Next Generation Playground

08/23/2026

🌸 A reminder for the parent replaying every difficult moment from this past week:

One hard moment does not define your child. It does not define you as a parent either. Children are still learning how to communicate what they need, especially when they are frustrated, overwhelmed, tired, or unsure. Sometimes behavior is the only way they know how to say, “This is too much for me.”

Take a breath. Tomorrow is a new day, and you are both still learning together 💜

This idea will be at the heart of our upcoming Parent Training Session in September: "Behavior 101: Helping children communicate, not escalate."

Your child must be enrolled in the concurrent S.T.E.P.S. session while you attend the class; simply add both sessions on September 19th to your cart:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/next-generation-kids-klub-steps

08/21/2026

🍂 We can almost smell hoodie weather... Whether you're headed to school drop-off, soccer practice, or a crisp morning walk, we've got you covered.

Best part? Every order supports our nonprofit 💜

Scan the QR code on our flyer to shop our online store!

08/20/2026

Please help us give a warm welcome to Ty Stacey, one of the newest members of the Next Generation Playground Board of Directors!
💙💚

Ty joins NGP as our Director of Education Recruitment and Support, bringing more than six years of experience working in education and supporting students and families. He also has experience with disability advocacy and helping others better understand the importance of inclusion and accessibility.

His experience and passion for supporting families will be such a great addition as we continue growing our programs, building community connections, and creating more opportunities for children of all abilities. We’re excited to have him on the team and look forward to all he’ll bring to our mission and the families we serve.

Welcome to NGP, Ty! We’re so happy to have you! 🎉

08/19/2026

🥺 Can we all agree that summer goes by way too fast?

While we're a little sad to see it go, we're so excited for everything fall season has in store, especially our M.U.S.I.C. Fall Session! 🎶🍂

Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for another session, we can't wait to make music together.

Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or clicking this registration link:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/next-generation-kids-klub-fall-music

08/17/2026

One of our favorite things about the monthly Parent Training Series is reminding families that they do not have to figure everything out alone.

There is something comforting about being in a room with other parents and caregivers who understand the questions, the hard days, the small victories, and everything in between.

Our September session will focus on helping children communicate their needs before difficult moments continue to escalate.

No judgment.
No expectation to have all the answers.
Just an opportunity to learn, connect, and feel supported.

Join us for a practical and supportive session presented by Laurel Daly, M.A., BCBA, LBA, founder and behavioral analyst at Gentle Roots Behavior Consulting. Parents and caregivers will learn more about what behavior may be communicating and how to respond in ways that support connection, understanding, and regulation.

📅 Saturday, September 19 at 9:00 AM
📍 3300 Encounter Lane, Elgin, IL 60124
💜 Held during our Kids Klub S.T.E.P.S. program

Start your week by saving the date. This is one conversation you will not want to miss.

Your child must be enrolled in the concurrent S.T.E.P.S. session while you attend the class; simply add both sessions on September 19th to your cart: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/next-generation-kids-klub-steps

08/15/2026

💜 Our hearts are so full after this morning's Parent Training Series.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Deanne Miller of Thrive Pediatrics for creating such a warm and supportive space, and for sharing her time, knowledge, and encouragement with our families. The reminder that parents deserve care, patience, and support too was one we all needed to hear.

To the families who joined us, we hope you left feeling seen, supported, and reminded that you are not alone in the hard and beautiful work of parenting 🌸

We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back for next month’s Parent Training Series and continuing these meaningful conversations together!

08/14/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday, Nate! 🎉

Today we want to give a big birthday shoutout to Nate and thank him for everything he does for our Kids Klub kiddos! 💜

Nate brings so much energy, patience, fun, and heart to Kids Klub. He helps create a space where our kids can be themselves, build confidence, try new things, and most importantly, have FUN.

We are so grateful for the time and care you pour into our kids and into the Kids Klub program. The impact you make means more than you probably realize, not only to the kids, but to their families too.

Please help us wish him a very Happy Birthday! 🥳🎂 We hope you have an amazing day. You deserve it!

Thank you for all you do for our NGP family, Nate! 💜

08/14/2026

💜 Tomorrow is the day!

Join us tomorrow morning for our next Parent Training Series, "Parenting Without Burnout: Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Child," presented by Dr. Deanne Miller, owner and pediatrician at Thrive Pediatrics.

With school starting, routines changing, and schedules filling up, this is the perfect time to pause and make space for your own well-being too. Come spend the morning learning, connecting, and gaining practical encouragement for caring for yourself while caring for your child.

📅 Tomorrow, Saturday, August 15 at 9:00 AM
📍 3300 Encounter Lane, Elgin, IL 60125
💜 Held during our Kids Klub S.T.E.P.S. program

It's not too late to purchase your tickets and join us! We would love to welcome you tomorrow.

Your child must be enrolled in the concurrent S.T.E.P.S. session while you attend the class; simply add both sessions on August 15th to your cart: https://www.zeffy.com/.../next-generation-kids-klub-steps

08/12/2026

🎵 One last summer sing-along!

Tonight is our final evening of our Summer M.U.S.I.C. session! It's hard to believe how quickly the summer has flown by. We've loved spending our Wednesday evenings singing, moving, playing instruments, and making memories with all of our amazing little musicians.

🍂 BUT don't worry... the music doesn't have to stop here! Fall M.U.S.I.C. registration is now open, and we'd love to see your family back for another wonderful season.

Register by clicking this registration link:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/next-generation-kids-klub-fall-music?fbclid=IwY2xjawTbSlRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoa0x5cFc4b05jbmNjcnRTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHonveneAbDBOu5Im1y2z8ZsbeA-gF5QGtojPqyRQnNWTUTcNreXdMWZ9r9v6_aem_o4Pz4UZxuTNr3XuyMDEA8g

Fall M.U.S.I.C. SessionJoin us this fall for our 10-week M.U.S.I.C. (Music Understanding, Speech Integration, & Connection) program!Session DatesWednesday…

08/10/2026

Back-to-school season can bring a lot of excitement, but it can also come with new routines, packed schedules, big emotions, and extra stress for the whole family 💜

As parents and caregivers, we often focus so much on helping our children adjust that we forget to check in with ourselves.

That is why this month’s Parent Training Series is focused on "Parenting Without Burnout: Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Child," presented by Dr. Deanne Miller, owner and pediatrician at Thrive Pediatrics.

Join us this upcoming Saturday for a supportive and meaningful conversation about caring for yourself during the busy seasons of parenting.

📅 Saturday, August 15 at 9:00 AM
📍 3300 Encounter Lane, Elgin, IL 60125
💜 Held during our Kids Klub S.T.E.P.S. program

You don't have to wait until you are completely overwhelmed to make space for yourself. We hope you'll join us ❣

Your child must be enrolled in the concurrent S.T.E.P.S. session while you attend the class; simply add both sessions on August 15th to your cart:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/next-generation-kids-klub-steps