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.
5130112-1 - Growing Up!
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/10/2024 - 10/22/2024
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult
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. No class Nov 23
5130113-1 - Kiddie Kreations with Brickton Art Center
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/11/2024 - 10/23/2024
10:00 am - 10:45 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult
5130113-11 - Kiddie Kreations with Brickton Art Center
Register
Availability
Available
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.
5130114-1 - Wee Chefs
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/9/2024 - 10/21/2024
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3y w/Adult
5130114-11 - Wee Chefs
Register
Availability
Available
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. No class Nov 23
5130118-1 - Jr. Gym
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
9/12/2024 - 10/24/2024
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
28-36 mo w/Adult
5130118-11 - Jr. Gym
Register
Availability
Available
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

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
Cancelled
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
Cancelled
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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