Communi-Play, an early-childhood program hosted by The Arc of Essex County, continues to make a meaningful impact on families within The Arc community in the three years since it launched in March 2023 at Studio Arc in Fairfield. The program, offered at no cost to families due to donations from the Community Recreation Fund, has become a welcoming space where children ages 2.5 to 5 can build communication and social skills alongside their parents and caregivers. Held twice a month on Saturday mornings, Communi-Play has grown steadily, with 26 children and their caregivers participating so far this year.
Led by speech-language specialist Jaquetta Perry, also known as “Ms. J”, Communi-Play offers a unique, play-based approach that blends music, movement, and interactive activities. The program is intentionally designed to foster communication in a natural, engaging way. During each session, families sing songs, explore nursery rhymes, use simple signs, and participate in guided play, all while learning strategies to support language development. Jaquetta and her team model these techniques for caregivers, who can then feel empowered to practice them with their children.
The heart of Communi-Play lies in its joyful and inclusive environment. What began as a small effort to support Jaquetta’s own daughter’s social development has evolved into a program that strengthens connections between families while helping children gain confidence as communicators. “Every child has a voice waiting to be discovered,” Jaquetta says. “Through play, music, and connection, Communi-Play helps families nurture that voice together.”
That spirit of community will be on full display as Communi-Play takes part in a special off-site session during The Arc of Essex County’s Building Tomorrows 5K on Saturday, April 25. On that day, the program will be featured as part of the event’s family-friendly Fun Fest, based at the Clipper Pavilion at the South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange.
Families interested in joining this special event—or any of the regular sessions at Studio Arc—are encouraged to register in advance at bit.ly/communi-play. Those planning to participate in the session at Building Tomorrows will also have to register for the event at RunOrWalk.org.
As Communi-Play continues to grow, it remains a shining example of how creativity, expertise, and community partnership can come together to help children find their voices and thrive. To learn more about The Arc of Essex County’s Children’s Programming, click here or contact Toshonda Johnson-Hall at 973-535-1181 ext. 1275 or tjohnson-hall@arcessex.org. To learn more about the Communi-Play program, email Christina Hernandez at shapiro@arcessex.org.