Central Synagogue, a reform congregation in Midtown Manhattan

Welcome to Central Tots—Central Synagogue’s community for families with children from ages birth to 2 years old. We offer both enrollment-based and drop-in classes led by warm and experienced early childhood educators. You do not need to be a member of Central Synagogue to register. Central Synagogue strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccination for children under 5. Anyone over the age of 5, including all adults accompanying children to classes, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

To learn more about Central Tots' summer offerings, visit our Summer With Central page.

Enrollment-Based

Uptown Classes

Toddler Time 2023–24 (sold out)

Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 18, 2023–June 6, 2024, 9:15–10:45 am

Through Toddler Time, children ages 18–24 months are introduced to the school through blocks, puzzles, art materials, music, movement, and stories. While parallel play is the norm at this age, children enjoy being together and begin learning how to be part of a group under the guidance of experienced infant and toddler specialists on the Central Synagogue early childhood team. Throughout the year, Jewish holidays and Shabbat are brought to life and celebrated in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.

Early Explorers 2023–24 - New Session Now Open!

Mondays & Wednesdays, September 18, 2023–June 5, 2024, 11:15 am–12:15 pm

In this introduction to a classroom setting, children ages 12–18 months will create new friendships, learn how to be part of a group, and become accustomed to routines. Our teachers spark their interest with activities such as story time, art, music, puppets, and movement.

Shabbat a Lot Fall Semester 2023 (sold out)

September 22–December 22, 2023

Children ages 12–24 months are invited to join Central’s guitar-playing music specialists for this weekly class, which explores Shabbat through song, dance, and play. Every child must be accompanied by a parent or trusted caregiver for the entirety of each session. This class is now sold out. If there is enough interest, we may open up a second session. If interested, email centraltots@censyn.org.

Downtown Classes

Drop In Downtown Central Tots 2023–24

Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 3, 2023–May 23, 2024, 9:30–10:30 am

“Drop in” and join us for Downtown Central Tots, where children ages 8–24 months are introduced to the school through blocks, puzzles, art materials, music, movement, and stories. Throughout the year, Jewish holidays and Shabbat are brought to life and celebrated in meaningful ways. Every child must be accompanied by a trusted grown-up for the entirety of each session.

Registration coming soon

Drop In Downtown Shabbat a Lot 2023–24

Fridays, October 6, 2023–December 22, 2023, 9:30–10:15 am

Children ages 3 and under are invited to join Central’s guitar-playing music specialists for this weekly class, which explores Shabbat through song, dance, and play. Every child must be accompanied by a parent or trusted caregiver for the entirety of each session.

Registration coming soon

Weekly Drop-In Classes (Birth–12 Months)

Pre-registration is required to attend drop-in classes. Central Tots will send out a registration link two days before class each week. If you want to receive our weekly registration links, add your information to our drop-in email list.

Midday Music (Tuesdays, 12:30 pm–1:15 pm)

Introduce your baby to the fun of making music! Central’s beloved guitar-playing music specialists guide grown-ups in making music with their little ones using puppets, simple percussion instruments, parachutes, and other props.

Baby Book Club (Thursdays, 12:30 pm–1:15 pm)

Whether you’re looking to develop an early love of reading or get out of the house with your new baby (or both!), join us for an engaging story time plus songs and play. Led by warm and experienced early childhood educators from Central Synagogue’s Nursery School, it’s also a great time to ask your top infant questions in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Our People

Cindy Grebow

Director of Early Childhood Education

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

(212) 838-5122 x4001

Shira Kobren Wasserman

Director of Family Engagement & Central Tots