38 / matters magazine / school 2017 SCHOOL NAME/LOCATION CONTACT/AGES SERVED ABOUTTHE SCHOOL The South Orange Country Day School 461Vose Avenue, South Orange Annemarie Maini – Director 973-762-6451 Ages 3 – 6 socds.com The South Orange Country Day School educates young children in a progressive, child-focused environment where children experience different cultures and global experiences. Most importantly, children learn how people are more alike than different. TheVillage Babies Development Center, LLC 401Valley Street, South Orange Dana Kearney – Director/Owner 973-378-5906 Ages 6 weeks – 6 years villagebabies.com TheVillage Babies Development Center believes establishing a positive, early learning experience is the fundamental value for building a strong framework in education. Beyond a daycare center, it is a community that fosters a safe and nurturing environment for young children to explore. TSTI’s Iris Family Center for Early Childhood Education 432 Scotland Road, South Orange Carol Paster – Director 973-763-4600 Birth – 2: Parent and Me program Ages 2 – 5: Preschool tsti.org Iris Family Center focuses on each child’s developmental needs and promotes a positive, secure and accepting environment. Rituals are introduced in an age-appropriate manner, in an atmosphere conducive to curiosity and wonder.A love of nature is instilled by using three outdoor classrooms and a campground. Weekday Cooperative Preschool 111 Irvington Avenue, South Orange Liz Lehrer – Director 973-762-7879 Ages 2½ – 4 years weekdaycooperativepreschool.org For more than 60 years,Weekday has been providing opportunities for social interaction and discovery of new ideas through a hands-on approach. Parents participate in the educational program in the preschool classes, and the Toddler Playgroup offers a gentle introduction to preschool. PROGRAM NAME/LOCATION CONTACT/AGES SERVED ABOUTTHE PROGRAM Ametsuchi School of Aikido 1994 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood Hirohisa Hayakawa 973-762-1620 All ages easternculturecenter.com Ametsuchi School practices a non-aggressive form of self defense. Our students, from all ages and backgrounds, practice Aikido for Life because it teaches, among other things, being in harmony with the universe, defending by using the force of the attacker, and maintaining physical and mental balance. CKO Kickboxing 1933 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood Tara Connell – Owner 973-996-8779 Grades 1 – 5 ckomaplewood.com CKO Kickboxing’s kids session begins November 14 from 4-5 p.m.The class will challenge the entire body, while developing coordination, balance, agility and stamina. In addition, students learn self-confidence and discipline while relieving stress and expending built-up energy. Class Act Performing Arts Studio 128 Irvington Avenue, South Orange Page O’Connor – Executive Director 973-789-0191 Ages 3 – 18 ClassActPAS.com Located in the heart of South OrangeVillage, Class Act offers a top-of-the-line training program for recreational and pre- professional students to study dance, voice, piano and acting, with a skilled and dedicated teaching staff. Geralyn’s Art Studio 103 Baker Street, Maplewood Geralyn Robinson – Owner 973-275-1966 Ages 4 – adult geralynsartstudio.com Geralyn’s continues to offer a wide variety of art classes, cartooning workshops, adult studio workshops, a summer camp and birthday parties. Small, individualized classes effectively foster small children’s carefree approach to creating art. Mini Camp at Far Brook School 52 Great Hills Road, Short Hills Paula Levin – Director Bill and Donna Deltz – Co- directors Ages 3 – 7 farbrookminicamp@gmail.com minicamp.org Mini Camp at Far Brook School is the ultimate experience for 3- to 7-year-olds in a relaxed, rural environment with experienced, nurturing teachers. Campers enjoy sports, music, drama, science and nature. Music, Art & Enrichment Programs See the programs available for children