Early Childhood Programs

Palatine Park District’s Early Childhood programming for ages 3-6 consists of various classes designed to provide an enriched environment benefiting their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Classes are for children who are ready to attend class by themselves. Parents do not remain in the classroom. See Parent & Tot for ages 1-3 classes.

Messy Masterpieces | Ages 3½-5
A class for children who like to create and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Students will experiment with lots of different materials.

Young Rembrandts | Ages 3½-5
Students will learn about shape recognition as they create a colorful pattern using basic geometric shapes. Winter-themed lessons like our snow dome and ice skate drawings will excite the imagination. Illustrations featuring a cuddly kitten and monstrous tyrannosaurus rex will provide a great introduction to drawing animals.

Beginning Ballet | Ages 3-4
Introduce your child to ballet steps, barre exercises, stretches, and short dance combinations. There will be a short showcase at the end of each session.

Beginning Ballet & Tumbling | Ages 3-4
Introduce your child to beginning ballet, basic tumbling, and movement techniques. There will be a short showcase at the end of each session.

It’s A Dance Party | Ages 3-5
Children will have the opportunity to dance to all their favorite music from popular children’s movies in this high energy class. Rhythm, music awareness, and simple dance moves will be included.

Pre Poms | Ages 4-5
Children will learn beginning pom fundamentals and a basic routine. This class is great for promoting coordination and self-esteem. Children will perform their routines at the end of the session.

Tutus and Tap Shoes | Ages 4-6
Young dancers are introduced to the basics of tap and ballet in this fun and creative class. Children will learn proper technique and gain a sense of rhythm. There will be a short showcase at the end of each session.

Preschool Prep | Ages 2½-3
An introduction to preschool for your little one. Children will have activity time, make an art project, listen to stories, and sing songs. This is a great way for children to learn how to be away from their parents and how to play with others. To make the transition easier, we may ask that an adult stay with the child for the first class. Children do not need to be toilet trained and should be comfortable being away from their parents. Children registered in this program will have priority into the park district preschools.

Too Cool for School | Ages 2½-3½
Is you two year old ready for school? This introduction to preschool will help twos develop independence and learn how to socialize with others. Children will have play time, do an art activity and have a short group time. Children do not need to be toilet trained and should be comfortable being away from their parents. The adults will be asked to stay for the first class to make the transition easier. Children registered in this program will have priority into the park district preschools.

3, 2, 1 Lunch & Fun | Ages 2½-3½
Class will include art projects, playtime, games and much more. Come ready to have fun! Children must be toilet trained and self-sufficient in the bathroom to attend.

Preschool Piano | Ages 3½-5
Children learn piano basics from Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear in a group settings. We begin by exploring the types of sounds a piano can make, move into easy music-reading with notes and rests, and find ways to memorize the letters on the keyboard. These lessons exercise fine motor skills through finger dexterity games, large motor through dancing songs, and aural skills through listening activities. The children sing, dance, play, clap, read, and write. A piano at home is not necessary but recommended so your children can show you all of their great work!

Reading is Fun! | Ages 3½-5
Learn to read through fun, meaningful activities.This class is designed to strengthen your child’s reading readiness skills through multi-sensory games and activities. Lesson plans include working on letter recognition, letter-sound correspondence, phonemic awareness and concept of print. Each session has new activities that progress with your student.

Adventures in Science | Ages 4-6
Encourage your child’s curiosity and expand their understanding of the world of science! Different scientific concepts will be explored each session through a variety of activities.

Mini Soccer | Ages 3-5
A great introduction to the sport of soccer. Learn basic soccer skills such as running, kicking, passing, and game play will be covered. Games will be used to incorporate the skills taught during class in a fun and safe environment.

Little Dribblers | Ages 4-6
An introduction to basketball, this class offers simple drills to teach players the rules of the game, ball handling, passing and defense. Participants will learn teamwork and sportsmanship as they learn the game of basketball.

Floor Hockey Skills & Games | Ages 5-7
Class will help your child learn the game of hockey before the skates go on. Drills for stick handling, passing, and shooting will be demonstrated. Your child will enjoy learning the fundamentals and mechanics of this fast-paced and super-fun game.

Multi-Sport Mania | Ages 4-6
Children will explore the wide world of sports as they participate in a different sport each week, such as t-ball, basketball, tennis, golf, lacrosse, and floor hockey. Children will get a lot of practice with skills through creative and fun drills and games.

Tot Hoopsters | Ages 3-5
Young hoopsters will learn the fundamentals of bouncing, catching and shooting. The class is designed to introduce the sport of basketball and develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination through fun skills and games.

Preschool & Kindergarten Martial Arts | Ages 4-6
Develop flexibility, coordination, and physical fitness while learning a variety of martial arts skills as we run, jump, kick, tumble, and much more. Emphasis will also be placed on focus, respect, and discipline. Parents are welcome to attend.

Toddler Martial Arts & More | Ages 2½-early 4
Focus on physical fitness, coordination drills, and martial arts skills, along with age-appropriate themes of respect, discipline, and focus. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend.

Questions or Programming Suggestions?

Karen Rude
Preschool/Tots Coordinator
Palatine Park District

Email: krude@palatineparks.org
Phone: 847.496.6239