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!

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Programs with Adults

1130100 / Baby Rock

Wiggle and giggle with Baby Rock, a unique combination of sensory expereincces with stimulatng music and exercises to help strengthen and stretch your baby. Acivities include singalongs, exposure to simipe instruments and sensory props, bean bag massages, motion exercises and bubbles. Please bring a blanket or mat and get ready for a rockin' good time with your tiniest dancer! www.rockitkids.com

1130102 / Tot Rock

Play with us! This interactive music, movement and imagination class has everyone on their feet! All class procedures are designed to keep staff and students safe. Activities include songs and rhymes, rhythm and coordination, fine and gross motor, imagination and sensory, listening and following directions skills. With a focus on STEAM learning, this program is a unique combination of music and learning. Don’t miss out! Join us for musical fun that really can’t be “beat”! www.rockitkids.com

1130103 / Kid Rock I

Play with us! This interactive music, movement and imagination class has everyone on their feet! All class procedures are designed to keep staff and students safe. Activities include songs and rhymes, rhythm and coordination, fine and gross motor, imagination and sensory, listening and following directions skills. With a focus on STEAM learning, this program is a unique combination of music and learning. Don’t miss out! Join us for musical fun that really can’t be “beat”! www.rockitkids.com

1130107 / 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 circle time full of songs and stories.

1130109 / 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.

1130112 / Growing Up!

Growing up can be hard to do. Watch your child flourish into a pro-preschooler while you join them for this transitional class that helps both grown-ups and toddlers ease the anxieties of independence. Our teachers provide a nurturing environment filled with play based learning and social development. Help be part of the next step and watch your child grow and develop some independent skills. Children learn how to follow teacher instruction and a class structure by playing with friends, doing crafts, and participating in a circle time, all with their grown up right by their side. The goal is, that by the end of the session, your child will be participating with their friends independently and be on their way to preschool!

1130113 / 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.

1130114 / Wee Chefs

We provide easy, age-appropriate instruction in basic cooking combined with skill development in measuring, mixing, pouring, nutrition, safety, and following direction. Enjoy a new a delicious creation each week. All children attending class must be registered and please only one adult in attendance per child.

1130116 / Jr Gym

Come for a morning in the gym! Children will play, do crafts, sing songs, and participate in our circle time. All children must be registered to attend.

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.

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.

1130124 / Toddler Tales

Join us for a fun and interactive toddler book club with Olivia Hallagan from Park Ridge Speech Therapy! This class focuses on early literacy skills through playful storytelling, songs and activities that support language development. Foster your child's love of books while building the foundation for strong communication and reading skills - perfect for curious minds and growing voices!

1130132 / Kitty Music 6-16 months

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Music & Piano. Miss Jennifer leads kids and grownups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Sing along to guitar and ukulele in classic and new songs as kids play with rhythm sticks, jingles, scarves, shakers, triangles, and more. More than just entertainment, Kitty-Orca classes teach genuine music and childhood development skills including rhythms, pitch, listening, turn-taking, ensemble, language, and fine and gross motor skills. All of these skills combined create a foundation for a lifetime of music-making! Classes also include puppets, parachute play, and kids’ all-time favorite Bubble Time! Visit the Kitty-Orca website at www.kittyorcamusic.com/early-childhood-classes to find out more about how early childhood music helps children grow. Every child present over 6 months must be registered. Want to bring siblings? Register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes!

1130133 / Tots & Tunes 12-30 months

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Music & Piano. Miss Jennifer leads kids and grownups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Sing along to guitar and ukulele in classic and new songs as kids play with rhythm sticks, jingles, scarves, shakers, triangles, and more. More than just entertainment, Kitty-Orca classes teach genuine music and childhood development skills including rhythms, pitch, listening, turn-taking, ensemble, language, and fine and gross motor skills. All of these skills combined create a foundation for a lifetime of music-making! Classes also include puppets, parachute play, and kids’ all-time favorite Bubble Time! Visit the Kitty-Orca website at www.kittyorcamusic.com/early-childhood-classes to find out more about how early childhood music helps children grow. Every child present over 6 months must be registered. Want to bring siblings? Register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes!

1130134 / Orca Songs 30-48 months

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Music & Piano. Miss Jennifer leads kids and grownups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Sing along to guitar and ukulele in classic and new songs as kids play with rhythm sticks, jingles, scarves, shakers, triangles, and more. More than just entertainment, Kitty-Orca classes teach genuine music and childhood development skills including rhythms, pitch, listening, turn-taking, ensemble, language, and fine and gross motor skills. All of these skills combined create a foundation for a lifetime of music-making! Classes also include puppets, parachute play, and kids’ all-time favorite Bubble Time! Visit the Kitty-Orca website at www.kittyorcamusic.com/early-childhood-classes to find out more about how early childhood music helps children grow. Every child present over 6 months must be registered. Want to bring siblings? Register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

5130132 / Kitty-Orca Music & Piano: Kitty Music

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Music & Piano. Miss Jennifer leads kids and grownups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Sing along to guitar and ukulele in classic and new songs as kids play with rhythm sticks, jingles, scarves, shakers, triangles, and more. More than just entertainment, Kitty-Orca classes teach genuine music and childhood development skills including rhythms, pitch, listening, turn-taking, ensemble, language, and fine and gross motor skills. All of these skills combined create a foundation for a lifetime of music-making! Classes also include puppets, parachute play, and kids’ all-time favorite Bubble Time! Visit the Kitty-Orca website at www.kittyorcamusic.com/early-childhood-classes to find out more about how early childhood music helps children grow. Every child present over 6 months must be registered. Want to bring siblings? Register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes!

5130133 / Kitty Orca Music & Piano: Tots & Tunes

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Music & Piano. Miss Jennifer leads kids and grownups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Sing along to guitar and ukulele in classic and new songs as kids play with rhythm sticks, jingles, scarves, shakers, triangles, and more. More than just entertainment, Kitty-Orca classes teach genuine music and childhood development skills including rhythms, pitch, listening, turn-taking, ensemble, language, and fine and gross motor skills. All of these skills combined create a foundation for a lifetime of music-making! Classes also include puppets, parachute play, and kids’ all-time favorite Bubble Time! Visit the Kitty-Orca website at www.kittyorcamusic.com/early-childhood-classes to find out more about how early childhood music helps children grow. Every child present over 6 months must be registered. Want to bring siblings? Register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes!

5130134 / Kitty Orca Music & Piano: Orca Songs

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Music & Piano. Miss Jennifer leads kids and grownups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Sing along to guitar and ukulele in classic and new songs as kids play with rhythm sticks, jingles, scarves, shakers, triangles, and more. More than just entertainment, Kitty-Orca classes teach genuine music and childhood development skills including rhythms, pitch, listening, turn-taking, ensemble, language, and fine and gross motor skills. All of these skills combined create a foundation for a lifetime of music-making! Classes also include puppets, parachute play, and kids’ all-time favorite Bubble Time! Visit the Kitty-Orca website at www.kittyorcamusic.com/early-childhood-classes to find out more about how early childhood music helps children grow. Every child present over 6 months must be registered. Want to bring siblings? Register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes!

Programs without Adults

1130126 / Soccer Club with Hot Shots Sports

Kick, dribble and score! Introduce your athlete to the joy of soccer in a fun and supportive environment with Hot Shots Sports. Work on basic gross motor skills while participating in teamwork exercises, drills, and following directions.

1130128 / Sports with All Star Sports

Kick, dribble and score! Introduce your athlete to the joy of soccer in a fun and supportive environment with Hot Shots Sports. Work on basic gross motor skills while participating in teamwork exercises, drills, and following directions.

1130129 / Reading Rookies

Give your child the keys to reading success. This enrichment class uses fun, thematic, multi-sensory instruction, games, crafts, and stories to teach children how to build their letter and sound knowledge. Each weekly lesson focuses on 2-3 letters. The lessons will ignite your child’s reading interest, while improving your child’s ability to hear, identify and manipulate individual sounds. By the end of the session, your child will have the building blocks to become a successful reader. Because Reading Rookies is built around multi-sensory lessons, regardless of your child’s learning style, your child will thrive, have fun and learn! For more information, visit www.readingrookies.com.

1130131 / Rising Stars Theater with The Stage School

Spark your preschooler's imagination in this intro to musical theater class! Students explore movement, music, and storytelling each week with equal class time devoted to dancing, singing, and acting. Children will develop poise, confidence, coordination, as well as motor and language skills

1130136 / Rockwall Climbing

Walls are meant for climbing! Test your strength and adventure in this new class! Hot Shots instructors will be supervising the children as they climb up and across the rock wall in our gym. All kids must wear gym shoes. In order to climb, your child must bring a bike helmet.

1130201 / 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.

1130202 / Stepping Stones

Did your child miss the cut off for preschool? 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.

1130203 / Learn and Play

Learn you letters, count with numbers. Enhance your child's preschool experience while exploring our community and natural surroundings. Exciting weekly themes prompt children to discover fun through stories, create unique crafts and projects. Don't miss out on play time fun while developing important skills for life!

1130214 / 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!

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.

1130222 / Kindergarten Bookworms

1130227 / Space Station

Blast off to outer space in this new science class! Each week we will explore different planets and of course astronauts and space shuttles. Your child will be over the moon learning, crafting, reading and pretending to be an astronaut! Get ready for take-off!

5130124 / Soccer Club with Hot Shots Sports

Kick, dribble and score! Introduce your athlete to the joy of soccer in a fun and supportive environment with Hot Shots Sports. Work on basic gross motor skills while participating in teamwork, exercise, drills, and following directions.

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.

5130213 / Little Chefs

From meatballs to guacamole, we're stirring up a recipe for fun! Each week your child slices, dices, stirs, peels, measures, and mixes their way through this class. We provide easy, age appropriate, basic cooking instruction while in a safe environment. Fee includes food supplies, an apron, cookbook, and tastings.

5130225 / Space Station

Blast off to outer space in this new science class! Each week we will explore different planets and of course astronauts and space shuttles. Your child will be over the moon learning, crafting, reading and pretending to be an astronaut! Get ready for take-off!