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
Available
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
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 2/14/2025
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24mo w/ Adult
1130122-2 - Toddler Talk, sign language, speech
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Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
2/21/2025 - 3/21/2025
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24mo w/ Adult
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Programs without Adults

1130221 / Alphabet Animals

P is for Panda, O is for Owl! Discover all kinds of animals through stories, games, and crafts while working on letter sounds too. Focus on fun facts like habitat, animal sounds, food and where to find these glorious creatures. Alphabet Animals is held in a small classroom setting.
1130221-1 - Alphabet Animals
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Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
1/8/2025 - 3/19/2025
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
Preschool Age 3-4

1130222 / Kindergarten Bookworms

In a small group setting your kindergartner works on the fundamentals of beginning to read. Word sounds, letters, and word recognition are taught through games and reading A-Z books . Have your child discover the joy of reading! Children must be age appropriate by September 1, 2024.
1130222-1 - Kindergarten Bookworms
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Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
1/8/2025 - 3/19/2025
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
5-6 w/o Adult

4130240 / Brickton Art Camp

Join Brickton Art Studio for their Early Childhood art camp. They will provide a mix of both child-led art and sensory activities as well as instructed art making exploration. We will explore new materials through open-ended art play. Each child will also have the opportunity to create an individual, multi-step art project. Smocks will be provided, but please dress for mess. Please bring a small peanut/tree nut free snack and water.
4130240-1 - Brickton Art Camp
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Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
6/9/2025 - 6/13/2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Centennial Activity Center
Ages
3.00-5.99
4130240-2 - Brickton Art Camp
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
7/7/2025 - 7/11/2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Centennial Activity Center
Ages
3.00-5.99
4130240-3 - Brickton Art Camp
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
7/14/2025 - 7/18/2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Centennial Activity Center
Ages
3.00-5.99
4130240-4 - Brickton Art Camp
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
7/21/2025 - 7/25/2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Centennial Activity Center
Ages
3.00-5.99
4130240-5 - Brickton Art Camp
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
8/4/2025 - 8/8/2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Centennial Activity Center
Ages
3.00-5.99
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