Shaker Family Center, located in the former Sussex Elementary School (See City map for location) is an independent, 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that provides educational, social and recreational programs for young children of all abilities, ages birth-5.

Shaker Family Center
19824 Sussex Road
Shaker Heights, OH  44122

Phone:  216-921-2023

Joanne Federman, Executive Director

The Patricia S. Mearns Family Playroom

Offers drop-in sessions for parents and their children ages birth to five providing opportunities to meet other parents, share experiences and gain information on child development and parenting challenges. Also included are drop-in sessions in the gym, equipped with various riding toys, climbing structures, and more.

Playroom hours for ages birth - 3:

• Monday & Wednesday 9:30 AM to 12:00 NOON 

Drop-in gym times for ages birth - 3:

• Monday & Friday 12:15 to 1:00 PM
• Wednesday 12:30  to 1:15 PM

Playroom hours for ages birth - 5:

• Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday 4:00 to 6:00 PM
• Friday 3:30 to 5:30 PM

Drop-in gym times for ages birth - 5:

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 5:30 to 6:00 PM. 

Registration fee for 1 year:  Shaker residents $95, non-residents $105. 
Registration fee for 3 months:  Shaker residents $45, non-residents $55. 

Baby Talk

A weekly informal discussion group for parents and caregivers with infants up to 12 months old, led by Play and Learn Station Coordinator Ellen Barcus. Held in Patrica S. Mearns Family Playroom on Friday mornings from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Parents and caregivers have opportunities to

• share experiences with one another and staff
• gain helpful information and support 

Drop-in fees are $7/session or purchase a 5 session passes for $25.

Play and Learn Station

A collaborative program between Shaker Family Center and Shaker Heights Public Library. A free early childhood literacy activity center for families and caregivers with children ages birth – 5. 

• Housed on the 2nd floor of the Shaker Heights Main Library.
• Open:
  • Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
  • Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  
• Special session for caregivers and their children birth – 5 on Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Call 216-921-2023 to register for this session. 

Shaker Family Center gratefully acknowledges Shaker Heights Public Library, Help Me Grow of Cuyahoga County and the EMA Foundation for their generous financial support of Play and Learn Station.

Saturday Gym

Provides a safe play environment during cooler weather months for children ages birth - 5. Parents and caregivers can play with their children as they enjoy riding toys, climbing equipment and other activities in the gym and muscle room.

• Saturday mornings 10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON from late October through April.
• Drop-in rates are $7 for 1 child or $10/family with 2+ children. Save on fees with a 5- or 10- session discount family pass available for purchase at Shaker Family Center beginning in October.
• **Saturday Gym Program is not included with the Patricia S. Mearns Family Playroom.**

2007/2008 Saturday Gym season runs October 20 – March 31 (no sessions 11/24, 12/29, 1/19, 2/16)

Birthday Parties

Fun and convenient birthday parties for young children ages 1 to 5. Parties booked Saturdays only 11:00 AM–1:00 PM. Dates available through May 31, 2008. Includes:

• One hour in “Party Room” to enjoy lunch and cake
• One hour private use of the gym
• Add-ons:
  • Craft activities
  • Use of the bouncer, more.
• Rates start at $125, which includes $50 non-refundable booking deposit for 12 children.
• Call 216-921-2023 for booking and more information.

Learning English as a Family (L.E.A.F)

Free literacy program for non-English speaking families with children, ages 2-1/2 to 5 years.

• Weekly drop-in group sessions at Shaker Family Center for adults and their children on Monday evenings from 6:45 to 8:00 PM,
• Outreach teacher visits to participating families in their homes, sharing stories and educational materials.
• Although L.E.A.F. home visits are full at this time (families may add their names to the wait list) families are welcome and encouraged to come to the Monday evening group Session. 

Shaker Family Center gratefully acknowledges Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Help Me Grow of Cuyahoga County and the Reinberger Foundation for their generous financial support of the LEAF Program.

Parenting Classes

Free 8 week series offered three times during the school year at Shaker Family Center. Classes focus on topics to help parents learn to problem solve, manage feelings, give positive attention and more.

• Childcare and a light meal (for both adults and children) provided free, thanks to generous support from the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund. 
• Sessions held Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
• Pre-registration required.
• In order to achieve the full benefit of the classes, participants are asked to commit to the full 8 week program.

Parent University

A series of monthly discussions featuring guest speakers discussing a variety of parenting topics such as children’s sleep issues, toileting advice, healthy nutrition and much more.

• Sessions held one Tuesday evening per month from 7:30 to 9:00 PM (see calendar for dates and topics).
• Fees $5/session if pre-registered and paid in advance or $7/session at the door.