With Social Skills Classes, December Break Camp, Parents’ Night Out, and Communi-Play, The Arc of Essex County is providing families with a variety of activities and support during the holiday season.

As The Arc prepares to launch a new Social Skills Class in January, a free trial class is available to families on Tuesday, December 17. The sessions, which will be divided into two age groups  (ages 5 to 10 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and ages 11 to 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) will take place at The Arc of Essex County’s Opportunity Zone at 50-58 Burnett Avenue in Maplewood. Sessions will include get-to-know-you activities and games, as well as opportunities for parents to observe, ask questions, and learn more about the 2025 program. Space is limited! To learn more, contact Elisa Cohen at [email protected] or by calling 973-535-1181 ext. 1228. Parents or guardians must remain on site for the trial class. Intake and enrollment information will be reviewed for the 2025 sessions. 

Studio Arc in Fairfield will be hosting a December School Break Camp for children and teens ages 5 to 20. Families can sign up for individual or multiple days, which run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include December 26, 27, 30 and 31. Snacks will be provided and 3:1 staff support will be available to all participants, including siblings. (New families who may need 1:1 support should contact Elisa Cohen at 973-535-1181 ext. 1228 prior to registration.) The cost will be $35 per day per child. Register at bit.ly/arc-dec-2024.

The Arc continues to also offer Parents’ Night Out for ages 5 to 21 at Studio Arc at a cost of $25 per participant; the December session will be on Friday, December 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Siblings are welcome, and 3:1 staff support is provided. Contact Elisa at 973-535-1181 ext. 1228 to register.

Communi-Play sessions, also at Studio Arc, will take place on December 7 and 21 at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 2.5 to 5 can enjoy these communication parties with their parents; registration ahead of time for these free-of-charge classes is required at bit.ly/communi-play.

The Arc of Essex County is pleased to offer such a variety of activities for children and teens, and we encourage families to keep an eye out for new programming beginning in January.