Welcome to Afternoons at A.L.M.A.!
Looking for an afternoon adventure for your little one? A.L.M.A. now offers weekly classes for kids age 3-6 in Music, Spanish, and STEAM!
Join us every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00-4:30 for fun, hands-on learning led by experienced teachers in a warm, playful environment.
Give your child the gift of curiosity and learning at A.L.M.A.!
Click each arrow below for more details:
Music (Tuesdays)
Let the rhythm move you!
On Tuesdays, children are introduced to the world of music through hands-on experiences with songs, rhythms, and instruments.
Whether it's tapping out a beat, singing along to lively tunes, or experimenting with simple instruments, kids will build a strong sense of rhythm, coordination, and creativity. With each activity designed to engage their natural curiosity, your child will gain a deeper appreciation for music while developing key listening and motor skills.
This class is all about exploring music in a fun, supportive environment—perfect for young children to discover the joy of sound and song!
Spanish Language (Wednesdays)
¡Vamos a aprender!
In our Spanish Language class on Wednesdays, children embark on an exciting journey of language and culture through storytelling, games, songs, and play. Using interactive activities, your child will start to understand basic words, phrases, and greetings, all while building confidence and having fun.
This class fosters early language acquisition and introduces children to new ways of thinking and communicating. A dynamic, playful approach ensures that children learn not just words, but also the joy of connecting with others through language.
By the end of the session, your child will be saying “Hola” and “Gracias” with a smile!
S.T.E.A.M. (Thursdays)
Explore, create, discover!
On Thursdays, children dive into the exciting world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), where learning comes to life through hands-on projects and engaging experiments.
From mixing colors to building structures and testing simple machines, kids will ignite their curiosity while developing key problem-solving skills. Each activity is designed to spark creativity and critical thinking, encouraging children to explore the world around them in fun and dynamic ways.
By the end of the class, your child will not only have learned new concepts but also built confidence in their ability to experiment, create, and think like a young scientist and artist!
A.L.M.A.’s multidisciplinary approach offers children a fresh perspective on the world around them.
Whether you're looking for engaging enrichment classes or extra weekly support, A.L.M.A. offers a joyful space for kids to learn, play, and grow.
Program Benefits
- High-quality, personalized instruction from seasoned educators
- Dynamic curriculum that uses children’s interests to make learning fun
- Focus on developing key life and social-emotional skills
- Welcoming environment supports the transition from home to school
Register Below
Let’s connect! We love to meet new families before the first day of class. If we haven’t already chatted on the phone or given you a tour, please use the link in your confirmation email to schedule a quick introductory phone call.
*Please note that in order to complete registration, you will need to fill out several DCFS forms, including a recent health exam from your child’s doctor and a copy of your child’s birth certificate. A.L.M.A. is a DCFS-licensed facility, which requires that all children have this paperwork on file before attending classes.
Afternoons at A.L.M.A. FAQs
Is my child eligible for this program?
In order to enroll in Afternoons at A.L.M.A. your child must:
- be aged 3-6 as of their first day of attendance*
- be independent in toileting and handwashing
- be examined by their doctor 6 months or less prior to enrollment*
- be tested for TB within 6 months of enrollment, screened for lead, and vaccinated for chickenpox*
*A.L.M.A. is a DCFS-licensed facility. These are DCFS requirements for all children.
Does my child need to be fully toilet trained?
Yes. In order to attend A.L.M.A. classes, children must be able to use the bathroom independently. In this case, independence means that children:
- have the physical awareness to use the bathroom without reminders
- are able to undress and dress themselves
- have the ability to wipe/clean themselves
- can wash their hands thoroughly
There are scheduled bathroom breaks during transition times. Children are also free to visit the bathroom whenever they have the need.
We understand that when children enter a new environment there can be a period of adjustment and “accidents” may happen. These occurrences are handled supportively and non-punitively. However, if your child has frequent accidents, we will reevaluate your child’s readiness for our program.
Is every class the same?
No, every class is a little different! We follow a similar daily rhythm in terms of snack and activities, but classes can vary in content and format. We use a dynamic curriculum that allows us to incorporate the children’s interests and take inspiration from many different aspects of life. Every day at A.L.M.A. is a new adventure!
Will my child bring home a finished product from each class?
No. Your child will make things along the way in Afternoons at A.L.M.A., but they won’t necessarily take something home every day. Our best-practices instruction focuses on process and often involves activities that don’t have a take-home product. Rest assured that your child is internalizing key concepts and skills every day at A.L.M.A., and they do take these home with them!
Do you provide a snack?
Yes. We provide a nutritious daily snack which may include fruit, vegetables, grains, and plant-based protein. Periodically, we will serve dairy (cheese/ yogurt) and eggs. A.L.M.A. is a nut-free campus.
How do you communicate with parents?
We send weekly photos of our afternoon activities so you can get a peek inside your child’s learning! We also send emails with reminders about any upcoming program needs or changes. If time-sensitive issues arise (such as if your child becomes ill while at A.L.M.A.), we will call parents/guardians.
What happens if my child gets sick?
Children showing signs of communicable illness may not attend class until they have been symptom- and fever-free for 24 hours. If your child begins showing signs of illness while at A.L.M.A., we will notify you promptly. Please arrange for them to be picked up within the hour. If we cannot reach a parent, we will call your listed emergency contacts.
How do you handle discipline?
We teach problem-solving utilizing Non-Violent Communication and use natural consequences as our primary approach to discipline. Disciplinary measures are always designed and carried out in a way that helps children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions. Corporal punishment is never applied. You can read our full Discipline Policy here.
ADDRESS & CONTACT
1037 Marengo Ave.
Forest Park, IL 60130
Our organization earned a 2024 Gold Seal of Transparency! Now, everyone can learn more about our programs and areas served and find us on social media. Check out our updated Nonprofit Profile on Candid.
