Weekday Programs
Our weekday programs are for children, teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, and learning and communication differences, who are conversational and can independently participate. The classes are designed to develop social and communication skills through age-appropriate structured activities in a natural environment.
All programs are facilitated by experienced, caring professionals
An intake interview is required for all new potential participants prior to finalizing registration.
For more information, please contact either:
- Simara Bruhim, Director, Guttenberg Center for Special Services at sbruhim@jccotp.org or 201.408.1489
- Lexi Raffa, Associate Director, Children, Youth and Inclusion at lraffa@jccotp.org or 201.408.1470
The Kaplen JCC is a qualified provider of the State of NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Children & Families (DCF)/PerformCare, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and Medicaid. We accept payments from other Service Agency Providers as well as sending school districts.
Weekday Social Skills Programs
Social Stars
Ages 7-17 Wednesdays 4:00-4:45pm Sept-May
Social Stars is a dynamic and inclusive program designed to empower children and teens ages 7-17 with essential social skills for lifelong success. Through engaging weekly sessions led by experienced professionals, 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.
This class is for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, and learning and communication differences, who are conversational and can independently participate.
What We Offer:
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
Starting 1/25/2026 (Packages of 8 Sessions) *Subject to Change
Per Package: $320 Member/ $400 Guest
The Kaplen JCC is a qualified provider of the State of NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Children & Families (DCF)/PerformCare, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and Medicaid. We accept payments from other Service Agency Providers as well as sending school districts.
Afternoon Connections
Ages 17+ Mon-Thurs 3:30-6:00pm Sept-July
This DDD-qualified program offers an extended day option, and is designed to enhance functional life skills and increase independence in young adults with intellectual and developmental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Afternoon Connections offers a balanced mix of life skills development and recreational activities, including self-care skills, cooking, shopping, and engaging pursuits at the JCC.
Afternoon Connections fosters growth and enrichment in a nurturing environment and promises personalized support and meaningful experiences for every participant.
The Kaplen JCC is a qualified provider of the State of NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Children & Families (DCF)/PerformCare, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and Medicaid. We accept payments from other Service Agency Providers as well as sending school districts.
