Guttenberg Center for Special Services

Social Stars

AgesAges 6-17

Our Social Stars social skills group offers a supportive and inclusive environment tailored to meet the needs of children facing various challenges.

Social Stars

Social Stars is a dynamic and inclusive program designed to empower children ages 6-17 with essential social skills for lifelong success. Through engaging weekly sessions led by experienced professionals, children are grouped by age and developmental level to receive personalized attention and support. Our curriculum focuses on fostering friendship-making abilities, boosting self-confidence, and refining appropriate social behaviors through interactive activities such as role-playing, group interactions, and cooperative play. 

With groups limited to 8 children, each participant receives meaningful guidance and encouragement to thrive socially. Parent involvement is encouraged, with initial and final sessions dedicated to providing valuable feedback and recommendations. For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, and learning and communication differences, who are conversational and can independently participate.

Classes will be held on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, divided into 3 age-based sessions per day (minimum of 5 participants required per session).
Tuesdays (starting 9/16/25):
4:30–5:15 PM (Ages 3–5), 5:30–6:15 PM (Ages 6–8), 6:30–7:15 PM (Ages 8–10)
Wednesdays (starting 9/17/25):
5:30–6:15 PM (Ages 11–13), 6:30–7:15 PM (Ages 13–14), 7:30–8:15 PM (Ages 15–17)

Each class session is 45 minutes. Once you complete the intake form (linked below) and attend an in-person meeting, your child will be assigned their class day and time.
Registration is not available until the intake process is complete.

Pricing:
Members: $700 | Guests: $750
Number of Classes: 15 (subject to change)

The Kaplen JCC is a qualified agency through NJ Children’s System of Care/PerformCare.

What We Offer:

Focused Learning: Our group is dedicated to teaching a variety of social skills essential for making friends, boosting self-confidence, and fostering appropriate behavior.

Interactive Sessions: Through role-playing, group interactions, and cooperative play, children have the opportunity to practice these skills in a safe and encouraging setting.

Tailored Support: We understand the unique needs of each child and provide personalized guidance to help them thrive socially.

Professional Guidance: Led by experienced facilitators trained in child development and social-emotional learning.

Who Can Benefit:

Our program is beneficial for children who:

  • Experience shyness or social anxiety
  • Struggle with reading social cues
  • Have difficulty expressing their emotions
  • Find it challenging to understand others’ feelings
  • Struggle with making and maintaining friendships
  • Experience low self-esteem
  • Face difficulties with sharing and taking turns
  • Are diagnosed with ADHD, learning disabilities, or high-functioning ASD

Questions? Contact Simara Bruhim, at sbruhim@jccotp.org or 201.408.1426