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 4 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:
Little Discoverers (ages 1.5-4 years) – Wednesdays 9:45-10:45am
Little Steps (ages 1.5-4 years) – Fridays 9:45-10:45am
Ready to drop-in or join us through your membership? Visit our class scheduling page here.
Fall session registration opens now!
Growing Littles Memberships!
The classes you love. Flexibility for your life.
All of our playspace-based classes are included in our flexible membership packages! Join us for 4, 6, or 8 classes each month of your choice. Share memberships across siblings, cancel/add classes to other weeks due to illness or travel, and seamlessly transition from one month to the next.
Playschool
Big growth for little learners.
A drop-off program where little ones 2-3 years can practice pre-preschool skills through circle time, crafts, games, outdoor fun, and more—with instructors you trust and an environment that supports their development.
Classes meet weekly for 5 weeks on a weekday morning from 9:30-11:30am.
Fall Session 1 (Tuesdays 9:30-11:30am) registration opens 8/7.
Little Explorers
Join us for our “little explorers” program. These “field trip style” classes designed for littles ages walking – 6 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!
Fall Session 1: Monday mornings starting September 14th. Registration open!
Check back in January for our 2027 Summer camp lineup! Winter break camps coming soon.
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.
Fall Session begins in September. Registration open!
Cumberland Nanny Company
Trusted care. Thoughtfully matched.
Sister company of Growing Littles, Cumberland Nanny Company is a nanny matching agency centered on helping Maine families find exceptional nannies who are the right fit for their family.
Special Events
SEPTEMBER:
Growing Up Maine: 3rd Annual Early Childhood Resource Expo for Maine Families
Sunday, September 13th from 10AM-1PM at Breakwater School, Portland
Back by popular demand! The Growing Up Maine expo is your go-to event for young families in Southern Maine. Whether you’re expecting, parenting a toddler, or navigating the preschool years, this family-focused event connects you with trusted local resources, early childhood experts, and fun for the whole family all in one place. Learn more here.
OCTOBER:
Save the date for our annual Halloween Spooktacular – Saturday October 24th 2026. Tickets will go on sale in September.
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 2026-2027
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 in-person and are open to caregivers in all seasons from expecting to early childhood.
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 