child development based classes for
littles and their grown ups
Rooted in science, grown in community. Our baby and toddler classes provide a space to learn more about your child’s development, build your village by connecting with other caregivers, and support your child’s learning through play and exploration.
Our Classes
Development-based classes:
We offer classes for newborns (ages 0 months – 6 months), babies (ages 6 months – 18 months), and toddlers (ages 1.5 years to 3.5 years). Classes include an interactive circle time, a fun and engaging activity, a learning topic for caregivers, and some free play time where littles can explore and caregivers can connect with one another.
Other class offerings:
Music class – Mondays from 10-11:15a
Spring Session 2 classes begin May 6th
Postpartum Planning Series
for Expecting Parents
This 7-week series is designed to bring together some of the best local perinatal providers whose expertise will help parents prepare their lives, relationships, and physical and mental health for baby’s arrival. Parents will leave with resources, knowledge, and confidence to enter this next season of life.
Next Session: Thursdays from 6 – 7:30 PM starting May 30th
Little Explorers
Join us for our “little explorers” program. These “field trip style” classes designed for littles ages ~20 months – 4 years meet weekly in different locations around Cumberland and the surrounding towns. Kiddos and grown-ups will enjoy checking out new adventure locations around the area while meeting other kids and caregivers. We do all the work of organizing and planning and you just get to show up and have fun!
Full for Spring Session 2. Summer Session 1 registration will open early May. Email jessica@growinglittles.info to join waitlist!
Special Events
April:
*SOLD OUT*
Mother’s Day Mini’s with Maggie McDonald Photography
Saturday, April 27th at Dragonflower Ranch in Yarmouth
A perfect gift for mom for Mother’s Day! Photoshoots will take place on Saturday, April 27th and your digital images will be ready by Mother’s Day! Families of all types and sizes welcome!
25 minute photoshoot on the beautiful Dragonflower Ranch property (choose your setting and vibe – from indoor barn options to outside with the horses, it’s up to you!) with 25 digital images ready by Mother’s Day.
Cost: $200/family
Reserve your spot and register here
May:
Little Chefs Make a Cake for Mom
Saturday, May 11th at 10 AM at Growing Littles
For little chefs ages 1-5 and their dad sous chefs
Join us for a special Dads and Littles playdate baking class lead by our friends at MEPowered Pastries! A time just for dads and kids! Kid chefs will learn how to make their own cake for mom that will be ready just in time for Mother’s Day. Plus, mom gets the morning to herself! A win-win! Then stay and play in our indoor and outdoor play areas until 11:30!
Cost: $45 (1 child + their grown-up)
Register for Make a Cake for Mom Baking Class
$45.00
*SOLD OUT*
Kids Hairstyling and Spa Party!
Saturday, May 18th at 10AM at Growing Littles
The ultimate spa day for you and your littles! Learn how to create some new, fun hairstyles for your kiddo by a professional hair stylist, then stay and play for a fun spa day! Nail polish station, DIY face masks, smoothie making, and more! Adorable spa set-up by Castles in the Sky Events will transform the playspace for a magical spa morning! For caregivers with kiddos ages 1-5 years.
Cost: $45
June:
Little Artists Sensory Art Class
Saturday, June 1st at 10 AM
Join us for a sensory experience art class for little artists ages 1-6! Get messy and create a masterpiece with the help of art teacher, Gracie, to take home! Finish up with some playtime!
Weather permitting this will be an outside class followed by water play and outside fun and iced coffee for the grown-ups!
Register for Little Artists 6/1
1 artist + their grown-up(s)
$45.00
Drop-in Play
Fridays 9:00am-12:00pm
Drop in to play at our new play space! Enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with other caregivers while your kiddo enjoys exploring our fun, engaging space.
Free for class session members. $15/family for non-members.
Please note: Due to parking space limitations, advance registration is required for everyone (unless you plan to arrive on foot or by bike)!
Party with us!
Our space. Your event.
birthday parties, baby showers, & special events
$250
Enjoy 2.5 hours of full, private use of our space and option to bring in your own outside food, drinks, and decor. Let us help execute your vision! Included in your rental is a personal party assistant (me! and I love to throw a good party!) who will be on-hand to help with set-up and decorating. We’ll even help clean up the mess!
Now booking spring and summer 2024
Our space is designed to be welcoming to littles and caregivers alike. It offers Montesorri-inspired stations, carefully curated toys and activities, and a warm, supportive environment for caregivers seeking community.
Meet Jess
Meet Growing Littles’ owner and child development expert, Jess Applin. A mama of two and a PhD in developmental psychology, Jess is passionate about breaking down the science behind child development research, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for littles to learn and explore, and helping caregivers build their village as they navigate this new season of life.
Our Workshops
We also offer workshops for caregivers that cover key topics of infant and toddler development.
Each workshop targets a different topic (such as, The Science Behind Sleep Training). Workshops are structured starting with a lecture component where we will break down what the research tells us about the topic (e.g, How does sleep training affect attachment?), then relevant resources will be provided on the topic (e.g., Information on age-appropriate wake windows, setting up a sleep environment and bedtime routine, etc.), and will close with a Q & A session where caregivers can ask questions.
While the lecture components of our workshops are rooted in the science, we also believe that each child is unique and every parenting decision can’t only be based on ‘the data’ but must also consider each family’s circumstances and preferences. Our goal is to provide caregivers with the resources and the confidence to make decisions that are best for their family.
Workshops are held virtually and are open to caregivers in all seasons from expecting to early childhood.
Workshops are taught by Growing Littles’ owner, Jess Applin.
Our Philosophy
At Growing Littles we aim to help caregivers better understand the science behind infant and toddler cognitive and social development while engaging littles in purposeful play. We strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment where littles can learn and explore and caregivers can connect with one another. Our goal is for caregivers to leave feeling confident in their knowledge, supported in their decisions, and connected with their community. We would love for Growing Littles to be part of your parenting village.
“May I grow so tall and bright, so free and wild, so brave and vibrant, that when you see me standing you think I am a sunflower.”
Gabby compres
Growing Littles
Do you have questions about our classes or workshops?
Email: jessica@growinglittles.info
361 Tuttle Road
Cumberland, ME 04021
Follow us on instagram:
@growinglittlesinmaine
Growing Littles 