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JFFS Resource Guide

for Families with Babies and Young Children

 

Jewish Federation & Family Services is pleased to bring programming and opportunities to Orange County families with young children independently and in partnership with the PJ Library program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

 

The following list is designed to help families with babies and young children find Jewish educational and parent support resources. Appearance on this list does not represent endorsement of any program or service.

 

University Synagogue Preschool offers weekly Parent & Me sessions on Friday mornings for caregivers and their children ages 6 months–2 years. They also have Preschool for ages 2-6.

Chelsea Topps has an in-home Jewish daycare that provides Kosher food and various Jewish and non-Jewish activities and curriculum. She is also an infant and toddler sleep trainer.

Hebrew Academy Preschool offers Mommy & Me classes for infants and toddlers ages birth–3 years on Thursday mornings. They also have an Infant Center for children ages 6 weeks–24 months and a preschool for children 2–5 years old.

Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot has Torah Time for Tiny Tots, a Parent & Me program for 1–2- year-olds on Sunday mornings. Torah Time for Tots is perfect for 2–3 year olds and also meets on Sunday mornings. Yeladim is Religious School for preschool-aged children to learn about the Jewish holidays and how it shapes them to be the best Jews they can be.

Olam Jewish Montessori has an infant and toddler program (3 months–2 years) where each child is nurtured as a unique individual, encouraged to explore in a beautiful, safe, and orderly space. They focus on age-appropriate materials chosen for their educational purpose and sensory qualities. The teachers form close bonds with the children, nurturing language and body awareness development through freedom and exploration.

The New Mom School classes provide the education, community, and support new moms need from the newborn stage through their first birthday. Classes are organized by babies' birth months so moms can meet other moms in the exact same phase of motherhood.

Temple Beth Sholom Early Childhood Center welcomes children ages 3 months–6 years to our beautiful and inspiring social constructivist program with a Reggio Emilia approach to learning.  The Torah Tots program, children 4 months–2 years, and their parents or grandparents, meets most Friday mornings and is free of charge. 

Temple Beth Tikvah has Tot Shabbat on Fridays, which includes a short service followed by dinner and activities. They also have family services every first Friday of the month. Preschoolers can participate in the youth choir. The Mitzvah Mavens provide crocheted and knitted gifts for the children and grandchildren of congregants.

Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Niguel offers a Hebrew School program for preschool-aged children. All community events, including weekly Shabbat services, classes, and holiday events are open to all, and families of all ages and stages are welcome.  

  • ChabadLagunaNiguel.com
  • CONTACT: Kreinie Paltiel, kreinie@chabadlagunaniguel.com
  • Location: Laguna Niguel
     

MOhM is a boutique studio that offers community education and support for moms. MOhM offers Mommy and Me classes where moms gather with their babies and participate in safe facilitated group discussions. They have a newborn 0–3 month class, 4–8 month class, and 9–12 month class so that the moms and babies are always grouped by age and stage. MOhM also has prenatal and postnatal yoga classes, sensory classes, and parenting classes. 

Beth David Preschool has a small school atmosphere and a low child-to-teacher ratio, allowing teachers to work with each individual child in the way he/she learns best. The teachers understand what is needed to prepare children for the next step in their academic career. The 2–3-year-olds learn best through play and art, and the 4–5-year-olds spend the year focusing on early literacy skills, going on exciting field trips, and creating beautiful themed masterpieces.  

Chabad Beth Meir Hacohen & Aleph Preschool offers weekly Wednesday Mommy & Me, Preschool for ages 2–5, and a wholesome environment for your child. Brit and Girl baby-naming ceremonies available. Birthday club and a Jewish community!

  • ocjewish.com
  • CONTACT: Naomi Blesofsky, Naomi@ocjewish.com, 714.693.0770
  • Location: North Orange County-Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills, Brea, Fullerton, Anaheim, and all North OC
     

Music Together is a nationwide, research-based music program for children ages birth–4 and the adults who love them. Try a free preview class.

  • CONTACT: Elena Salisbury, 949.350.0985
  • Locations: Ladera Ranch, RSM, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest and Aliso Viejo

 

South Coast Music Together is an award-winning international research-based music and movement program for infants, toddlers and the adults who love them.

  • CONTACT: Judy Woodson, 949.706.3408, scmusictogether@aol.com
  • Locations: Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa

 

The Merage JCC Aranoff Preschool is the place for your child to grow and learn from 6 weeks–5 years old. They offer a wide variety of programming, including Language Academy. The Parenting Center offers parent & me classes: Stroller Shape Up & Schmooze, Baby Sign Language, and Shabbat & Me Story Time.  

Temple Bat Yahm has an NAEYC-accredited and award-winning preschool, which starts at age 2. They also offer parent and toddler classes for children ages 3 months–24 months, which is a fabulous way to become familiar with our preschool and make ever-lasting friendships.

Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo Hebrew School is open to preschool-aged children. They also welcome families for Family Shabbat Services and dinner.

  • https://www.chabadofmv.com/
  • CONTACT: Bassie Marcus, bassiemarcus@gmail.com
  • Location: Mission Viejo
     

Chabad of Irvine Binnie Babies is a warm, engaging Mommy & Me program that takes place Wednesday mornings. Children ages of 9 months–2 years of age come together to play, sing, dance, and have a Shabbat party. Chai Tots Preschool is a private, warm family-based preschool open to children from the ages of 18 months–2 years.

Chabad of Tustin Hebrew School is open to preschool-aged children. They also offer Mommy & Me classes for mothers and children, from birth–4 years, in a warm, loving environment.

  • Location: Tustin
     

Temple Beth El South OC Early Childhood Programs include parent & toddler classes for children 7 months–2 years old and their parents, grandparents, or caregiver. They also offer preschool for children 2–5 years old.

  • CONTACT: Carolyn Kappes, ckappes@tbesoc.org
  • Location: Aliso Viejo
     

Congregation B’nai Israel Preschool teaches Jewish traditions and values in a Reggio-inspired, constructivist environment, through a developmentally appropriate, engaging, and emergent curriculum. The have 5 classes: Infant, Toddlers, Young Preschool, Preschool, and Pre-K.

Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Beach offers preschool and Hebrew School for children ages 3–4. They also offer a “Bring Mom Along” class for children ages 8 months–2 years.

  • https://www.chabadoflaguna.com/
  • Contact: Perel Goodrich, perel@iname.com
  • Location: Laguna Beach
     

Hoag Hospital offers parents education classes for new and expecting parents. Topics include: Baby Saver (Infant CPR and Basic First Aid), Breastfeeding Class, Car Seat Safety, and much more.

Shira Kfir is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with women and couples transitioning into parenthood. She works primarily with new moms, women who are pregnant, and any women/couples who are in the process of building a family and might be experiencing fertility issues. She also runs a free, confidential support group for new moms at The New Mom School!

 

Heart of Connecting Hayley Goldberg is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and parenting coach who specializes in supporting parents of toddlers and preschoolers. She supports parents in building strong, connected families with peaceful, loving homes where they can raise happy, successful kids who will be ready for kindergarten and real life.

 

The Golden Dreidle is where you can find the best selection of Judaica and Jewish gift items anywhere. They have a darling baby section with baby naming certificates, mezuzahs, menorahs, baby blessings, bibs, tzedakah boxes, bris pillows, and much more. The store is always festive and gets you in the mood with music playing, and smiling faces to greet you.


The Jewish Collaborative of Orange County is a creative resource and incubator for programs and services dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families connect their passions to a Jewish framework. They create and nurture programs in partnership with synagogues, agencies, and individuals that enrich Jewish life in Orange County for a diverse and growing community.  

 

Pretend City Children’s Museum is an interactive children’s museum designed as a mini city where imaginations run wild and learning happens. Baby Steps is an exclusive infant-only event with age-appropriate facilitated activities which will teach you about your baby’s developmental milestones.

 

LulyBoo was created by Pazit Ben-Ezri, a mother of four looking to simplify her life and comfort her babies. LulyBoo offers a wide array of stylish, high-quality lounges and other travel baby accessories.

 

Temple Judea is a vibrant community with a welcoming, friendly, caring approach to young children and families.

 

Nadine Durbach is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She offers counseling for individuals and couples who are looking to get unstuck. The demands of parenting are often too much for one person or couple to handle. Working with Nadine will give you the insight and ability for more effective coping and communication skills and bring joy back to parenting, relationships, and self-care.

 

Mohel USA is a resource that helps to identify mohels in California.