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Early Childhood Classes
Online registration for Summer classes is
NOW OPEN!
Jump Into Speech
Mondays & Wednesdays
9:15A - 10:15A
6/16/25 - 7/2/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: 12 - 30 months with an Adult. Toddlers develop their speech and language skills at many different rates. In this twice-a-week class, adults learn and practice strategies to enhance language learning with guidance from teacher and Speech and Language Pathologist Emily McGuire. During the first half of class, toddlers and adults explore and play in different stations in our large classroom while making choices, playing and interacting with peers. The second part moves to Circle Time with songs, movement, partner activities, and “What’s in the Box?” Returning families have dedicated time to practice already-introduced strategies in a supportive classroom setting. Instructor: Emily McGuire. 6 classes. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
Jump Into Speech
Mondays & Wednesdays
9:15A - 10:15A
7/14/25 - 7/30/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: 12 - 30 months with an Adult. Toddlers develop their speech and language skills at many different rates. In this twice-a-week class, adults learn and practice strategies to enhance language learning with guidance from teacher and Speech and Language Pathologist Emily McGuire. During the first half of class, toddlers and adults explore and play in different stations in our large classroom while making choices, playing and interacting with peers. The second part moves to Circle Time with songs, movement, partner activities, and “What’s in the Box?” Returning families have dedicated time to practice already-introduced strategies in a supportive classroom setting. Instructor: Emily McGuire. 6 classes. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
NEW Ready for School, Ready for Fun!
Mondays & Wednesdays
10:45A - 11:45A
6/16/25 - 7/9/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: 3 - 5 years with an Adult. Leap into learning in this new summer series for incoming preschoolers, young 5’s and kindergarteners. Twice a week, Michi Wixon leads children and their adults in preparing for a new school environment in the fall. Class begins with a brief routine including welcome, signing in and a friendship song. Then the group moves to the preschool gym for a physical movement lesson, followed by free-play in the motor room next door. Finally, class gathers to have “sharing” time by a different child each day as they introduce their favorite snack to classmates (each family brings a snack only one time, individually packaged for children to eat after class). Boost self confidence in a school setting, build gross motor and social skills and practice following directions in the same routine just like school! Instructor: Michi Wixon. 8 classes. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
Calm & Connect: Intro to Infant Massage
Mondays
12:30P - 1:30P
6/23/25 - 7/28/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Newborn - 6 months with an Adult. This five-week infant massage course is a great way to bond with your baby while connecting with other parents. Susan introduces the many benefits of nurturing touch and is certified through the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). Learn how to identify cues, behavioral states and other methods to keep in touch as your baby grows. Infant Massage helps babies and parents with soothing, sleep, digestion, colic, depression, relaxation, communication and more. Time for parents to share stories and ask questions is built into this relaxing and informative class (best for pre-crawling babies). Instructor: Susan Bellisario. 5 classes. No class 7/7. 100% scholarships pay $5.
Music Together Mondays 5:30
Mondays
5:30P - 6:15P
6/16/25 - 7/28/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: Birth - 5 years with an Adult. This is the original Music Together® class that encourages children and families to experience the joy of making music together. Child development researchers support the idea that all children are musical, learn best through play, and thrive in mixed-age groupings that foster natural, family-style learning. In our classes, children interact with peers of different ages at their own level in singing, moving, listening, observing, chanting, or exploring musical instruments. Younger children enjoy watching and imitating older ones and older children learn by leading younger ones. Registered families receive the Tambourine (Spring) or Banjo (Summer) Collection Songbook + access to download music. Instructor: Stephanie Urban. 6 classes. No class 7/7. 100% scholarship recipients pay $15.
Music Together Mondays 6:30
Mondays
6:30P - 7:15P
6/16/25 - 7/28/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: Birth - 5 years with an Adult. This is the original Music Together® class that encourages children and families to experience the joy of making music together. Child development researchers support the idea that all children are musical, learn best through play, and thrive in mixed-age groupings that foster natural, family-style learning. In our classes, children interact with peers of different ages at their own level in singing, moving, listening, observing, chanting, or exploring musical instruments. Younger children enjoy watching and imitating older ones and older children learn by leading younger ones. Registered families receive the Tambourine (Spring) or Banjo (Summer) Collection Songbook + access to download music. Instructor: Stephanie Urban. 6 classes. No class 7/7. 100% scholarship recipients pay $15.
Kidokinetics SportsPlay (2 years)
Tuesdays
9:15A - 9:45A
6/17/25 - 8/5/25
Pioneer HS Softball Diamond Grass
Ages: 2 years with an Adult. Kidokinetics provides athletic enrichment for young children by introducing various sports and creative activities while gross motor skills are developed. The SportsPlay class offers a fun introduction to sports designed to help toddlers and preschoolers (with their adults) get moving and build physical confidence! Each week features a warm-up song and stretch, an introduction to a new sport or activity (kickball, frisbee, scoops, hula hoops, football, ninja-style agility, etc), an interactive game, and an age-appropriate anatomy and physiology lesson to help bring awareness to our amazing bodies. Spring session will be hybrid (indoor dance studio & outdoor grassy area weather permitting). Summer session is all outdoor. Indoor shoes required on the dance studio floor. Instructors: Kidokinetics Coaches. 7 classes. No class 7/1. Potential weather make-up 8/12. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
Kidokinetics SportsPlay (3 years)
Tuesdays
10:00A - 10:45A
6/17/25 - 8/5/25
Pioneer HS Softball Diamond Grass
Ages: 3 years with an Adult. Kidokinetics provides athletic enrichment for young children by introducing various sports and creative activities while gross motor skills are developed. The SportsPlay class offers a fun introduction to sports designed to help toddlers and preschoolers (with their adults) get moving and build physical confidence! Each week features a warm-up song and stretch, an introduction to a new sport or activity (kickball, frisbee, scoops, hula hoops, football, ninja-style agility, etc), an interactive game, and an age-appropriate anatomy and physiology lesson to help bring awareness to our amazing bodies. Spring session will be hybrid (indoor dance studio & outdoor grassy area weather permitting). Summer session is all outdoor. Indoor shoes required on the dance studio floor. Instructors: Kidokinetics Coaches. 7 classes. No class 7/1. Potential weather make-up 8/12. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
Exploration Zone Tuesdays 10:00
Tuesdays
10:00A - 11:15A
6/17/25 - 8/5/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: 18 months - 5 years with an Adult. Our fabulous playroom offers so much to toddlers and preschoolers. We have a wide variety of free-play activity centers to explore: art and sensory experiences, dramatic play, puzzles, blocks, climbing, playdough, puppets and so much more. Adults help children find engaging choices and practice social skills with other families. After a community snack and cooperative group cleanup, class ends with an active circle time of songs and stories, featuring traditional ExZone favorites (Jump Up and Down and Jack in the Box) and new thematic material weekly. Instructor: Ann Stalhandske, Sara Callaghan and Ajae Whittaker. 7 classes. No class 7/1. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
Kidokinetics SportsPlay (4-5 years)
Tuesdays
10:45A - 11:30A
6/17/25 - 8/5/25
Pioneer HS Softball Diamond Grass
Ages: 4 - 5 years with an Adult. Kidokinetics provides athletic enrichment for young children by introducing various sports and creative activities while gross motor skills are developed. The SportsPlay class offers a fun introduction to sports designed to help toddlers and preschoolers (with their adults) get moving and build physical confidence! Each week features a warm-up song and stretch, an introduction to a new sport or activity (kickball, frisbee, scoops, hula hoops, football, ninja-style agility, etc), an interactive game, and an age-appropriate anatomy and physiology lesson to help bring awareness to our amazing bodies. Spring session will be hybrid (indoor dance studio & outdoor grassy area weather permitting). Summer session is all outdoor. Indoor shoes required on the dance studio floor. Instructors: Kidokinetics Coaches. 7 classes. No class 7/1. Potential weather make-up 8/12. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
Caregiver Connection: Lunch & Play
Tuesdays
11:15A - 12:30P
6/24/25 - 8/12/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: 6 months - 4 years with a Nanny. This group is designed as a supportive and informal community of nannies and caregivers who are dedicated to nurturing the children under their care. We provide our large playroom to connect, share experiences and offer advice while eating lunch (brought by you) and playing alongside peers in a social and stimulating environment. Many times, full-time caregivers have similar feelings as stay-at-home parents of isolation and/or lack of connection. We offer the perfect space that is full of fun for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their adults to enjoy. Register one child in the 1-4 year old age range for siblings to attend. Arrive late or leave early depending on nap schedules, preschool pick-ups of older siblings or other personal schedules. First Steps staff will be on site and available as needed. 8 classes.
Little Bouncy Boppers
Wednesdays
9:30A - 10:30A
7/9/25 - 8/6/25
Carpenter Elementary Gym
Ages: 12 - 30 months with an Adult. This class for older babies and toddlers with their adults focuses on movement for building a child’s body and brain in the dance studio of the CAB. Each class includes repetitive welcome songs to practice waving, clapping, stomping, and other gross motor movements. Dancing together and moving to the beat are more fun with rotating props such as scarves, shakers, balls, and stuffed animals. Get to know other participants and peers in a friendly and enriching environment designed to explore and be active! Instructor: Sam Coffin. 5 classes. 100% scholarship recipients pay $5.
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Time for Twos & Threes
Wednesdays
10:00A - 11:00A
6/18/25 - 7/23/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: 2 - 3 years with an Adult. Calling all two & three year olds! Time for Twos & Threes is an extension of our Fun at One class with a few changes to match these growing and changing toddlers and young preschoolers. The first half of class is set for open-ended play time where children explore and engage in a wide array of centers and activities. Adults and children build connections with the same families week to week while witnessing the growth in the children over the spring season. After group clean-up, Erin transitions to a circle time including bubbles, singing games, acting out stories, movement and use of props. Class ends with a read-aloud book and stickers. Instructor: Erin Pierce. 5 classes. No class 6/25. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
I Like to Move It, Move It!
Wednesdays
10:15A - 11:00A
7/9/25 - 8/6/25
Carpenter Elementary Gym
Ages: 2 - 4 years with an Adult. Gather together, get moving, and get on your feet! Join Sam each week in an active, upbeat class with other families using the dance studio of the CAB. Children and adults sing and dance while being introduced to new musical material each week. Class includes rotating activities like parachute play, hula hoops, balls, and tunnels. Social interaction between families and children is encouraged to build community and make new friends. Instructor: Sam Coffin. 5 classes. 100% scholarships pay $10.
Balance & Pedals: First Bike Adventure
Adult & Child Camp
Monday-Friday
10:00A - 11:00A
7/14/25 - 7/18/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: 2.5 - 5 years with an Adult. Develop your child’s love for biking by coming together to create a bicycle group of peers. The skills for learning to ride a bike are complex, and this outdoor camp offers you a week to practice while building strength and confidence. We work on balancing, riding in a straight line, steering and braking safely. Each day includes group activities with the parachute, partner games, obstacle courses and even a bike wash station on the last day! Parent support is encouraged but the motivation gained when riding alongside peers can be all your child needs to gain a little independence on their wheels. Children bring their own riding vehicles (tricycles, balance bikes, training wheels and even two wheels may be used), helmets and water bottles. Please contact us if you do not have a vehicle to bring. Makeup for inclement weather is the same day in the afternoon 3-4PM. Instructor: Andrea Nance. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
NEW Outdoor Summer Splash
Wednesdays
5:45P - 6:45P
6/25/25 - 8/6/25
Westerman Preschool Playground
Ages: 18 months - 5 years with Adult(s). Summer evenings are a great time for outdoor, active fun at First Steps! Kids and parents explore the expansive playground and enjoy special water activities week-to-week like sprinklers, water balloons, water tables, spray bottles and more. Ted Austin, who leads the Dad’s group during the school year, offers this summer class for the whole family! Bring beach towels and a change of clothes for your little ones (and maybe even a picnic for before or after class). Register one child in the 1-5 year old age range for siblings to attend. Instructor: Ted Austin. 6 classes. No class 7/2. Potential weather make-up 8/13. 100% scholarship recipients pay $5.
Balance & Pedals: First Bike Adventure
Adult & Child Camp
Monday-Friday
10:00A - 11:00A
7/7/25 - 7/11/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: 2.5 - 5 years with an Adult. Develop your child’s love for biking by coming together to create a bicycle group of peers. The skills for learning to ride a bike are complex, and this outdoor camp offers you a week to practice while building strength and confidence. We work on balancing, riding in a straight line, steering and braking safely. Each day includes group activities with the parachute, partner games, obstacle courses and even a bike wash station on the last day! Parent support is encouraged but the motivation gained when riding alongside peers can be all your child needs to gain a little independence on their wheels. Children bring their own riding vehicles (tricycles, balance bikes, training wheels and even two wheels may be used), helmets and water bottles. Please contact us if you do not have a vehicle to bring. Makeup for inclement weather is the same day in the afternoon 3-4PM. Instructor: Andrea Nance. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
Fun at One Thursdays
Thursdays
10:00A - 11:00A
6/26/25 - 8/7/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: Walking 12 - 24 months with an Adult. Welcome to the world of the one-year-old! We gather together each week to sing, play, and move with other families and same-age peers. Class begins with open-ended time for toddlers to practice walking, climbing, playing and moving around the classroom while socializing with other families. The train whistle signals the arrival in the station and the beginning of circle time for the second half of class. Led by Jennifer or Ajae and modeled by adult participation, the group has fun singing, dancing, and learning in addition to practicing important gross motor skills like walking backwards, marching, and jumping. Class ends with a read-aloud book and stickers. Instructor: Ajae Whittaker (spring) & Jennifer Neesam (summer). 7 classes. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
Curious Wiggle Worms
Thursdays
12:00P - 1:00P
6/26/25 - 8/7/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: 3 - 12 months with an Adult. Gather each week to enjoy your baby and get to know other families in a comfortable playroom setting. While the babies explore new toys and begin to recognize one another, the adults have a chance to chat - discussing topics related to parenting and this age group (sleeping, eating, developmental milestones, etc). Class includes a teacher-led circle time with a routine of lap songs, nursery rhymes, movement, parachute play and stories. This class fits best for non-walking babies. Instructor: Susanna Brown and TBD. 7 classes. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
Soil Superheroes in Eberwhite Woods
Adult & Child Camp
Monday-Friday
9:30A - 10:30A
8/11/25 - 8/15/25
Eberwhite Woods
Ages: 2 - 5 years with an Adult. Gather in the woods to explore the wiggling wonders of the underground -- earthworms, ants, rolly pollies and more -- to see firsthand how they live. Prepare to get messy as we dig through the soil, observe the underground action, and learn about all the soil superheroes of Eberwhite Woods. Each day, a new creepy crawly is featured through earth science activities, fun stories, silly songs, and bug-inspired arts and crafts. Meet at the entrance of Eberwhite Woods next to the west parking lot of Eberwhite School, 800 Soule, 48103. Please dress for the weather: rain or shine! Instructor: Chris Colaner. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
Exploration Zone Fridays 10:00
Fridays
10:00A - 11:15A
6/20/25 - 8/8/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: 18 months - 5 years with an Adult. Our fabulous playroom offers so much to toddlers and preschoolers. We have a wide variety of free-play activity centers to explore: art and sensory experiences, dramatic play, puzzles, blocks, climbing, playdough, puppets and so much more. Adults help children find engaging choices and practice social skills with other families. After a community snack and cooperative group cleanup, class ends with an active circle time of songs and stories, featuring traditional ExZone favorites (Jump Up and Down and Jack in the Box) and new thematic material weekly. Instructor: Ann Stalhandske, Sara Callaghan and Ajae Whittaker. 7 classes. No class 7/4. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.
NEW DAY Japanese Exploration Zone
Sundays
10:00A - 11:15A
6/22/25 - 8/24/25
Westerman Preschool & Family Center
Ages: 12 months - 5 years with an Adult. Michi Wixon designed the perfect class weaving her home language and culture of Japan into the traditional Exploration Zone format. ALL families will enjoy this class no matter what your first language! If you are fluent in Japanese or learning Japanese, that is a bonus! Class includes free-play activity centers to explore: art, puzzles, blocks, books, playdough, pretend play, puppets, climbing and much more. After a snack and cooperative group cleanup, the class ends with a circle time of songs, movements, music and games in Japanese and English. All are welcome! Instructor: Michi Wixon. 8 classes. No class 7/6 and 7/27. 100% scholarship recipients pay $10.