Waterbabies Parent—Tot Classes

We offer classes once a week, for 30 minutes, year round at Waterbabies. Classes are organized by both ages and skill levels. Once registered your child will attend the same day and time each week. Student’s age’s 4 months to 3 years attend class with parents or another adult in the waer. Classes generally have an 8:1 student-parent to teacher ratio.

We welcome both parents in class. You will do most of the handling of your child in the water. Our highly trained teachers will guide parents through a series of songs, games and activities, teaching each Parent the techniques to successfully submerge and float their baby swimmers! Parents will introduce their child to the joys and pleasures of the water while building confidence and boosting self esteem. All our parent tot classes maintain a focus on family bonding, building trust and better communication skills.

Parent-Tot 1 (PT 1) Introduction to basic swim skills including submersion & back-float for parent and child.

4-9 months – CLASS FOCUS: This class emphasizes bonding between parent and child, building communication skills, and water adjustment. We use songs and games to introduce basic swim skills (including back floating, submersion and water safety). Parents do most of the handling of their child in the water. Instructors are coaching parents on the techniques to teach their child using developmentally appropriate activities.

10 - 18 months -CLASS FOCUS: same as 4 - 9 month class above. However, this class moves at a quicker pace that the 4 - 9 month PT1 and has lees emphasis on back floating to keep it more developmentally appropriate.

1½ - 3 years - CLASS FOCUS: This class emphasizes building communication skills, and water adjustment. We use songs and games to introduce basic swim skills (including back floating, submersion and water safety). Parents do most of the handling of their child in the water. Instructors are coaching parents on the techniques to teach their child using developmentally appropriate activities. In this age group we are encouraging independance and giving children more choices.

Parent-Tot 2 (PT 2) Age related, developmentally appropriate activities.

PT 2 6 - 18 months - REQUIREMENTS: Child has completed a PT 1class without skipping an entire session. Child and parent are comfortable with the techniques for dipping and back floating and child is happy going under water. CLASS FOCUS: to extend the child’s breath control under water, to introduce independent swimming, and multiple dips.

PT 2 1½ - 3 years - REQUIREMENTS: Child has completed PT 1 without skipping an entire session. Child and parent are comfortable with submersion and the different holds for back floating. CLASS FOCUS: to encourage the child to initiate independent swimming above and below water, introduce jumping, mutiple dips, pop up breathing, and refining skills. As a child does this childs over a few sessions we will be extending and progressing these skills. This class is required before taking PT3.

Parent-Tot 3 (PT 3) REQUIREMENTS: Has instructor's permission to advance child, is over 21 months, and has completed PT2 1½ - 3 years. Child can swim 2-3 feet independently. Child initiates swimming, submersion and jumping. The focus of this class is independent swim and back float, sit- listen-and-wait with the teacher, self initiated dips and diving for objects.

Montessori Class - A special class designed for PT2 children who have regressed. Meaning they are having trouble going underwater or participating in the structured group activities.