Where Literacy Meets Play
Thoughtfully connected, educator-led programs for children ages 6 months–8 years.
Montclair & Ridgewood, NJ
More Than a Class. A Place to Grow.
At NJ Ready 2 Play, we believe meaningful learning begins through play—and grows with your child.
Our mission is to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning through thoughtfully designed, educator-led programs that build upon one another as children grow.
From a baby's first sensory discoveries and stories to a preschooler's growing independence and an elementary student's reading confidence, our small-group experiences bring together purposeful play, language and literacy development, and social-emotional learning.
More than a place to take a class, NJ Ready 2 Play is a community where children build strong foundations, make meaningful connections, and develop a love of learning that lasts well beyond our classroom.
Our Approach
Thoughtful Learning. Purposeful Play.
At NJ Ready 2 Play, there's intention behind every story, sensory experience, and playful discovery. Our approach combines early childhood expertise, research-informed literacy practices, and hands-on learning to create meaningful experiences for children at every stage.
Literacy at the Heart
From first words and sounds to confident reading and writing, language and literacy are woven throughout our programs. Each experience builds foundational skills in developmentally appropriate ways.
Learning Through Play
We believe children learn best when they're actively engaged. Through storytelling, sensory exploration, movement, and creative play, we make meaningful learning feel natural, joyful, and exciting.
Small Groups. Meaningful Connections.
Our intimate class sizes allow educators to truly get to know each child, celebrate individual strengths, and support growing confidence, independence, and social-emotional development.
Led by Experienced Educators
Our programs are thoughtfully created and led by educators with deep expertise in early childhood development, language, and literacy. We bring together the joy of childhood and the knowledge of how children learn.
A Learning Journey.
That Grows with your Child.
Our programs are designed to meet children where they are, creating meaningful opportunities to play, learn, and grow at every stage. Families can begin with our Grown Up & Me classes before taking their first steps into a joyful classroom experience through PreK Prep. From playful routines and social connections to growing independence, early literacy, and school readiness, our PreK Prep programs build confidence through purposeful play. As children grow, they can continue strengthening their reading and writing skills, exploring new interests, and discovering the joy of learning through our afterschool literacy and enrichment clubs.
Books & Babbles
6+ months
Baby language & sensory playgroups
Monday, Tuesday 12:00 PM
Stories & Sensory
Book Clubs
1-3 years
Stories, sensory exploration, and playful early literacy experiences for busy toddlers!
Wednesday 9:45 AM
Thursday 11:15 AM
Pre K Prep
PreK Prep Mini
Ages 14–24 months
First classroom experiences, playful routines & social connections alongside your grown-up.
PreK Prep
Ages 18 months-3 years
Building independence, classroom routines & social confidence through purposeful play and early learning.
Caregiver participation optional.
PreK Prep Lunch Bunch
Ages 2-4 years
An extended, more structured classroom experience building independence, school readiness & early literacy through stories, letters, hands-on learning, and shared lunchtime routines.
Caregiver participation optional.
Little Readers & Writers Club
PreK/Kindergarten
Exploring letters, sounds, letter formation & early writing through playful phonics and bookmaking.
Wednesday 3:45 pm
Thursday 3:45 pm
Big Kid Literacy Club
Kindergarten/1st Grade
Building strong foundations in reading, writing & phonics through joyful, hands-on learning.
Wednesday 4:40-5:25 pm
Thursday 4:40-5:25 pm
Enrichment Clubs
4-8
Interest Based Literacy Clubs
Our afterschool enrichment clubs bring stories to life through acting, movement, and mindfulness, inspiring creativity, confidence, and joyful learning!
Tuesday BookWorm Warrior 4:00-5:00
Tuesday Story 2 Stage
4:00-5:00
5:15-6:15
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.
