Family Swim Program

The Early Intervention Family Swim is a program that offers parents of children birth to age three an opportunity to experience aquatics in a fun and relaxed environment.   It allows parents of children who have delays or disabilities to introduce their child to the water so they can develop skills such as body awareness, motor development, socialization and a level of comfort in the pool environment.  The staff will provide families with strategies that will help them orient their child to the water and to safely supervise all water activities.

 

Family Swim will help parents get their infants and toddlers used to water early in life which is very important from a safety point of view.  The pool at Weaver Learning Center is a therapeutic pool with a water temperature that is kept at a very comfortable 90 degrees. Children under age two are not yet ready to actually learn how to swim, but this early orientation to the water teaches them to be confident and relaxed so that when they are ready to learn, it will come easy.

 

If you are interested in registering for this program or would like more information, please contact 330-634-8611.  In addition, it is always good to check with your pediatrician before enrolling your child in a water program.

Purpose of the Program

This program introduces infants and toddlers with special needs to the water environment in order to develop:

• Comfort level in water
• Body awareness
• Socialization skills
• Trusting relationships with teachers & parents
• Fun and enjoyment in the water
• Opportunities to meet other parents & children
• Gross motor skills
• Readiness

This program is not designed to teach children to become accomplished swimmers or even to survive in the water on their own. The key to the program is its emphasis on having fun. Enjoyment is essential to learning, especially for young children. This program invites families to experience aquatics in a relaxed and fun way. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to orient you child to the water and to safely supervise all water activities.

What Helps Prevent Fear of Water
No matter how cautious you are, fear cannot always be prevented. Following are some things you can do to help reduce fear:

• Use secure and comfortable methods of handling infants in water, especially during early bath experiences.
• Provide non-threatening water activities in facility progression to build confidence.
• Arrange for regular, continued contact with a water environment for your infant or young child.
• Select safe water environments and supervise all water play.
• Treat water mishaps sympathetically but not in a manner to alarm your child.
• Be aware of your facial expressions and choice of words to avoid signaling panic.