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

5130101 / Jigglejam Music

Get ready to wiggle, JIGGLE, & giggle! Join the Jigglejam dance party & sing along to Jodi’s imaginative tunes & classic favorites. Shakers, puppets, bubbles & more surprises add to the JiggleFUN. As a children's educator & entertainer, Koplin has Jigglejammed with families all over Chicagoland and beyond for 25+ yrs. Through the magic of music your kids develop rhythm, language, fine & gross motor skills in a nurturing safe environment. Every child present must be registered. (Want to bring siblings? Register them both for the older class). No class Nov 26-28
5130101-1 - JIgglejam Music 6-16 months
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/1/2024 - 12/10/2024
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
6-16mo w/Adult
5130101-2 - JIgglejam Music 6-16 months
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/2/2024 - 12/11/2024
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
6-16mo w/Adult
5130101-3 - JIgglejam Music 6-16 months
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 12/12/2024
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
6-16mo w/Adult
5130101-4 - JIgglejam Music 12-24 months
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/1/2024 - 12/10/2024
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24mo w/Adult
5130101-5 - JIgglejam Music 12-24 months
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/2/2024 - 12/11/2024
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24mo w/Adult
5130101-6 - JIgglejam Music 12-24 months
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 12/12/2024
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24mo w/Adult
5130101-7 - JIgglejam Music 24-42 months
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/1/2024 - 12/10/2024
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
24-42mo w/Adult
5130101-8 - JIgglejam Music 24-42 months
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/2/2024 - 12/11/2024
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
24-42mo w/Adult
5130101-9 - JIgglejam Music 24-42 months
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 12/12/2024
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
24-42mo w/Adult

5130102 / Tot Rock

This interactive music, movement, and imagination class has everyone on their feet! All class procedures are designed to keep staff and studetns safe. Activities include songs and rhymes, rhythm and coordination, fine and gross motor, imagination and sensory, listening, and following directions skills. With a focus on STEAM learning, this program is a unique combination of music and learning. Don't miss out! Join us for musical fun that really can't be "beat"! Sing, dance, play, learn and imagine with us! www.rockitkids.com MPLC No class Nov 29
5130102-1 - Tot Rock
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/13/2024 - 10/18/2024
9:15 am - 9:55 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-30 mo w/Adult
5130102-11 - Tot Rock
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
11/1/2024 - 12/13/2024
9:15 am - 9:55 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-30 mo w/Adult

5130103 / Kid Rock I

This interactive music, movement, and imagination class has everyone on their feet! All class procedures are designed to keep staff and students safe. Activities include songs and rhymes, rhythm and coordination, fine and gross motor, imagination, and sensory, listening, and following directions skills. With a focus on STEAM learning, this program is a unique combination of music and learning. Dont's miss out! Join us fo musical fun that really can't be "beat"! www.rockitkids.com MPLC No class Nov 29
5130103-1 - Kid Rock I
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/13/2024 - 10/18/2024
10:00 am - 10:40 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3yr w/Adult
5130103-11 - Kid Rock I
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
11/1/2024 - 12/13/2024
10:00 am - 10:40 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3yr w/Adult

5130107 / Toddler Time

Music, friends and fun! Have a blast while climbing through tunnels, playing with bean bags, balls, parachutes, and so much more! Meet new friends and join us for this chill morning playgroup with your toddler. Class ends with a short cirlcel time full of songs and stories. No class Oct 14.
5130107-5 - Toddler Time
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/9/2024 - 10/21/2024
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24 mo w/Adult
5130107-11 - Toddler Time
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/28/2024 - 12/16/2024
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24 mo w/Adult

5130109 / Mini Gym

Come for an energetic morning in the gym! This interactive program includes circle time, free play, rhythm instruments, bubbles, and more! Your child learns and grows through songs and visual stimulation. All children attending class must be registered.
5130109-1 - Mini Gym
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/11/2024 - 10/23/2024
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-28 mo w/Adult
5130109-2 - Mini Gym
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/11/2024 - 10/23/2024
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-28 mo w/Adult
5130109-11 - Mini Gym
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/30/2024 - 12/18/2024
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-28 mo w/Adult
5130109-12 - Mini Gym
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/30/2024 - 12/18/2024
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-28 mo w/Adult
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Programs without Adults

5130214 / 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!
5130214-1 - Baking Buddies
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/13/2024 - 10/25/2024
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult
5130214-11 - Baking Buddies
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
11/1/2024 - 12/20/2024
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult

5130221 / Letter Learners

A is for apple, B is for bus! Discover the letters of the alphabet through interactive stories and games in a small group setting. Work on letter formation and letter sounds while making a craft and working on phonemic awareness. Explore books and focus on literacy concepts to prepare for reading. Children must be age appropriate by September 1,2024.
5130221-1 - Letter Learners
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/11/2024 - 12/18/2024
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3-4y w/o Adult

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
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/11/2024 - 12/18/2024
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
5-6y w/o Adult
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