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

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

5130126 / Baby Yogies

This class provides stretching, breathing and bonding with your baby. Build new connections with your little bundle of joy while providing a warm touch through yoga flow and open body poses. Did you know that yoga can help improve sleep? Join our certified Momma Baby Yoga instructor for a peaceful morning. Bring a yoga mat to class.
5130126-2 - Baby Yogies
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
10/31/2024 - 12/19/2024
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
0-2yr w/Adult

5130127 / 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 your child'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. No class Nov 30
5130127-2 - Toddler Talk
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
11/2/2024 - 12/14/2024
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24 mo 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
Register
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
Register
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
Register
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
Register
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