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Toddlers and Preschoolers

This section lists programs and classes designed specifically for toddlers and preschool age kids between 18 months and 5 years old in the Gainesville area.
Kids Listings in Gainesville Florida for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Listings

Alachua County Libraries Story Time
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday
All ages
FREE

Alachua County libraries offer a variety of story times for children and babies.   Check the website for specific branch schedules.

www.aclib.us/events
Cameron Dancenter
Cameron Dancenter offers a wide range of instruction from beginning levels to preparation for professional performing.   The primary objective of each class is to instill a love for dance and the technique for creative performance appropriate to the level of training.   Classes offered for ages 2 1/2 and up.

Styles of Dance: Ballet, point, tap, jazz, acrobatics, modern & hip-hop.

NW Location: 5003 NW 34th St, Suite B, Gainesville, FL 32605  /  (352) 371-0761
Haile Village Center: 5211 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32608  /  (352) 335-7785

info@camerondancenter.com
www.camerondancenter.com
Doxa Dance Studio
DOXA Dance Studio was founded by Suzanne Barroso and Sarah Elder in 1998. With a passion for dance and a heart for worship, DOXA offers a full array of classes for students of all ages and abilities, starting at age 3.

Styles of Dance: Ballet, tap, jazz & hip-hop

Thornebrook Village: 2441 NW 43rd Street, Suite 2D, Gainesville, FL 32606
(352) 870-1208

doxadancestudio@gmail.com
www.doxadancestudio.com
French Fun Food & Foreign Languages
Mention fun4gatorkids.com and save 10%!   Limited to new students only.

Weekly school year foreign language classes from September - May and holiday camps in summer, winter and spring break.   A relaxed age-appropriate curriculum in French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Russian and Tamil with multimedia instruction in reading, writing, listening and speaking skills encouraged for children ages 4-16 and adults.   An individualized program where learning is a pleasure!   Enjoy croissants, crêpes, mousse au chocolat, songs, games, vocabulary, fairy tales, phonics, prizes, cinéma, and drama.

French Club: In the French Club, kids ages 5-12 meet on Saturdays, 12:30-2:30pm to experience the French culture through music, games, food and more. They also learn the language with an age-appropriate curriculum, and enact fairy tales.   Cost:$10/meeting

French and English Literacy Program: "Mille Minutes de Lecture." September 12th - November 16th at 4PM. After reading the books, children will enjoy a game and some 'Bonbons'. $2 per class per child.

Click here for information on French Congress.

École Française: 8520 NW 2nd Place -Gainesville, Florida 32607  /  (352) 332-8198

Director:Judy Charudattan
jdcharu@hotmail.com
www.frenchfunfood.com
Fun Languages Gainesville
Mention Fun4gatorkids.com and save 10% off off class tuition. Limited to new students only

Offering French and Spanish classes, we are the premiere language instruction educators in Gainesville and the surrounding areas.   We off exciting and interesting instruction for children in preschool and elementary school.   Children attend a weekly playgroup where they learn a language through songs, games, drama, stories, simple recipes and crafts.   Classes are offered at various locations around town.   Please check the website for details.

2613 NW 37th Terrace, Gainesville, Florida 32605
(352) 372-6885

kaydiev@funlanguagesgainesville.com
www.funlanguagesgainesville.com
GACA (Gainesville Association for the Creative Arts)
The Gainesville Association for the Creative Arts was founded in 1967 by parents and educators who wanted education in the arts to be available to all area children.  They recognized the positive relationship among education in the arts, academics, and self-esteem. In small workshops, usually 8 to 10 children, GACA creates a non-pressured atmosphere where creativity can flourish.   We offer programs in the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer for Adults and children ages 3 to 18.  Children do not need special attire--just comfortable clothes so they can feel free to participate.

Programs are offered in the following disciplines: dance, art, music, theater, and writing.
Styles of Dance: Pre-ballet, ballet, hip-hop, movement, modern and jazz
Types of Music Instruction: Piano, guitar, drums and percussion, voice

P.O. Box 12246, Gainesville, FL 32604  /  (352)284-2495

wjeyerly@earthlink.net
www.artsgaca.org
Gainesville Creative Kids
Gainesville Creative Kids provides a necessary outlet where children can express themselves through the arts.   We allow children the freedom to be themselves, feel inspired and empowered, and to be a force of change in their community and world through artistic expression.   Children ages 3-8 explore creative expression in our four fun classes: Music, Art, Theatre and Movement.


Click here to see the schedule of FREE classes offered at Tower Road and Millhopper libraries.

gainesvillecreativekids@yahoo.com
www.gainesvillecreativekids.com
Gigno's Bilingual Enrichment at Loga Springs Academy
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Ages 2-4 years old

$15 for one class or $10 each for 2 or more classes

Four classes in Kindergarten Prep, Art, Science and Music are offered each time.   Your child can attend one class, or stay for a fun half-day of learning, Spanish and new friends!   Our Bilingual Enrichment Classes offer a unique alternative to traditional language instruction for preschoolers.   At Gigno, we believe that the best way to learn a new language is to experience it in as many different contexts as possible.   Therefore, the goal of our classes is to expose children to the Spanish language while teaching basic preschool skills, as well as higher order thinking skills that are often left out of preschool curricula.   Children will hear both languages throughout every class and will be encouraged to learn new words, phrases and songs in Spanish.Whether your child is already bilingual and wants to socialize and learn with other bilingual kids, or your child would like to learn Spanish while playing, doing a "science experiment" or learning about the alphabet, numbers and music of different cultures, these classes will help them do so in an open and stimulating setting.

Loga Springs Academy: 931 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32605
For more information, call Grace (352) 325-3544

gignokids@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/gignokids
HIPPY USA
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters
Twice a month, home visitors who are parents themselves, and reside in the targeted community, visit HIPPY parents in their home to role play the activity packets.   Every other week, parents attend group meetings with other parents, HIPPY staff, consultants, and volunteers.

The HIPPY curriculum is cognitively based, focusing on language development, problem solving, and perceptual discrimination skills.   There are 30 easy-to-use activity packets for each age of the program.   Activities take as little as 15 minutes a day for the parent and child to complete.   Learning and playing are mingled throughout HIPPY's structured curriculum as parents encourage their children to recognize shapes and colors, tell stories, follow directions, solve logical problems, and acquire other school readiness skills.   Apart from building on the basic bond between parents and children, parents learn how to prepare their children for success in school and beyond.

603 NW 7th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601  /  (352) 371-8300

http://floridahippy.fmhi.usf.edu/
Little People's Creative Workshop
PCW classes are taught on site at daycares and preschools only.  Our Program is for Boys and Girls (beginning at age 3) giving them a chance to experience dance and theatre in a fun and loving atmosphere among their peers.  We are the only dance program that exclusively uses certified professionals in the field of dance and dance education to teach young children.  In all classes your child will learn to move, create shapes with his/her body, and pantomime using proper technique that is developmentally age-appropriate and specific.

3324 W. University Avenue, PMB 305, Gainesville, FL 32607   /  (352) 505-5342

LPCWnorthernfl@yahoo.com
www.lpcw.com
The Little Shop
At the Little Shop of Gainesville, our goal is to create an experience unlike any other in Gainesville. We understand what it means to be a mom and want to help make the journey as fun and fulfilling as possible for our friends and neighbors.

Boutique The little shop carries toys, unique baby gifts and children's stylish clothing. The little shop has areas for your little ones to play while you shop. Click here for details on clothing lines.

Play Studio and Creation Station The little shop offers a play space for toddlers and kids up to eight years old.   Your child can dress-up in our costume area, play in our two-story all wood playhouse, shop at our play grocery store with child size grocery carts, cook a gourmet meal in our play kitchen or just play with our many wooden toys, puzzles, books and games.   The creation station is for toddlers and kids up to twelve years old.   Our creation station is a place for your child to explore their creative side. Your child will express themselves through many different art mediums (drawing, painting, clay, collage and more).   Click here for rates and membership details.

Children's Creative Classes The little shop offers creative classes for toddlers and kids up to twelve years old.   Choose from classes in music, dance, art, sewing, enrichment and much more!   For details on all of the fun activites happening throughout the month at the little shop, click here to visit the Happenings page.

Parties The little shop provides a variety of party themes for all ages.   From planning to implementation, we do all the work so that you can relax and enjoy your child's special day. Click here for details on party themes and packages.

Tioga Town Center: 12921 SW 1st Road Suite 117, Newberry, FL 32669   /   (352) 505-0466

www.thelittleshopgnv.com
Musikgarten


The Musikgarten program is designed to teach children from a very early age to understand the musical concepts so crucial to the learning patterns of the brain.



Some classes which are offered are:
-Babies Musical World for infants
-Nature's Music (18 months to 3 years)
-Family Music for Toddlers (15 months to 3 1/2 years)
-Cycle of the Seasons (3 to 5 years)
-Music Makers, (4-7 years)

All classes include instruction in movement, singing and listening skills, as well as rhythm with percussion instruments, ear training, and music literacy.  All classes include the adult involvement with the child.

Another option to consider is starting your own playgroup at your home.   Playgroups can be tailored to kids BIRTH THRU AGE FIVE (give or take)!   Have three, four or more of your friends join you for some musical fun on your turf, and get your classes for free! Each playgroup can decide the length of their session.

Class location: Gainesville Academy of Music and Art
1128 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601

Instructors: Naomi Whitely & Susan Moss  /  (352) 256-8894
www.musikgarten.org/gainesville
O2BKids Morning Magic
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday
Check the website for specific class details.
Toddlers and Preschoolers
FREE with membership

Join our fun-filled Parent & Child Enrichment program for toddlers and preschool children.  Your daily learning experience starts with a theatrical stage production performed by our Morning Magic Players.  Next, enjoy our age-appropriate classes including art, music, gymnastics, & more!  Our goal is to help develop your child's potential with fun activities that foster cognitive, social, and physical skills.

Our Family Membership provides over 200 weekly classes for kids, in ONE LOCATION for parents, for ONE ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICE! All children zero to thirteen years old can pick and choose and change their minds as they explore an incredible variety of classes including gymnastics, dance, karate, cheerleading, music, drama, art, science, technology, sports, languages, chess and more! Families also enjoy unlimited daily visits to our Play Village, dynamic Special Events, discounts on all premier programs, and FREE two-hour drop-off care EVERYDAY for children six years and older! The O2B Kids Family Membership is an unbeatable value for all parents and provides spectacular learning experiences for all children. In other words, O2B Kids is a family's Dream Come True!

Supercenter: 6680 West Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL 32605   /  (352) 332-5500

www.O2BKids.com
PJ Library Tot Shabbat
Fridays 9:30-10:30AM
Ages 1-4
FREE
A free weekly program of songs, stories and crafts for Jewish children and their parents.

B'Nai Israel Day School: 3830 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605
Please call (352) 376-1508 ext 110 for more information

Click here to go to the website
Pofahl Studios
The focus of the School is to teach each student poise and coordination and to instill in them the love of dance.  For those who wish to pursue an academic or professional career, a complete training program is offered as well.  The School prides itself on a healthy environment where the individual is respected regardless of talent or academic achievement.

Styles of Dance: Pre-ballet, ballet, Mommy and Me, jazz, tap, acrobatics, hip-hop & partnering

1325 NW 2nd St, Gainesville, FL 32601  /  (352) 373-1166

kjpofahl@bellsouth.net
www.pofahldancestudio.com
Sprout Learning Resources Story and Craft Time
Tuesdays at 10AM
FREE


Story and Craft Time for toddlers and infants.

14911 Main Street, Alachua, FL 32616  /  (386) 418-0006

www.sproutlearningresources.com
Studio Percussion Dance


Kids Love Dance Our Kids Love Dance programs are a fun and laid-back approach to learning and exploring dance.   Our small classes incorporate traditional elements such as ballet, jazz, and modern dance movement/technique while mixing in a wide variety of cultural music and dance styles (such as Irish, Hip Hop, Breakdance, Folk, African, Country-Western, Latin, Ballroom, ethnic dances, and “just for fun” activities), props, and musical instruments.   These classes do not require special clothing or shoes, and we focus on the interests of our students when designing the curriculum.

Styles of Dance: Mixture of various styles; ballet; misfit ballet

Percussion Studios, Inc,, 519E NW 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601   /  (352) 317-1516

www.studiopercussion.org/services/dance.html
Dance Sun Country
At Dance Sun Country, we are committed to giving each student a solid dance education focusing on technique, musicality, and showmanship.   Our highly qualified staff lead structured, challenging classes that are full of creativity and enthusiasm.   We strive to create a positive atmosphere for our students, nurturing the mind and body to act as one, to develop grace, poise, and confidence.   Our mission is that our students leave class having gained not only quality dance training, but also personal confidence that will benefit them throughout their entire lives in any career they choose.

Styles of Dance: Ballet, jazz, tap, modern dance, dance tots,hip-hop and dance team

333 SW 140th Terrace, Jonesville, FL 32669  /  (352) 331-8773

www.suncountrysports.com/dance.html
Sun Country Gym Bus
This service is available for schools, daycare centers, parties and events only.

Our self-contained unit comes complete with professional equipment created especially for the beginning gymnast.   And our trained, certified coaches provide an innovative, exciting curriculum in this unique environment.   Our mobile gymnasium travels to your child's school or daycare for a convenient, structured workout!   The Sun Country Gym Bus offers the best fundamental child's gymnasium program available today.   Enroll now, and we will help produce a happier, healthier, stronger child!

Gym Bus Dance Class: Our curriculum includes all of the basics of ballet and jazz as well as creative movement and rhythm exercises.   Your child will learn pliés, relevés, turns, leaps, and jumps and even some simple dance routines.   The continuous music, games, and rewards make this class as fun as it is educational.

Our mobile facility includes:
  -Full-sized school bus
  -Fully padded, carpeted and climate controlled
  -Rings, bars, mats, balance beam, ball pit, mini-trampoline & more!

(352) 331-8773

www.suncountrysports.com/gymbus.html
Sun Country Gymnastics
Walkers and Climbers:Solidly Walking - 17 Months Old) This fun filled parent/child class is for the child who is now solidly walking and climbing and ready for more challenging adventures.  After a warm-up they will be introduced to more of the gymnastics equipment.  Songs, music and games will accompany this 30-minute long class.

Toddlers:(18 months - 2.5 years)
This playful parent/child class is centered on age appropriate development and movement.  An obstacle course is introduced, as well as the use of trampoline, climbing castle, and foam pit.  Songs, music and group activities help to make this parent child class a blast!

Tumble Tots:(2.6 - 3.5 years)
Still accompanied by a parent, this program introduces the child to a more structured gymnastics class, still providing the freedom a child this age requires.  For these almost independent gymnasts each week provides a different theme that incorporates gymnastics, music, and lots of fun and movement.

GymStars Program:(3.6 years - 5 years)
Children who can separate comfortably from their parent are appropriate for this class.  This is a structured, theme-related gymnastics class with a warm-up, obstacle course, and rotations, providing more advanced gymnastics opportunities.

Rainbow Gymnastics:(Boys and Girls Ages 5 and up)
Our Rainbow Program is for boys and girls ages 5 and up.  This program, written especially for Sun Country, is a positive reward system used to teach gymnastics to children.  All students earn ribbons on each event in the gym.  It is a positive, no-fail system that progresses students through gymnastics, using nine color stages, at their own pace.

333 SW 140th Terrace, Jonesville, FL 32669   /   (352) 331-8773

4010 NW 27th Lane, Gainesville, FL 32606   /  (352) 378-8711

www.suncountrysports.com/gymnastics.html
Sun Country Sports Center
An enormous sports complex featuring a pool, a workout gym, a large playscape play for kids, a rock wall, and programs in gymnastics, cheer, fencing, karate, dance, fitness, swim, and more.

Kidquest KidQuest, our indoor "soft-play" playground has been themed especially for Sun Country Sports. Parents and children will run, jump and climb for hours. KidQuest is filled with multiple activities for every child: • Monkey Bars • Themed Punching Bags • Hump Slide • Spiral Slide • Zig Zag Climb • Balance Beam • Tube Crawl

Kidquest Jr. Available for children under the age of 5 KiQuest Jr. is a perfect area to allow your child to have fun in a safe environment. • Separate ball pit • KidQuest Castle • Toddler exploration area • Swivel Cockpit

333 SW 140th Terrace, Jonesville, FL 32669   /  (352) 331-8773
4010 NW 27th Lane, Gainesville, FL 32606   /  (352) 378-8711

www.suncountrysports.com
Sun Country Stay and Play
Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Ages 5 years old and younger
Member: $8  /  Non-Member: $11


TUESDAY STAY AND PLAY Every Tuesday morning will be filled with fun and exciting activities.   You and your child will make a splash in our heated saline pool, navigate your way through exciting obstacle courses in our Sun Gym and bounce around in our inflatable moonwalks in the Bounce Room.   The morning ends with song and dance activities during Circle Time and a snack. Activities include: Bounce Room, Sun Gymnastics Room, Music, Dance, Swimming (weather permitted) Snacks Provided

FRIDAY STAY AND PLAY For the perfect end to your week, continue coming to our Friday morning Stay and Play. Enjoy free time in KidQuest, bounce house and guided free play and obstacle courses in the Star Gym.   Also, take advantage of the activities and obstacle course in our SunBurst room.   This preschool gym offers equipment designed specifically for children 5 and under and a KidZone exploration and play structure.   Every Friday morning ends with songs and activities during Parachute Time, snack and Story Time.   Activities include SunBurst Gymnastics Room, Star Gymnastics Room, Bounce House, KidQuest, Parachute Games, and Story Time, Snacks Provided

333 SW 140th Terrace, Jonesville, FL 32669   /  (352) 331-8773

www.suncountrysports.com/stayandplay.html
Tonewood Family Music
Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and the adults who love them.  Music Together classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical.  All children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning.

Classes are offered at multiple locations. Please check the website for details.
(352) 505-9226

Director@TonewoodFamilyMusic.com
www.tonewoodfamilymusic.com
Tot Time at the Harn Museum
First Friday of the month 11:00AM - 12:00PM
Last Tuesday of the month 3:30PM - 4:30PM
Ages 2-5
$1 per child


Tot Time at the Harn Musuem: Children ages 2-5 and their parents learn about art by touring Harn galleries, exploring art materials, books, games and age-appropriate concepts.   Programs are offered twice a month, and children must be registered to attend in advance.

Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art: SW 34th Street and Hull Road, Gainesville, Florida 32611

To register, contact Lisa Stevens (352) 392-9826 x112
lstevens@harn.ufl.edu
www.harn.ufl.edu
Tumblemania
Tumblemania is a first class Trampoline & Tumbling and Cheerleading facility in High Springs Florida.  We offer a variety of programs that provide students with the opportunity to participate in the sports of Trampoline & Tumbling and Cheerleading in either a recreational or competitive capacity.  Boys and girls ages 2 and up are welcome to join in the fun!

Mom & Tots: An introductory class for Mom's and tots!  This class is for children ages 2 and 3.  It is a structured class designed to develop beginning skills and interest in Trampoline & Tumbling. \  This class incorporates interactive activities for Mom's and Tot's using music, imaginative play and listening skills.

Pre-School:For ages 3 and 4, this class incorporates music and imaginative play to develop beginning trampoline and tumbling skills.  We work on strength, coordination, balance, social interaction, listening skills and taking turns.

Recreational classes:Geared for school aged children, recreational classes focus on learning basic skills in all Trampoline & Tumbling events while building self confidence and physical health.  Check the website for more details.

24350 NW 176th Avenue, High Springs, FL 32643  /  (386) 454-1779/(352) 339-1264

www.tumblemania.com
Northwood YMCA Gymnastics
Bouncing Babies:(6-17 month olds) Babies and parents share time in a physically challenging and safe environment.  Babies can crawl, roll, and climb in a stimulating and open area.

Rolling Rascals:(toddlers 18 months- 3 yrs) Toddlers and their parents follow along with instructor led activities such as light stretch, guided discovery, obstacle courses, and games.  The class also promotes social skills such as taking turns, listening, and following instructions

Terrific Tumblers:(3-4 year olds) Parents observe as their children work independently with the teacher.  Strength, flexibility, and agility are taught as a proper foundation for overall body awareness.  Children work on social skills such as taking turns, listening, and following instructions.  Children must be toilet-trained to participate in this class.

Fantastic Flippers:(4-5 year olds) Children work on basic gymnastics skills and overall body strength and agility.  Child-sized equipment is used to develop balance, flexibility, and coordination

Rising star(ages 5-9 and 8-12) The first of the three progressive gymnastics levels.  This class will focus on the beginning technique of gymnastics.  Children will learn skill names, correct technique, and form for each skill. Each child must pass at least 90% of the progression sheets in order to sign up for the second level of classes.

Shooting star((5-12 all ages mixed) The second of the three progressive gymnastics levels.  This class will focus on more skills and the USAG Level 3 routines.  Children will learn the basic structure of gymnastics routines along with learning different skill connections and progressions.  Completion of this class will be determined by a performance review.

All Star Boys(5-12 all ages mixed) This class uses vault, bars, and floor exercise.  The class will focus on the fundamental technique of gymnastics.  The class is developmentally based and is geared towards learning gymnastics skills, developing physical self-esteem, and developing overall body strength.

5201 NW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL 32605   /  (352) 374-YMCA

www.ncfymca.org
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