Welcome to the Eides Family J-Space After School Program! J-Space provides children with opportunities to have fun, learn new skills, and develop in positive and healthy ways.

J-Space is a licensed enrichment program of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island offered at the Dwares JCC.

J-Space runs Monday–Friday from 2:30–6:00pm and is intended for children in grades K–5.

The mission of J-Space is to grow well-rounded life-long learners in a healthy, creative, and active environment of Jewish values. Our community allows children to grow into outstanding citizens and problem solvers who work together to make the world a better place. J-Space, like all our programs at the JCC, is inclusive and welcomes children of any religion, race, cultural background, sexuality, gender expression, or ability.

J-Space is centered on experiential learning and built upon four pillars we call JAMS: Judaism, Arts, Movement, STEM

JUDAISM:

As a part of the Jewish community, we instill values of:

ARTS:

Everyone is creative, and our activities include culinary arts, music, literature, visual, and graphic arts.

MOVEMENT:

J-Space gets kids moving through sports, games, and fitness.

STEM:

We encourage inquisitive problem solvers who value the scientific method to dive into STEM projects.

In addition, J-Space includes: homework help, group tutoring, and reading time; a healthy snack; teambuilding; Israeli emissary and community service projects; swimming on Fridays; CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Children's Health): A nationally recognized program that fosters physical activity; holiday celebrations; monthly themes with group projects; special guest visitors; and guided and free play

J-Space provides children with experienced staff who respect and value the diversity of each child. We have excellent staff-to-child ratios and strive to ensure your child feels at home at J-Space.

Structured Flexibility: Parents choose from 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week based on their scheduling needs. When signing up, select the specific weekdays your child will be attending. This becomes their fixed J-Space schedule— allowing us to better plan in order to provide your child with the care they need. Permanent schedule changes can be made by the month.

To sign up, or for more information, contact Jim Rawl at 401.421.4111 ext. 140 or jrawl@jewishallianceri.org.

Jim Rawl is an experienced youth development professional with a Master’s degree in youth programming and experiential learning. He has a background in camps, sports coaching and management, aquatics, youth advocacy, and teaching.

Membership Policy: Membership at the Dwares JCC is encouraged but not required for participation in J-Space, however, there is a fee differential for members and non-members. You can become a member at any time—contact Member Services at 401.421.4111 to learn more.