Programs are designed to help children make a successful transition to an independent experience. Focus is on learning through play while building a foundation for a preschool experience. Programs include classes such as Mommy & Me Fundays, Terrific Twos, Tots Discovery Wee Chefs and, My First School.

Here you’ll find a wide range of exciting opportunities for young people. From being a trained babysitter to becoming a budding magician or young chef, classes seek to expose youth to new skills and interests. Class topics include: Table Manners, Social Etiquette, Junior Chefs, Connecting with Engineering, Mystery Academy, Modeling Workshop, Babysitting Fundamentals, Financial Smarts, and Kids Night in the Kitchen.

Music, fine arts, and drama are some of the programs offered in this section. Programs include classes such as, Kinder Drama, Photography, Drawing Workshop, and Preschool Music Adventures.

Our dance programs introduce children to movement in a fun and positive environment. Families can begin with parent/child classes and progress to tap, jazz and ballet. A variety of classes are offered in this section such as, Parent-Child Movement & Song, Dance Basics, Angelina Ballerina Dance, Ballet & Tap with Barbie, Dance with Me, Jazz & Tap Combo, Teen Modern Beginner Dance, and High School Musical.

A large variety of summer camps are offered in this area, covering topics including: Arts, Ballet, Computers, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Music, Preschool & Science.

Campers ages 3-6 years can choose from camps such as Preschool Music Adventures, Kindergarten Jump Start, Stories on Stage, Art Adventure Camp, Jr. Scientist Camp, and Wee Chefs Camp, among many others!

What age does my child need to be to enroll in a class?
Your child must be the age listed by the first day of the program unless specified otherwise. For example, to take a dance class for “Ages 3, 4” your child must be at least age 3 but less than age 5.

I signed up for a parent/child class and I have twins, do I need another adult to attend?
Generally, no. In most circumstances, one parent or caregiver can bring siblings.

Does my child have to be potty trained to attend the Early Childhood Classes?
Not unless specified in the description. Staff members cannot and will not change diapers. If your child has a toileting accident during the program, a parent or caregiver must be available to clean change them.

Where can I get dance attire or dance shoes?
Leotards, tights, ballet, tap and jazz shoes are all available at major retail stores as well as dance studios/dance specialty stores (where they tend to be of higher quality and higher priced). Leather-soled ballet shoes are required for ballet classes.

What if my child has allergies to peanuts? Or my child needs special assistance to participate in programs?
Howard County Recreation & Parks has a full-time Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor who oversees and arranges for accommodations for our program participants. Please be sure to specifically mention any medical conditions/allergies that your child has, when you register, so that we can make the necessary preparations, prior to the start of the program.