This journey of participating in swimming lessons which you and your children are about to embark on is probably one of the most important journeys that you will experience.
As with every journey, there is much preparation and planning. Parents and staff must work together as a team. In the weeks before the classes begin, parents should talk frequently to the children about the upcoming lessons and tell them how much fun they will have.
For the older children, parents should explain the great importance (safety, of course) of learning to swim. We do not believe in allowing arguing between parents and children nor do we believe in negotiations with parents or the swim teachers.
If you cannot subscribe to these concepts, then this may not be the correct swim program for you.
When it comes time for your child to start their lessons, you will need to make sure you have contacted Ms Cheree for directions and know where you are going.
Please carefully follow the parking instructions. We ask that you not arrive early. There is only room for the current class to be in the driveway.
Please have students already dressed in swim suits and be ready to get into the pool each day. Please also be sure that your child has gone to the bathroom before arriving at Ms Carolyn’s for lessons.
Children who are not potty trained or are only partially trained should wear swim diapers plus rubber pants with elastic in the waist and legs. Swimsuits with built-in rubber lining should NOT be used. Place the swim suit over the swim diaper and plastic pants.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When coming to swim lessons, please do not sunscreen your child’s body. We have a very effective canopy over the pool which blocks over 70% of the sun’s rays. The sunscreen lotions tend to come off into the pool water and also make the children slippery which can make it more difficult for the teachers to interact physically with the child. Please use swim shirts/rash guard shirts and hats for added protection if needed.
On the first day of class Ms. Carolyn and Ms. Cheree will hold orientation with all of the parents. They will go over a variety of important topics so it is necessary that all parents and/or care givers attend.
Parents should stay away from the pool area, until the end of class, unless told otherwise. Children should not be able to see their parents during lessons. Usually, if a child has a “parent sighting” it will provoke tears, followed by an immediate chain reaction to the other children in the class. We wish to do our best to keep children as happy as possible by getting the work done which needs to be done.
We ask for 100% trust and support from our families. This is vital to ensure the success of children within our program. It is most important that the staff has full control of the children at all times and that children know and understand this from their parents. TRUST is an integral part of the swim program. Anyone who prefers to “hover” or not leave their children with us might wish to consider a swim program elsewhere. The hugs, kisses and love shown to all are the foundation on which we build a life-long relationship and produce strong, beautiful swimmers.
When class is over, enter the pool area, wrap the child in a towel, give the child a big hug and kiss with a lot of verbal reinforcement. (“I’m so proud of you!”, “You are a big boy!”, “You went under the water!”, etc.. etc.). Remember to say in a positive way – “Bye, we will see you again tomorrow!” (whether they are fussing or not).
There is to be NO changing clothes in the driveway. This includes putting on diapers, drying off, etc. The turnaround time of our classes is so quick we must be strict about getting the next class off the street and into the driveway as soon as possible, to minimize any nuisance in a residential neighborhood.
Thanks for your cooperation.