Early Childhood
Fun for ages 0-5, from swimming and skating to art and dance!
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Pilar Martinez
Explore Early Childhood
Ages 0-5
The Park District offers a wide range of Early Childhood programs that meet a wide variety of needs and interests. Click each category to learn more, or browse all the options we provide by clicking the button below!
All Early Childhood Categories
View All Early Childhood ProgramsEarly Childhood Fall Enrichment Classes (9/1-12/31) - Reg Opens 8/1
52 Activities
Hockey Academy- Learn to Play- Fall 1 (9/9-10/25) Reg Opens 8/1
2 Activities
Hockey Academy- Learn to Play- Fall 2 (11/1-12/9) Reg Opens 8/1
2 Activities
Preschool Gymnastics - Fall #2 (10/19-12-20) - Reg Opens 8/1
42 Activities
Skate Academy- Learn to Skate- Fall 1 (9/9-10/17) Reg. Opens 8/1
13 Activities
Skate Academy- Learn to Skate- Fall 2 (10/20-12/12) Reg. Opens 8/1
13 Activities
Swim Academy - Swim School (Ages 3-5 years) Fall 1 (9/13-10/25)Reg. Opens 8/1
5 Activities

Swim Academy - Swim School (Ages 3-5 years) Fall 2 (11/8-12/20) Reg. Opens 8/1
5 Activities

Swim Academy- StarTots (Ages 3-36 months) Fall 1 (9/13-10/25) Reg. Opens 8/1
2 Activities

Swim Academy- StarTots (Ages 3-36 months) Fall 2 (11/8-12/20) Reg. Opens 8/1
2 Activities

Happening This Week
- Stevenson Community Center Lower Level Indoor Playground
- 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
- Instructor: Yolanda Ruiz
- Resource Person: Pilar Martinez: Pilar.Martinez@pdop.org; 708-725-3135
- GRC Studio 1
- 4:00 PM – 4:40 PM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- GRC Studio 1
- 5:00 PM – 5:40 PM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- CRC - Fitness Studio 208
- 5:00 PM – 5:40 PM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
PROGRAM DETAIL
A joyful way for toddlers and parents to explore Spanish together through music and sensory focus.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Learn the foundations of ballet to enhance coordination, balance, strength, flexibility and creative expression. Prepares the early dance student by exploring music and movement. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Learn the foundations of ballet to enhance coordination, balance, strength, flexibility and creative expression. Prepares the early dance student by exploring music and movement. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Learn the foundations of ballet to enhance coordination, balance, strength, flexibility and creative expression. Prepares the early dance student by exploring music and movement. Costume Fee Included.
- Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Resource Person: Pilar Martinez: Pilar.Martinez@pdop.org; 708-725-3135
- Stevenson Community Center Lower Level Indoor Playground
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Resource Person: Pilar Martinez: Pilar.Martinez@pdop.org; 708-725-3135
- GRC Studio 1
- 4:00 PM – 4:40 PM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 4:50 PM – 5:20 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 4:50 PM – 5:20 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 4:50 PM – 5:20 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
- GRC Studio 1
- 5:00 PM – 5:40 PM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
PROGRAM DETAIL
Join us to promote healthy socialization for your little one! Explore interests through play, crafts, and story time, building independence and confidence along the way.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Join us with your toddler for a playful and engaging time! Let them explore, jump, crawl, and build fine motor skills while easing into open play with new friends. All this in a beautiful, nature-inspired setting—perfect for curious little ones to grow and have fun!
PROGRAM DETAIL
Dancers develop strength coordination, and self-confidence through basic tumbling skills and dance class structure. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
This course builds on Learn to Skate 2 and progresses your tot toward competence of basic skating skills in a fun, play-oriented environment.
PROGRAM DETAIL
If your child is new to skating, this is the place to start! Based on the established Snowplow curriculum, our instructors teach your tot to skate in a fun, play-focused environment. Skaters will learn the proper way to fall & stand up, march in place, and march across the rink.
PROGRAM DETAIL
This course builds on Learn to Skate 1 and progresses your tot toward competence of basic skating skills in a fun, play-oriented environment.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Dancers develop strength, coordination, and self-confidence through basic tumbling skills and dance class structure. Costume Fee Included.
- Stevenson Community Center Lower Level Indoor Playground
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Resource Person: Pilar Martinez: Pilar.Martinez@pdop.org; 708-725-3135
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM
- Resource Person: Mike Baiardo: mike.baiardo@pdop.org 708-725-2315
PROGRAM DETAIL
Join us with your toddler for a playful and engaging time! Let them explore, jump, crawl, and build fine motor skills while easing into open play with new friends. All this in a beautiful, nature-inspired setting—perfect for curious little ones to grow and have fun!
PROGRAM DETAIL
For the aspiring young hockey player who has already mastered the skating skills taught in Learn to Skate 1 & 2. Your child will learn the fundamentals of skating and stick skills of balance, coordination, snowplow stops, backwards wiggle, basic shot, and more. This class engages youth players with mini-games, races, and activities.
- Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Resource Person: Pilar Martinez: Pilar.Martinez@pdop.org; 708-725-3135
- Stevenson Community Center Lower Level Indoor Playground
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Resource Person: Pilar Martinez: Pilar.Martinez@pdop.org; 708-725-3135
- GRC Studio 1
- 4:00 PM – 4:40 PM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
- GRC Studio 1
- 5:00 PM – 5:40 PM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 5:50 PM – 6:20 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
PROGRAM DETAIL
Join us to promote healthy socialization for your little one! Explore interests through play, crafts, and story time, building independence and confidence along the way.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Join us with your toddler for a playful and engaging time! Let them explore, jump, crawl, and build fine motor skills while easing into open play with new friends. All this in a beautiful, nature-inspired setting—perfect for curious little ones to grow and have fun!
PROGRAM DETAIL
Learn the foundations of ballet to enhance coordination, balance, strength, flexibility and creative expression. Prepares the early dance student by exploring music and movement. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
This course builds on Learn to Skate 1 and progresses your tot toward competence of basic skating skills in a fun, play-oriented environment.
PROGRAM DETAIL
This course builds on Learn to Skate 2 and progresses your tot toward competence of basic skating skills in a fun, play-oriented environment.
PROGRAM DETAIL
If your child is new to skating, this is the place to start! Based on the established Snowplow curriculum, our instructors teach your tot to skate in a fun, play-focused environment. Skaters will learn the proper way to fall & stand up, march in place, and march across the rink.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Enjoy a popular fun and energetic form of dance to all of your favorite tunes.Prepares the early dance student by exploring music and movement. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
In this class, your tot will learn to sit and stand up with skates on/off-ice, march in place, march forward, and more, with their caregiver on the ice to help ease the transition.
- Stevenson Community Center Lower Level Indoor Playground
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Resource Person: Pilar Martinez: Pilar.Martinez@pdop.org; 708-725-3135
- GRC Studio 1
- 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org 708-725-2074
PROGRAM DETAIL
Join us with your toddler for a playful and engaging time! Let them explore, jump, crawl, and build fine motor skills while easing into open play with new friends. All this in a beautiful, nature-inspired setting—perfect for curious little ones to grow and have fun!
PROGRAM DETAIL
A fun and engaging class where parents and toddlers explore movement, music, and imagination together through playful dance activities.
- GRC Studio 1
- 8:00 AM – 8:40 AM
- Instructor: Katherine Iler
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- CRC - Fitness Studio 208
- 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- GRC Studio 1
- 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM
- Instructor: Katherine Iler
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- RCRC Multipurpose Room (Large)
- 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- Lindberg Park Soccer Upper North
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Resource Person: Peyton Rapier- 708-725-2116 - peyton.rapier@pdop.org
- Lindberg Park Soccer Upper North
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Resource Person: Peyton Rapier- 708-725-2116 - peyton.rapier@pdop.org
- Stevenson Community Center Lower Level Indoor Playground
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Resource Person: Pilar Martinez: Pilar.Martinez@pdop.org; 708-725-3135
- CRC - Fitness Studio 208
- 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- RCRC Multipurpose Room (Large)
- 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- GRC Studio 1
- 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
- Instructor: Katherine Iler
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- CRC - Fitness Studio 208
- 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- RCRC Multipurpose Room (Large)
- 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM
- Instructor: Erin Coffman
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- GRC Studio 1
- 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM
- Instructor: Katherine Iler
- Resource Person: Erin Coffman- erin.coffman@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 11:55 AM – 12:25 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 11:55 AM – 12:25 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 11:55 AM – 12:25 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 1:20 PM – 1:50 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 1:20 PM – 1:50 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 1:20 PM – 1:50 PM
- Resource Person: Brigid Guerin: brigid.guerin@pdop.org
PROGRAM DETAIL
Learn the foundations of ballet to enhance coordination, balance, strength, flexibility and creative expression. Prepares the early dance student by exploring music and movement. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Learn the foundations of ballet to enhance coordination, balance, strength, flexibility and creative expression. Prepares the early dance student by exploring music and movement. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Learn the foundations of ballet to enhance coordination, balance, strength, flexibility and creative expression. Prepares the early dance student by exploring music and movement. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Learn the foundations of ballet to enhance coordination, balance, strength, flexibility and creative expression. Prepares the early dance student by exploring music and movement. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Join our Pee Wee Soccer League! The first two weeks will be practice only, and the remaining weeks will consist of practice/games. This is an introduction to the game of soccer, so no experience is necessary!
We will be using volunteer coaches for this league. If you are interested in coaching your child's team, please reach out to Peyton Rapier.
The Youth Soccer League does not provide shin guards or cleats, so participants will need to purchase or provide their own equipment. Cleats are not required but are allowed. However, shin guards are required for every participant.
Please note, we do not take team requests for our youth leagues.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Join our Pee Wee Soccer League! The first two weeks will be practice only, and the remaining weeks will consist of practice/games. This is an introduction to the game of soccer, so no experience is necessary!
We will be using volunteer coaches for this league. If you are interested in coaching your child's team, please reach out to Peyton Rapier.
The Youth Soccer League does not provide shin guards or cleats, so participants will need to purchase or provide their own equipment. Cleats are not required but are allowed. However, shin guards are required for every participant.
Please note, we do not take team requests for our youth leagues.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Join us with your toddler for a playful and engaging time! Let them explore, jump, crawl, and build fine motor skills while easing into open play with new friends. All this in a beautiful, nature-inspired setting—perfect for curious little ones to grow and have fun!
PROGRAM DETAIL
Dancers develop strength coordination, and self-confidence through basic tumbling skills and dance class structure. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Dancers develop strength coordination, and self-confidence through basic tumbling skills and dance class structure. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Dancers will explore rhythm, sound, and movement as they learn to listen, tap, and move to the beat in a fun and musical way. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
An energetic fusion of hip hop grooves and tumbling tricks, this high-energy class keeps kids moving, flipping, and having a blast! Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Learn the foundations of ballet to enhance coordination, balance, strength, flexibility and creative expression. Prepares the early dance student by exploring music and movement. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Enjoy a popular, fun and energetic form of dance to all of your favorite tunes. Dancers will be training their musical ear as well as their feet using rhythm, syncopation, and sound in addition to movement. Costume Fee Included.
PROGRAM DETAIL
In this class, your tot will learn to sit and stand up with skates on/off-ice, march in place, march forward, and more, with their caregiver on the ice to help ease the transition.
PROGRAM DETAIL
This course builds on Learn to Skate 1 and progresses your tot toward competence of basic skating skills in a fun, play-oriented environment.
PROGRAM DETAIL
If your child is new to skating, this is the place to start! Based on the established Snowplow curriculum, our instructors teach your tot to skate in a fun, play-focused environment. Skaters will learn the proper way to fall & stand up, march in place, and march across the rink.
PROGRAM DETAIL
This course builds on Learn to Skate 2 and progresses your tot toward competence of basic skating skills in a fun, play-oriented environment.
PROGRAM DETAIL
If your child is new to skating, this is the place to start! Based on the established Snowplow curriculum, our instructors teach your tot to skate in a fun, play-focused environment. Skaters will learn the proper way to fall & stand up, march in place, and march across the rink.
PROGRAM DETAIL
This course builds on Learn to Skate 1 and progresses your tot toward competence of basic skating skills in a fun, play-oriented environment.
- Lindberg Park Permit
- 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Instructor: Hannah Szuch
- Resource Person: Hannah Garcia: (708) 725-2043
- RCRC Ice Rink
- 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
- Resource Person: Mike Baiardo: mike.baiardo@pdop.org 708-725-2315
- Stevenson Community Center Lower Level Indoor Playground
- 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
- Instructor: Heloise Stauff
- Resource Person: Pilar Martinez: Pilar.Martinez@pdop.org; 708-725-3135
- Fenwick High School Pool
- 9:10 AM – 9:40 AM
- Resource Person: Cameron Bayer
- Fenwick High School Pool
- 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
- Resource Person: Cameron Bayer
- Fenwick High School Pool
- 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
- Resource Person: Cameron Bayer
- Fenwick High School Pool
- 10:20 AM – 10:50 AM
- Resource Person: Cameron Bayer
- Fenwick High School Pool
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Resource Person: Cameron Bayer
- Fenwick High School Pool
- 11:35 AM – 12:05 PM
- Resource Person: Cameron Bayer
- Fenwick High School Pool
- 11:35 AM – 12:05 PM
- Instructor: Cameron Bayer
- Resource Person: Cameron Bayer
- CRC - Gym Court 1 West
- 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
- Instructor: Adrianna Eaton
- Resource Person: Pilar Martinez; 708-725-3135; Pilar.Martinez@pdop.org
PROGRAM DETAIL
The leaves are changing! Join us as we read a story, explore our colors, and jump in some leaves!
Meeting Location: Lindberg Park Picnic Shelter
PROGRAM DETAIL
For the aspiring young hockey player who has already mastered the skating skills taught in Learn to Skate 1 & 2. Your child will learn the fundamentals of skating and stick skills of balance, coordination, snowplow stops, backwards wiggle, basic shot, and more. This class engages youth players with mini-games, races, and activities.
PROGRAM DETAIL
A welcoming introduction to infant massage for caregivers, exploring the benefits of nurturing touch for both baby and caregiver. Learn how to recognize your baby’s cues and use simple, gentle massage techniques to support relaxation, connection, digestion, and restful sleep.
PROGRAM DETAIL
The Swim School curriculum is divided into five stages reflecting the five core competencies of functional swimming: Trust and Submersion, Body Position and Air Recovery, Forward Movement and Direction Change, Rotary Movement, and Integrated Movements. This course will develop a high comfort level in the water, a readiness to swim, and - for those children who are developmentally ready - will teach functional swim skills. Instructors will teach swimming through creative and fun activities in the water.
PROGRAM DETAIL
The Swim School curriculum is divided into five stages reflecting the five core competencies of functional swimming: Trust and Submersion, Body Position and Air Recovery, Forward Movement and Direction Change, Rotary Movement, and Integrated Movements. This course will develop a high comfort level in the water, a readiness to swim, and - for those children who are developmentally ready - will teach functional swim skills. Instructors will teach swimming through creative and fun activities in the water.
PROGRAM DETAIL
This class fosters comfort in the water while training parents and caregivers in water safety and drowning prevention. Swimmers learn mobility in the water, confidence, and independence. StarTots must be accompanied in-water by a parent or caregiver for their lessons.
PROGRAM DETAIL
The Swim School curriculum is divided into five stages reflecting the five core competencies of functional swimming: Trust and Submersion, Body Position and Air Recovery, Forward Movement and Direction Change, Rotary Movement, and Integrated Movements. This course will develop a high comfort level in the water, a readiness to swim, and - for those children who are developmentally ready - will teach functional swim skills. Instructors will teach swimming through creative and fun activities in the water.
PROGRAM DETAIL
The Swim School curriculum is divided into five stages reflecting the five core competencies of functional swimming: Trust and Submersion, Body Position and Air Recovery, Forward Movement and Direction Change, Rotary Movement, and Integrated Movements. This course will develop a high comfort level in the water, a readiness to swim, and - for those children who are developmentally ready - will teach functional swim skills. Instructors will teach swimming through creative and fun activities in the water.
PROGRAM DETAIL
The Swim School curriculum is divided into five stages reflecting the five core competencies of functional swimming: Trust and Submersion, Body Position and Air Recovery, Forward Movement and Direction Change, Rotary Movement, and Integrated Movements. This course will develop a high comfort level in the water, a readiness to swim, and - for those children who are developmentally ready - will teach functional swim skills. Instructors will teach swimming through creative and fun activities in the water.
PROGRAM DETAIL
This class fosters comfort in the water while training parents and caregivers in water safety and drowning prevention. Swimmers learn mobility in the water, confidence, and independence. StarTots must be accompanied in-water by a parent or caregiver for their lessons.
PROGRAM DETAIL
By keeping it simple, fun, and positive, we can help your little one develop a love for sports while building essential skills starting with basketball. This is a drop off class, but caregiver must be in the building.
Skating
Swim
Dance & Theatre
Sports
Gymnastics
Enrichment
Additional Programs
Have you visited our Indoor Playground?
The Cubhouse Indoor Playground at Stevenson Center is the perfect place to let your kids run, explore, and imagine!
Looking for Preschool options?
We offer two half-day programs for children ages 3-5. Our curriculum focuses on academic readiness, problem solving, and collaboration.
Check out our drop-by programs!
Want to have fun without the commitment of a whole session? We offer several weekly and monthly programs. Come once, or come every week!
Birthday Parties
Throw a birthday party everyone is sure to remember! Cubhouse, the Park District’s forest-themed, indoor playground is the perfect space to celebrate your little’s birthday party.
Information & FAQs
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Stay in the loop about the latest programs and events, from free drop-ins to brand new classes.
FAQs
It’s completely normal for children between 18 months and 5 years old to experience separation anxiety. While it can be challenging, these feelings are a healthy part of growing up and learning to feel safe in new environments. Enrichment classes offer a fun, supportive first step toward independence by helping children become familiar with routines, teachers, and peers in a low-pressure setting. Over time, these experiences build confidence and resilience, making the transition to preschool and other classroom environments feel more comfortable and positive.
Instructors follow the child’s lead through hands on activities, play, stories, songs, routines, positive encouragement, and opportunities to explore at their own pace.
Early childhood development stages include physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional growth. These areas develop together as children learn and interact with the world.
Activities like cooperative games, pretend play, group projects, story time, and turn-taking help children learn sharing, communication, empathy, and teamwork.
Observations help teachers understand each child’s strengths, interests, and needs so they can support learning and share progress with families.
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