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

5130112 / Growing Up!

Growing up can be hard to do. Watch your child flourish into a pro-preschooler. This class takes place in a typical preschool classroom while the teacher provides a nurturing environment filled with play-based learning and opportunities for social development. Children participate in activities with their grown up and make new friends. They learn how to follow teacher instruction, do a craft, and participate in a short circle time with their special grown up near by.
5130112-11 - Growing Up!
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/29/2024 - 12/17/2024
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult

5130113 / Kiddie Kreations with Brickton Art Center

Draw it, paint it, stick it, and sculpt it! Brickton Art Center provides excellent projects and directions to teach children to discover colors, textures, and other skills in this hands-on art class. Children work on sharing and listening skills as they create beautiful art projects with their special adult, while making friends and trying new things.
5130113-11 - Kiddie Kreations with Brickton Art Center
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Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
10/30/2024 - 12/18/2024
10:00 am - 10:45 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult

5130114 / Wee Chefs

We provide easy, age-appropriate instruction in basic cooking combined with skill development in measuring, mixing, pouring, nutrition, safety, and following directions. Enjoy a new delicious creation each week. All children attending class must be registered. Please, only one adult in attendance per child.
5130114-11 - Wee Chefs
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/28/2024 - 12/16/2024
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3y w/Adult

5130118 / Jr Gym

Children and their grown-ups will get an opportunity to play, do crafts, dance, sing, and play with new friends at Jr. Gym. This is the perfect class for kids who are still not ready to be completely independent yet and still need the comfort of their grown-up close by. All children must be registered to attend.
5130118-11 - Jr. Gym
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
10/31/2024 - 12/19/2024
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
28-36 mo w/Adult

5130121 / Drop In Punch Card

Save time and money and your daily drop-in. Purchase a punch card and receive 6 classes for the price of 7! Play in the gym with ride-on toys, push toys, balls and the bouncy house! Grown-ups are responsible for their children. No class Nov 29
5130121-1 - Drop In Punch Card
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/13/2024 - 12/20/2024
9:15 am - 10:45 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-26 mo w/Adult
5130121-11 - Additional Drop In Punch Card
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/13/2024 - 12/20/2024
9:15 am - 10:45 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-26 mo w/Adult

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