As the autumn season gets underway, The Arc of Essex County’s offerings for our youngest participants are going strong with free programming and respite care available throughout the season.

The Arc is offering free respite care for children ages 5 to 20 during the NJEA Teachers’ Convention on November 9 and 10. Families can opt for a morning session (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.), an afternoon session (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) or a full day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on one or both days. The Teachers’ Convention Camp will take place at Studio Arc in Fairfield, and children will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including art lessons with a take-home craft project. One-to-one coverage and sibling care may be provided upon request. Space is limited; to learn more or register, contact Toshonda Johnson-Hall at tjohnson-hall@arcessex.org or 973-535-1181 ext. 1275. This free program is made possible by a generous grant from the Partnership for Children of Essex.

Parents’ Nights Out events, held monthly from 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays at Studio Arc, are now free of charge for participants, also thanks to a grant from the Partnership for Children of Essex. The September 15 gathering featured fun activities and crafts for children and teens while parents enjoyed an evening to themselves, knowing their loved ones were safely partaking in activities with their peers. Space is limited and registration is required. Three-to-one coverage is provided for all participants, including siblings. One-to-one coverage may be provided upon request. Upcoming dates include October 20, November 17, and December 15. To learn more or register, contact Toshonda Johnson-Hall at tjohnson-hall@arcessex.org or 973-535-1181 ext. 1275.

The Arc’s free Communi-Play parties are held on Saturday mornings at Studio Arc, when speech therapist Jaquetta Perry-Boyd helps children ages 2.5 to 5 and their parents learn skills for better communication while singing and playing together. Jaquetta presents parents with innovative techniques to teach neuro-divergent children new ways to express themselves. The program is free for participants thanks to a grant from the Blue Foundry Charitable Foundation. The September 9 and 23 Communi-Play events were bustling with music, bubbles, stories, and fun. Upcoming dates include October 7, October 21, and November 4. Registration is required, visit bit.ly/communi-play to sign up.

Located in Fairfield, Studio Arc provides visitors with opportunities to engage in a wide range of visual and creative arts classes. If you are interested in learning more about the exciting and fun activities offered at Studio Arc, contact Director of Day Services Creative Programming Angela LoSapio at (973)535-1181 ext. 1231 or alosapio@arcessex.org.