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Early Childhood

Here at the Deerfield Park District, we have developed programs that are tailored for young children who are just beginning their interactions with the outside world. As children learn to play and interact with other children, they learn important social skills and have a head start on their school years ahead.

Our early childhood programs include:

  • Creative Arts & Cooking classes
  • Skills, Hobbies, & Variety classes
  • Performing Arts, Dance and Music classes
  • Sports and Athletics classes

In addition to seasonal programs, the Deerfield Park District Preschool operates inside Jewett Park Community Center. Our dedicated, experienced teachers are professional educators, committed to helping children develop to their fullest potential. Check the Preschool section of the website for further details.

Important Information

How can you help make your child’s playtime at the park district even better?

Leave older siblings at home so you can enjoy special time together. Make sure your child is the correct age by the first day of class. Be on time to pick up your child so he/she doesn’t worry. Keep your child at home if they are sick.

Age requirements

Children must be the correct age by the first day of class.

About food allergies

Many of our preschool, as well as cooking and other classes, will serve food; therefore, it is imperative that you notify the full-time Recreation Supervisor of any food allergies or dietary restrictions your child may have.

About medication

If your child may need to use medication (inhalers, epi-pen, etc.) during class time, a medication administration form must be completed, including the physician’s signature. Forms are available at the Registration Office.

Illness and Infectious Diseases

Please do not attend class nor send children who are ill to class. To prevent the spread of communicable diseases, such as strep, pink eye and fifth disease, parents should report any diagnosed cases to the park district office. If exposure to other participants occurred, a notification will be sent home.

 

Clay Sculpting

Creative Arts & Cooking

Our Creative Arts & Cooking classes are designed to help young children explore their world and use their limitless imaginations to create tangible results. The park district art instructors have been teaching exciting classes for many years, and we frequently have the second generation of young artists enjoying our classes. Cooking classes are a great opportunity to safely introduce kids to fun in the kitchen, with a delicious snack as a reward for a job well done.

View program guide Register

Parent and tot class

Skills, Hobbies, and Variety

Every child has a different set of skills, maybe they are the next Iron Chef or they could be the next Frank Lloyd Wright. Whatever they could be we are here to help them explore all the different possibilities. The park district has been helping kids find their passions early for years. So let their imaginations run wild and who knows, maybe it will be your kids who do all the cooking for you.

View program guide Register

Ballet Class

Performing Arts, Dance, and Music

Music and dance classes provide opportunities for young children to begin expressing themselves while they build coordination and rhythm abilities. Our energetic instructors have years of experience with young children and know how to pace classes so everyone has a great time. We also offer Parent & Tot classes for babies and toddlers who aren’t ready to be on their own yet.

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Tee-ball Class

Sports & Athletics

Young children have no shortage of energy, and it can be a challenge for busy parents to keep up! Our Sports & Athletics classes offer a great introduction to sports including T-Ball, Soccer, Basketball, and Dodgeball. Starting with the basics, our dedicated instructors are focused on teaching the basics, teamwork, and safety — but mostly ensuring that every child has fun! Learning to play sports is a great foundation for a lifetime of exercise and fitness.

View program guide Register