Early Childhood

Early Childhood

Develop important physical, social, creative, and emotional skills

Research shows that early childhood provides a critical window for developing many important physical, social, creative and emotional skills.

To make the most of this time when your little one is prime for learning, the Park District offers a variety of programs. From music and art to computers and cooking, we have something that will interest your child and inspire them.

In some classes, children and their parents or caregivers can enjoy quality time together. In others, children can learn independence while their special adult is not present. All early childhood classes are led by caring and expert staff who design age-appropriate activities to ensure your child has the best possible experience.

Youth Athletics

Don't miss our Parent/Tot Athletic classes!

Learn more

Programs with Adults

1130121 / Drop In Punch Card

Save time and money and purchase a punch card and receive 7 classes for the price of 6! Play in the gym! This pay-as-you-go class has different play structures each week like bounce houses, ride on toys, and balls. Grown-ups are responsible for their children.
1130121-1 - Drop In Punch Card
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 3/21/2025
9:15 am - 10:45 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-26mo w/Adult

1130122 / Toddler Talk

Learn how to help your little one move from gestures and sounds to spoken words and phrases. Engage in language-rich play, music and literacy activities and practice language enhancing strategies. Early communication is so important for you and your little one! Learn what to expect and how to elicit baby’s first gestures, signs, and words and start communicating with your little one today. This class is taught by Olivia Hallagan, a pediatric speech-language pathologist who specializes in early language development. Join us in this fun and engaging new class while learning the strategies for language development through play, music, books, and movement. Visit our website at parkridgespeechtherapy.com to find out more about speech and language.
1130122-1 - Toddler Talk, sign language, speech
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Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 2/14/2025
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24 months w/ Adul
1130122-2 - Toddler Talk, sign language, speech
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Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
2/21/2025 - 3/21/2025
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24 months w/ Adul

4130101 / Jigglejam Music

Bring your favorite grown-up to engage in an imaginative use of guitar, percussion, puppets, bubbles, and dance. Children’s educator and entertainer, Jodi Koplin, leads all classes. Classes are age-appropriate and children grow in cognitive, emotional, social, and physical ways while experiencing the magic of music!
4130101-2 - JIgglejam Music 4-14 months
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Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
6/14/2017 - 8/9/2017
9:10 am - 9:50 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages

4130102 / Tot Rock

Sing, dance and play; make it a musical day! Your tot moves to the beat while using rhythm instruments like hand bells, tambourines, and maracas. Coordination and motor skills improve with movement props such as scarves, ribbons, and parachute play. Tot Rock is a structured program with educational, sensory, and socialization components. An exciting new theme is presented each session. Children have been enjoying Tot Rock for over 22 years.
4130102-1 - Tot Rock
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Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
6/16/2017 - 8/11/2017
9:15 am - 9:55 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages

4130103 / Kid Rock I

Sing familiar songs, dance to the beat, and play with musical instruments like maracas and tambourines! We combine imaginative play with sensory activities and motor skills using movement props like a parachute, scarves and beanbags. Kid Rock has provided a creative and energetic environment for children to socialize and learn for over 22 years! Kid Rock is a structured educational music program with an exciting new theme each session. Sing, dance, and play our way!
4130103-1 - Kid Rock I
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
6/16/2017 - 8/11/2017
10:00 am - 10:40 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages

Programs without Adults

1130201 / Twos on the Move

Each week we explore a new fun-filled theme while developing socialization, large and fine motor skills and getting lots of support from our teachers. This program involves both individual and group interaction and helps your child to overcome separation anxiety, learn to play with friends, and start their road to preschool. Children do not need to be potty trained for this class, but please know that we do not change diapers. If your child soils their diaper/pull-up and needs to be changed we will call you.
1130201-1 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/6/2025 - 3/17/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/o Adult
1130201-2 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/7/2025 - 3/18/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/o Adult
1130201-3 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/8/2025 - 3/19/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/o Adult
1130201-4 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/9/2025 - 3/20/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/o Adult
1130201-5 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 3/21/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/o Adult

1130202 / Stepping Stones

Did your child miss the cut off for preschool? Sign up for Stepping Stones! This program provides hands-on activities through art, music, manipulative techniques, and dramatic play to enhance your child's independence through learning in a preschool setting.
1130202-1 - Stepping Stones
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/6/2025 - 3/17/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3-4

1130203 / Learn and Play

Learn you letters, count with numbers. Enhance your child's preschool experience while exploring our community and natural surroundings. Exciting weekly themes prompt children to discover fun through stories, create unique crafts and projects. Don't miss out on play time fun while developing important skills for life!
1130203-5 - Learn and Play
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 3/21/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3y-4y

1130213 / Little Chefs

From tacos to cupcakes we are stirring up a recipe for fun! Each week your child helps create a new and original recipe. Here is a chance for your little chef to use their cooking skills and self-expression to explore the use of foods. Fee includes all supplies needed for recipes.
1130213-1 - Little Chefs
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 2/14/2025
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult
1130213-11 - Little Chefs
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
2/21/2025 - 3/21/2025
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult

1130214 / Baking Buddies

Every week is a bake off in Baking Buddies! Cookies, cupcakes, pretzels, and muffins! These are just a few of the things we will be stirring up in the kitchen. Kids will learn that baking is a science. Precise measurements, mixing and frosting are all part of the fun. Experiment with colors, flavors and decorating while creating delicious baked goods. Fee includes food supplies, an apron, cookbook and tastings!
1130214-1 - Baking Buddies
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/9/2025 - 2/13/2025
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult
1130214-11 - Baking Buddies
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
2/20/2025 - 3/20/2025
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult