Early Childhood

Early Childhood

ActivitiesGeneral InterestEarly 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

4130102 / Tot Rock

This interactive class has everyone on their feet! We all learn together while engaging in active, creative, music-based activities, while using rhythm instruments and movement props. All class procedures are designed to keep staff and students safe. Activities are age appropriate by class and include songs and rhymes, rhythm and coordination, fine and gross motor, imagination and sensory, listening and following directions skills. Sing, dance, play, learn and imagine with us! www.rockitkids.com

4130103 / Kid Rock I

This interactive class has everyone on their feet! We all learn together while engaging in active, creative, music-based activities, while using rhythm instruments and movement props. All class procedures are designed to keep staff and students safe. Activities are age appropriate by class and include songs and rhymes, rhythm and coordination, fine and gross motor, imagination and sensory, listening and following directions skills. Sing, dance, play, learn and imagine with us! www.rockitkids.com

4130104 / Family Kid Rock

This interactive class has everyone on their feet! We all learn together while engaging in active, creative, music-based activities, while using rhythm instruments and movement props. All class procedures are designed to keep staff and students safe. Activities are age appropriate by class and include songs and rhymes, rhythm and coordination, fine and gross motor, imagination and sensory, listening and following directions skills. Sing, dance, play, learn and imagine with us! www.rockitkids.com

4130107 / Happy Hunters

Meet at the Maine Park Pavilion for a morning of exploration and fun. We will start with a circle time, story, a craft and a scavenger hunt adventure! Each week is a new theme. We may be hunting for colors, shapes, letters, characters, or nature items. Every adventure turns learning into an exciting game! Both Tuesday and Wednesday classes will have the same activities. No rain dates; refunds will be issued for class cancellations due to weather.

4130137 / Kitty-Orca Music: Kitty Music

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Piano & Music! Her music classes honor the fact that all children are musical! Miss Jennifer leads kids and their grown-ups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Experience guitar, ukulele and voice in classic and new songs. Kids play with rhythm sticks, jingle bells, scarves, shakers, triangles, and sand blocks. Classes teach genuine music and child development skills including rhythms pitch, listening, turn taking ensemble language and fine and gross motor skills to create a foundation for a lifetime of music making. Each week’s class also include puppets, parachute play and kid’s all time favorite… bubble time! Every child present over 6 months must be registered. If you want to bring siblings, please register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes. Visit the www.kittyorcamusic.com to find out more about how early childhood music helps children grow. Come make music memories together.

4130138 / Kitty-Orca Music: Tots and Tunes

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Piano & Music! Her music classes honor the fact that all children are musical! Miss Jennifer leads kids and their grown-ups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Experience guitar, ukulele and voice in classic and new songs. Kids play with rhythm sticks, jingle bells, scarves, shakers, triangles, and sand blocks. Classes teach genuine music and child development skills including rhythms pitch, listening, turn taking ensemble language and fine and gross motor skills to create a foundation for a lifetime of music making. Each week’s class also include puppets, parachute play and kid’s all time favorite… bubble time! Every child present over 6 months must be registered. If you want to bring siblings, please register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes. Visit the www.kittyorcamusic.com to find out more about how early childhood music helps children grow. Come make music memories together.

4130139 / Kitty-Orca Music: Orca Songs

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Piano & Music! Her music classes honor the fact that all children are musical! Miss Jennifer leads kids and their grown-ups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Experience guitar, ukulele and voice in classic and new songs. Kids play with rhythm sticks, jingle bells, scarves, shakers, triangles, and sand blocks. Classes teach genuine music and child development skills including rhythms pitch, listening, turn taking ensemble language and fine and gross motor skills to create a foundation for a lifetime of music making. Each week’s class also include puppets, parachute play and kid’s all time favorite… bubble time! Every child present over 6 months must be registered. If you want to bring siblings, please register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes. Visit the www.kittyorcamusic.com to find out more about how early childhood music helps children grow. Come make music memories together.

5130027 / Toddler Tales

5130102 / Tot Rock

This interactive music, movement, and imagination class has everyone on their feet! All class procedures are designed to keep staff and studetns 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"! Sing, dance, play, learn and imagine with us! www.rockitkids.com MPLC

5130103 / Kid Rock I

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. Dont's miss out! Join us fo musical fun that really can't be "beat"! www.rockitkids.com MPLC No class Nov 29

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 circle time full of songs and stories.

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.

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.

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. No class Nov 30

5130132 / Kitty-Orca Music & Piano: Kitty Music

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Piano & Music! Her music classes honor the fact that all children are musical! Miss Jennifer leads kids and their grown-ups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Experience guitar, ukulele and voice in classic and new songs. Kids play with rhythm sticks, jingle bells, scarves, shakers, triangles, and sand blocks. Classes teach genuine music and child development skills including rhythms pitch, listening, turn taking ensemble language and fine and gross motor skills to create a foundation for a lifetime of music making. Each week’s class also include puppets, parachute play and kid’s all time favorite… bubble time! Every child present over 6 months must be registered. If you want to bring siblings, please register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes. Come make music memories together.

5130133 / Kitty Orca Music & Piano: Tots & Tunes

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Piano & Music! Her music classes honor the fact that all children are musical! Miss Jennifer leads kids and their grown-ups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Experience guitar, ukulele and voice in classic and new songs. Kids play with rhythm sticks, jingle bells, scarves, shakers, triangles, and sand blocks. Classes teach genuine music and child development skills including rhythms pitch, listening, turn taking ensemble language and fine and gross motor skills to create a foundation for a lifetime of music making. Each week’s class also include puppets, parachute play and kid’s all time favorite… bubble time! Every child present over 6 months must be registered. If you want to bring siblings, please register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes. Come make music memories together.

5130134 / Kitty Orca Music & Piano: Orca Songs

Give your child the gift of experiencing and making live music with Jennifer McCormick from Kitty-Orca Piano & Music! Her music classes honor the fact that all children are musical! Miss Jennifer leads kids and their grown-ups in musical fun to wiggle their way to move, dance, sing, and play! Experience guitar, ukulele and voice in classic and new songs. Kids play with rhythm sticks, jingle bells, scarves, shakers, triangles, and sand blocks. Classes teach genuine music and child development skills including rhythms pitch, listening, turn taking ensemble language and fine and gross motor skills to create a foundation for a lifetime of music making. Each week’s class also include puppets, parachute play and kid’s all time favorite… bubble time! Every child present over 6 months must be registered. If you want to bring siblings, please register them both for the older class. Make-ups offered for missed classes. Come make music memories together.

Programs without Adults

4130113 / Baby Rock

Baby Rock is the newest member of the Rock 'n' Kids family! A unique combination of sensory experiences with stimulating music and exercises to help strengthen and stretch your baby. Activities will include sing-a longs, exposure to simple instruments and sensory props, bean bag massage, motion exercise, bubbles, and more! Please bring a blanket or mat and get ready for a rockin' good time with your tiniest dancer! Class is designed for babies that are not yet walking. Learn more at www.rockitkids.com. An adult must accompany their child.

5130122 / Baby Rock

Baby Rock is the newest member of the Rock 'n' Kids family! A unique combination of sensory experiences with stimulating music and exercises to help strengthen and stretch your baby. Activities will include sing-a longs, exposure to simple instruments and sensory props, bean bag massage, motion exercise, bubbles, and more! Please bring a blanket or mat and get ready for a rockin' good time with your tiniest dancer! Class is designed for babies that are not yet walking. Learn more at www.rockitkids.com. An adult must accompany their child.

5130123 / Sports with All Star Sports

Does your child need to burn off some energy? This class is great for little ones who love to run! Play structured games and learn to work together as a team while acquiring the fundamentals of some popular sports. Ready, set, go!

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 exercises, drills, and following directions. No class Oct 12

5130128 / 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.

5130130 / Rising Stars Theater with The Stage School

Spark your little one's imagination in this intro to musical theatre class. Students explore their imaginations with equal class time devoted to dancing, singing, and acting. Children will develop poise, confidence, coordination, as well as motor and language skills through imaginative and creative play.

5130131 / 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 where a helmet in order to climb.

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.

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.

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!