the way.

Our expert, compassionate educators partner closely with families to understand individual goals, celebrate every milestone, and nurture your child’s full potential.

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 

6 months-18months

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StoryPlay Spanish 

1-5 years

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ABC Explorers

2-4 years

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Little Lit

3-5 years

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Preschool Prep 

18months-3 years 

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Books & Bites

1-4 years

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Phonics Explorers

3-5 years

& K/1

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Story 2 Stage

5-8 years

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StoryPlay & Sensory Exploration

1-3 years

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 STEM

1.5-4 years

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Private Learning Pods

3-5 years

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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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