October was a busy month for The Arc of Essex County’s Children’s Services programs, with opportunities for children and teens to explore their creativity, build friendships, develop new skills, and enjoy some fall fun! Highlights included:

• STEAM Maker Space brought children ages 5–12 to Studio Arc for an engaging afternoon of hands-on exploration. Participants had the opportunity to experiment, create, and discover while building confidence and problem-solving skills.
• Art & Play offered young children and their parents a chance to get creative together at Studio Arc. Through hands-on art activities, children explored their imaginations while practicing communication and social skills in a fun, supportive environment.
• Art and STEAM Classes for Teens offered additional opportunities for creativity and discovery at Studio Arc. Art Odyssey and Art Adventure gave teens opportunities to explore their artistic sides through guided projects, while STEAM Lab sessions encouraged hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
• Teachers’ Convention Camp kicked off November with two days of creativity, movement, and fun at Studio Arc on November 5 and 6! With schools closed for the NJEA Teachers’ Convention, children have had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities, including Zumba, Circus Yoga, Jam Band, karaoke, tissue paper painting, jungle animal crafts, and hands-on STEM experiments like Dancing Popcorn and Pumpkin Fluff Slime. Siblings were also welcome to participate in the fun! The two-day camp was offered at no cost to families thanks to a generous grant from the Partnership for Children of Essex.
• Parents’ Night Out gave children an opportunity to enjoy a fun evening of activities and socialization at Studio Arc on October 16, while providing parents and caregivers with some time to themselves.
• Saturday Respite offered children and teens opportunities to spend time with peers while enjoying engaging activities. A Halloween Dance capped off the month of October, with participants showing off their creative costumes.
• Communi-Play continuing to bring young children together on Saturdays for fun, interactive activities designed to encourage communication, socialization, and learning through play. Led by Ms. J, these sessions gave children opportunities to practice important developmental skills while connecting with their peers.
• Social Skills Classes continued at Opportunity Zone in Maplewood. Led by a certified special education teacher, the weekly Tuesday sessions helped children and teens strengthen communication, listening, cooperation, and other important social skills through games and group activities.
• Stepping Stones School enjoyed a month full of memorable experiences, including a trip to Turtle Back Zoo for the Elks Friendship Festival, a visit from the Fairfield Fire Department, a special gathering recognizing Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and a Halloween “table or treat” celebration that brought families and staff together. Click here to read more about October at Stepping Stones School.

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.r by calling (973) 535-1181 ext. 1270.