Programs
Our Basics DeKalb County programs are all about giving families simple, easy ways to help young children learn and grow. Each program offers fun, practical ideas you can use in everyday moments at home or out in the community. Check out our programming below to see how you can get involved and make The Basics a natural part of your day.
Parent Playgroups
Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher! Because 80% of brain growth happens during the first 3 years of life, Parent Playgroups provide an opportunity for families to learn about and do The Basics while boosting brain development, pre-academic skills, and life success for their children- all through play! Guided activities and stations are centered around The 5 Basics and include sensory play, art, scavenger hunts, stories, songs, and more!
Thanks to generous funding, there is NO cost to attend our playgroups!
This is a space where ALL children can learn, play, and thrive; including children who have a disability and/or developmental delay, and children who do not speak English. If you or your child are experiencing a barrier or need an accommodation to attend a playgroup, please let our staff know!
Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are allowed.
For more information or help registering, contact the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education at: 815-217-0471.
Toddler Garden
Our Toddler Gardens are a place where families can be outside and do The Basics in nature! These free weekly programs are for any parent/caregiver with young children- even infants! The topics of the programs range from seeds to bumblebees and anything in between. The programs are about 45 minutes in length. No registration required and there are no residency restrictions to attend. We have 4 locations: Sandwich, DeKalb, Genoa, and Waterman! See photo for schedule of programs.
Toddler Gardens are open to the public and can be visited anytime outside of scheduled programming.
Somonauk Pop-up Play and Learn
Join us once a month for a fun and interactive Parent Playgroup! This playgroup will be hosted in the evening to accommodate working parents and families who cannot attend during the day. This is open to parents and caregivers with children 3 and under living in DeKalb County.
We will have fun activities that boost brain development through play. Children can choose a new book to bring home and build their home library!
Thanks to generous funding, there is no cost to attend our playgroups!. Registration is encouraged! Thank you to Somonauk Library for providing the space.
For more information or help registering, contact the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education at: 815-217-0471.
"Pathways to Play" Children's Garden
Experience more opportunities to play with your child in "Pathways to Play" Children’s Gardens located at six participating school sites: Hiawatha Elementary School, Kingston Elementary School, Kishwaukee Education Consortium, DeKalb Early Learning and Development Center, Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School, and James R. Wood Elementary School. The Children’s Gardens are outdoor learning spaces aligned to The Basics where local high school students to get hands-on experience teaching young children. The gardens are open to the public outside of school hours. Follow local school districts’ social media to find planned activities and programs offered to the community.