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

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.
5130107-11 - Toddler Time
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Availability
Waitlist
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.
5130109-11 - Mini Gym
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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
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Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/30/2024 - 12/18/2024
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-28 mo w/Adult

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!
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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

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
Unavailable
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
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/8/2025 - 3/19/2025
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
5-6 w/o Adult

5130119 / Safari Animal Yoga

Relax your morning away while posing like a giraffe and stretching like a lion. Did you know that many yoga moves actually mimic the shapes of animals? Children have time to pause and hit the reset button while building strength and balance. Learn and practice animal poses and work on achieving your inner Zen. Help your child relax and stretch after a long day of play. Bring a yoga mat to class weekly. Instructor: Carol R.
5130119-2 - Safari Animal Yoga
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Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/31/2024 - 12/19/2024
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3-4

5130201 / 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.
5130201-1 - Two's on the Move
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Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/9/2024 - 12/16/2024
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3y w/o Adult
5130201-2 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/10/2024 - 12/17/2024
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3y w/o Adult
5130201-3 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/11/2024 - 12/18/2024
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3y w/o Adult
5130201-4 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/12/2024 - 12/19/2024
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3y w/o Adult
5130201-5 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/13/2024 - 12/20/2024
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3y w/o Adult

5130202 / Stepping Stones

Did your child miss the cut off for preschool? Then 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.
5130202-1 - Stepping Stones
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/9/2024 - 12/16/2024
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3y-4y