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 and offer new opportunities as they grow. Families can begin with our Caregiver & Me classes, then take an exciting first step toward independence with PreK Prep, our gentle separation program that helps little learners build confidence and prepare for school. From there, children can continue exploring their interests and strengthening their skills through our afterschool enrichment clubs.
Babbles & Books
6-18 months
Baby language & sensory playgroup
Every learning journey begins with a little babble! Thoughtfully designed by early language and literacy experts, this developmental program combines stories, songs, and gentle sensory play to nurture your baby's earliest communication skills. Through meaningful, age-appropriate experiences each week, little learners build the foundations for language, connection, and a lifelong love of learning!
StoryPlay Adventures
1-3 years
Stories & Sensory Exploration
Toddlers learn best by moving, touching, exploring, and PLAYING—not by sitting still! Rooted in early childhood development, our toddler program brings stories to life through language-rich experiences, sensory play, STEM, cooking, art, and more. Each week, one exciting theme comes to life in different ways! Every day offers a fresh adventure, giving little learners new opportunities to explore, discover, and make connections.
Pre K Prep
18 months- 3 years
Gentle Separation & School Readiness
Big steps toward little independence! Created by our co-founders, both experienced early childhood educators, our signature Pre-K Prep program bridges the gap between caregiver-and-me classes and traditional preschool. Through gentle separation, purposeful play, early literacy, and classroom routines, children build confidence, independence, and school readiness skills—all at their own pace!
Little Readers & Writers Club
4-5
Where Letters, Sounds & Stories Come Together!
Big ideas, budding readers and writers! Our hands-on early literacy program brings the alphabet, letter sounds, phonics, and letter formation to life through playful, multisensory experiences. Children strengthen their understanding of how letters and sounds work together while building early reading and writing skills, confidence, and a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond!
Big Readers & Writers Club
5-8
Growing skills, growing confidence!
We believe that meaningful literacy learning should be just as joyful as it is effective! Rooted in research-backed practices, our hands-on, multisensory approach brings reading and writing to life through playful exploration, engaging activities, and creative experiences. Children strengthen foundational literacy skills, build confidence, and discover that learning to read and write can be something they genuinely LOVE!
Enrichment Clubs
5-8
Interest Based Literacy Clubs
Our afterschool enrichment programs take learning beyond the classroom through creative, hands-on experiences. From bringing stories to life through acting in Story 2 Stage to combining movement, mindfulness, and literacy in BookWorm Warriors Yoga, children build confidence, creativity, self-expression, and meaningful connections—all while having FUN!
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.
