Early Childhood
What people are saying:
"Through Tot Lot we have become so much more connected to the community. When we moved here, it was hard to adjust to life in a bigger city. But we immediately plugged in to Tot Lot and started meeting so many friends. Now it seems like everywhere I go I see somebody from Tot Lot. It makes me feel like I belong here."
- Tot Lot parent
Tot Lot
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Fall 2024: Registration is now open!
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​Fall Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00am-12:00pm ​
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Cost: Free with HPNC Access Pass​​​​​​
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Access Pass: New this year will be an annual Access Pass for all program participants and their families. This will aid in building security and communication. Starting in August, an Access Pass will be required for registration into HPNC and on-site partner programs. A Family Pass includes all individuals living in one household and registered under the same family profile. Fees will recur annually and will be applied at the first check out of each renewal period. Financial assistance is available: hpnclub.org/financial-aid.
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What is Tot Lot? Tot Lot offers opportunities for children ages birth to 5 years to experince the world outside their home with their caregiver. Hosted outdoors or in our expansive gym, children have access to mats, riding toys, play structures, balls, and open-ended building materials. A separate area is available for non-walking children to safely play, explore, and observe.
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We design our programs with the whole family in mind. Tot Lot is a time for caregivers to build strong networks and to boost their mental health through relationship and connection. For young children, our goal is to create a safe space for them to explore their physical limits, build friendships, and experience new and challenging sensations within the context of loving, attuned, and supportive care.
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Self-directed play with peers is intentionally at the core of our programming, because we know that this is the most direct way to foster:
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Healthy social and emotional development
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Self-regulation and self-monitoring
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Joy, curiosity, and wonder
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Motor, language, and problem-solving skills through real-world experience negotiating with peers
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Confidence and sense of self
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2024 Tot Lot Winter Holiday Party: Around the World
Friday, December 13
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Throughout the year, Tot Lot celebrates a number of holidays with our children, caregivers, and parents. Holiday parties take place from 10a-12p on regularly scheduled Tot Lot days, with Tot Lot open for drop in play from 9-10a.
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All parties feature themed crafts and activities for children ages birth to 5 and their adults. If you are interested in supporting Tot Lot Holiday Parties by volunteering, please contact Community Engagement Manager Chanel Easter at ceaster@hpnclub.org.
Child Care Resource
& Referral
What people are saying:
"I reached out to HPNC because my family and I were moving from St. Louis and needed a nanny until our kids transitioned to daycare. I had a wonderful experience with HPNC with respect to being able to setup interviews and get in touch with nannies.
"Our nanny is wonderful. She’s always on time, has never taken a sick day, adores our children (potty-trained our daughter, celebrated her birthday with her), and lives close by and has her own car—very useful in the time of COVID."
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- Father of two, faculty member at
UChicago Medical Center
Childcare Referral Services
Finding the right childcare can be hard for new and relocating parents! HPNC is here to help guide you through the process or just to provide reassurance along the way. We provide private and group consultation for parents who are seeking childcare for young children aged from birth to three years. Parents may sign up for group sessions that include a brief introduction to the basic childcare landscape in and around Hyde Park or for a private 1:1 consultation where time is dedicated to talking through your family's unique childcare needs and personalized referrals are given.
Extra support for parents hiring nannies is also available through 1:1 consultation. This may include guidance on interviewing, contracting, how to prepare for a successful relationship, and how to set up household employee taxes.
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September 14, 2024
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October 26, 2024
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November 16, 2024
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December 21, 2024
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January 18, 2025
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February 15, 2025
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March 15, 2025
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April 19, 2025
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May 17, 2025
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Please reach out to Dr. Diwan at sdiwan@hpnclub.org for any questions or concerns.
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Free in-person drop-in sessions: held at HPNC from 10:30am-12:00pm on pre-scheduled days listed below. No appointment necessary; just stop by! Feel free to bring your child(ren) - they will have a chance to play at Tot Lot after you wrap up with Sarah.
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- September 13, 2024
- September 27, 2024
- October 11, 2024
- October 25, 2024
- November 8, 2024
- November 22, 2024
- December 6, 2024
- December 20, 2024
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Private 1-on-1 consultation sessions are held over Zoom or in person by appointment. In this session, Dr. Diwan will review your specific childcare needs, help you think through your options, give information on contracting, and provide you with a list of personalized referrals. Private consultations are $25* and can be scheduled here.
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*If this fee would create a financial burden and prevent your family from participating, please contact Dr. Diwan at sdiwan@hpnclub.org to request a no-fee consultation.
Resources and Support for all Caregivers
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Caregiver support services fall into three categories: connecting caregivers to families, caregiver mentoring, & an early childhood professional development workshop series. Services are available to assist all childcare providers including family caregivers, nannies, home daycare operators, and center-based staff. Priority is given to those providing childcare for families of young children who live and work in the Hyde Park and University of Chicago Communities.
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HPNC maintains a Resource Center that houses a lending library and a variety of resources for parents and childcare providers. Caregivers are invited to check out these resources during HPNC's open hours.
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Caregiver Professional Development 2024-25
This free workshop series is intended for parents, nannies, and daycare providers - particularly those with children ages birth to 3 years. Attendees can register for one, more, or all workshops based on individual interest. ​​​​​​​
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Building a Strong Parent-Caregiver Relationship
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Speaker: Haley Younkin-Wilson, OTD, OTR/L​​​
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Connecting caregivers with families
Are you a babysitter, nanny or home daycare provider who wants to be connected to Hyde Park area families seeking childcare? Send an email to Sarah at sdiwan@hpnclub.org AND complete this Intake Form to start the process.
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If you'd rather talk to Sarah in person, families and caregivers are invited to connect with Sarah at HPNC's Tot Lot from 10:30-11:30am on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month unless otherwise noted. No appointment necessary; just stop by.​​
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Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR Training
Participants will learn skills required to receive American Red Cross Certification in CPR/First Aid. Emphasis will be on safety procedures for early childhood caregivers including parents, nannies, home daycare providers, and daycare center & PreK classroom teachers. This class is for adults only. It is appropriate for those seeking 1st time certification or certificate renewal.
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*CPR registration closed as class has reached capacity​
The HPNC Child Care Resource & Referral program is funded by a grant from the Childcare Initiative of the University of Chicago and the University of Chicago Hospital and Medical Center