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

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.
5130126-1 - Baby Yogies
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Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/12/2024 - 10/24/2024
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
0-2yr w/Adult
5130126-2 - Baby Yogies
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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
5130127-1 - Toddler Talk
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Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/14/2024 - 10/26/2024
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24 mo w/ Adult
5130127-2 - Toddler Talk
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
11/2/2024 - 12/14/2024
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24 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
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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
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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
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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
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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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