Winter & School Break Care in Paramus
It’s the first week of November, and your child’s school is closed three days out of five. Your job isn’t. If you’ve lived in New Jersey a while, you know this week well. If you’re new, it can catch you off guard.
Our school break care gives families a safe, fun place for young kids on the days schools close. JumpinJax is open year-round, and our full-day hours run 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Below you’ll find this year’s public school closures, what a break day looks like here, and how to plan ahead. A few calls now can save you a week of scrambling later.
Paramus school closure dates this school year
Here are the main school breaks left this school year for the district’s public schools. The dates come from the Paramus Public Schools calendar. Dates can change, so check the district calendar too.
Fall closures
Date | Why schools are closed |
|---|---|
Tuesday, November 3 | Election Day (staff development day; no school for students) |
Thursday and Friday, November 5 to 6 | NJEA Convention |
Thursday and Friday, November 26 to 27 | Thanksgiving break |
Winter and spring recess
Date | Why schools are closed |
|---|---|
Thursday, December 24, to Friday, January 1 | Winter recess |
Monday to Friday, April 12 to 16 | Spring recess |
Friday, April 30 | Orthodox Good Friday |
Why New Jersey schools close for NJEA
NJEA days surprise a lot of families who are new to the state. A New Jersey law from 1923 lets public school staff attend the New Jersey Education Association’s yearly convention. This year, the NJEA Convention runs November 5 and 6, and public schools close both days.
Early November is the hard one. Election Day and the two NJEA days fall in the same week. That’s three days off in one work week. News coverage has described these days as hard on working parents who need child care.
School break care at JumpinJax
Private daycares and preschools don’t have to follow the public school calendar. That’s why it pays to know which days your center is open before a break starts. Here’s what to expect from our school break care.
What a break day looks like
On a break day, we keep children busy with age-appropriate activities in a safe, familiar place. Kids who came to summer camp may even see friends they made here. For kids who are new, it’s a friendly place to spend the day while you work.
Our hours
Our full-day hours are 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Half-day care runs 7:00am to 12:00pm. Call (201) 500-2951 to ask about the days you need.
Where we are
We’re at 600 Winters Ave, Suite B, behind the Paramus Park Mall. Call ahead and we’ll share directions and drop-off details.
Why Paramus families choose JumpinJax
A break day goes better when your child feels at home. Here’s what sets us apart.
Teachers who speak three languages
Our teachers are fluent in English, Spanish, and Korean. Kids who speak Spanish or Korean at home can hear a familiar language here. See how languages fit into the day.
Over 30 years in Paramus
We’ve cared for local families for over 30 years. We’re a fully licensed child care center with both an indoor and an outdoor playground.
How to plan ahead for school breaks
A little planning now can save you a stressful week later. Use these steps for every break on the list above.
Put the dates on your calendar now
Add every closure date to your phone and your partner’s phone today. Then flag the week of November 2, since it has three closures. Share the dates with your manager early, too.
Call early for each break
Call us in October about November dates and in early December about winter recess. Tell us which days you need and your child’s age. Ask whether to pack lunch and snacks for break days.
Pack and prepare your child
- Pack a labeled bag with a change of clothes and anything your child needs to rest.
- Tell your child what the day will look like, so it feels familiar.
- Plan a short, happy goodbye at drop-off.
Weekend backup
- Our indoor playground has weekend open play on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm. It’s a shoe-free space, so bring socks. It’s an easy way to burn off energy on a cold weekend. See open play details.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Call (201) 500-2951 as soon as you know which days you need. That helps us plan for your child.
Full-day care runs 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Half-day care runs 7:00am to 12:00pm.
A state law from 1923 lets public school staff attend the New Jersey Education Association’s yearly convention. Public schools close for two days each November. This year, the dates are November 5 and 6.
Yes. Paramus public schools are closed to students on Tuesday, November 3, which is a staff development day. Check the district calendar for any changes.
We’re at 600 Winters Ave, Suite B, Paramus, NJ 07652. We’re right behind the Paramus Park Mall.
Plan your school break care today
Public schools here close for Election Day, NJEA, Thanksgiving, winter recess, and spring recess. The week of November 2 alone has three closures. JumpinJax is open year-round, with teachers fluent in English, Spanish, and Korean and hours from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
Don’t wait for the first closure to plan your school break care. Call (201) 500-2951 to ask about the dates you need, or schedule a tour to see the rooms first. You can also read our parent FAQ for more answers.