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
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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

5130222 / Kindergarten Bookworms

In small group setting, your kindergartner works on the fundamentals of beginning to read. Letter sounds and word recognition are taught through games and rhyming and picture clues. Have your child discover the joy of reading! Children must be age appropriate by September 1, 2024.
5130222-1 - Kindergarten Bookworms
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Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
9/11/2024 - 12/18/2024
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
5-6y w/o Adult