JCC Preschool aims to connect families with help of ‘small fry society’

The Jewish Community Center Preschool will partner with “small fry society,” a social activity program for Tampa Bay area mothers and their young children, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 14.

The program will offer weekly 90- minute, themed “ breakfast socials,” evening educational sessions and a Girls’ Night Out, and is open to all mothers and children through preschool age.

The partnership is intended to leverage and combine the organizations’ experience and contacts to enhance program’ offerings. By working with the JCC, “small fry society” will also expand its socials beyond South Tampa into North Tampa.

“Together we will offer Tampa families a program very different from typical ‘mommy & me’ classes through a variety of experiences to learn, have fun and build support systems, and we will even incorporate dad into some of the events,” said Leni Sack, executive director of early childhood education for the JCC preschool. “It will be inclusive, provide enriching socials for parents and children and emphasize the importance of connecting the people in our community.”

“Small fry society” founder, mother and social planner Amy Lundy said, “I am very excited to work with the JCC preschool as they are one of the best preschools in Tampa and bring expertise in education and child development. This program will be greatly beneficial to the families in our community and local businesses alike.”

The programs are hands-on and are designed to allow the mothers and children to connect with each other, the community and businesses in an interactive, intimate setting.

The program also will include evening educational sessions led by local experts on a variety of topics: making education choices for children, nutrition, physical and mental health, and planning for the parents’ and child’s financial future.

Lundy initially reached out to Sack to learn more about the JCC Preschool for her daughter. They then began brainstorming ways to work together. “Like the JCC, I desire to make my program as accessible as possible to families.

This upcoming term, which includes weekday and weekend socials and evening sessions in different parts of Tampa, truly provides something for every mom – working or stay-at-home – with newborns up to preschoolers.”

Examples of socials this term include yoga for moms and kids, dance, music, photography, art and exploration at the Tampa Museum of Art, and play and discover at the Glazer Children’s museum.

Registration for the JCC Preschool and “small fry society” program is now open.

For more information, call either the JCC Preschool North Branch at (813) 962-2863 or JCC Preschool South Branch at (813) 835-6614.