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SWIMBABES OFFERS SWIMMING FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Over the years our family has had the privilege of working with several families who needed to address their concerns not only for the safety of their children around water but also for their children's special needs socially and developmentally. We have found that if we can start working with families with their little ones as soon after birth as possible is the optimum time to begin the very special bond that can be made, in particular, in the water with their little ones. Parents need relief from the demanding pressures of the day-to-day work routine both outside and inside the home. Couple this routine with a child with very special and developmental needs and the stress level can be exhausting. Water acts as a soothing environment for both parent and child and can De-stress what could be a rather exhausting day filled with tensions. Taking time out to get first in the bath or hot tub and relax with your child and progressing to a special environment that caters to yours and your child's needs can be the highlight of the day for both of you. The water helps children who have balance and coordination problems. The water has a soothing effect as both parent and child are buoyed up by its properties and become almost weightless. Focus is wonderful as parents embrace their child and encourage them in all efforts at acquiring a skill. The child is nurtured, the parent is Re-enforced in their parenting skills at knowing they have a part in helping their child acquire new skills. Special needs children can mix readily with other children in a small class environment. It is important that parents learn this early on as so many feel defeated and wonder how they will be able to help their child integrate into a world that is geared to what we all term as "normal". They find out early that their child can do far and above what they ever dreamed. They also learn early that their child's motor and cognitive skills also can be increased. The aquatic learning environment is ideal for both parent and child as they learn early on that all people and children go through learning curves. They learn that their special needs child's learning curves are just modified to adapt to whatever their limitations are. The advantage of getting in a swimming class early (Infant/toddlers especially) is that motor skills and muscle coordination are addressed immediately. Instead of little ones growing weaker from lack of proper use of their muscles for lack of mobility they instead begin building muscle strength and tone. Balance is equally important to children who have special needs as often their eye hand coordination is compromised by their limitations. Addressing this need early on and little ones with disabilities again gain the advantage. For children who are ADD or Autistic, water becomes a place where they can de-stress and it becomes a place that helps their focus. Sensory touch is so important to these children. The feel of the water enveloping them, the feel of being able to float. They also Learn how to focus on a directive. Toddlers learn to dive for rings or grab a ring that is extended to them. They learn to handle a kick board or how to help put the water toys away. In the SWIMBABES program they learn to focus on hearing the rhythm involved associated with a skill and how to recognize colors and numbers. They learn to Interact with other children that require acquiring social skills, like sharing and taking turns or working in-group. All of these skills can help these children integrate later into a more formal school setting like Pre School or kindergarten. Challenging children yet keeping our goals realistic is always the work of parenting and teaching. It is exciting to see the progress that all children can make within a loving and structured environment that is small goal orientated. Over the past 50 years our family and I have worked with all kinds of children, with varying temperaments, some with special needs. My first love will always be a hands on experience with these children in the water. I have seen the wonder in both parent and children's eyes when they accomplish an extraordinary task .My reward will always be their achievement! What a delight to have these wonderful families come week after week over the years bringing their precious jewels in their arms. We believe that all children are a gift from God and that their limitations are His gifts to us to help us all grow as parents, teachers and caretakers. The heart of mankind is truly measured by our response to the needs of our children and especially as we address their very special needs. Jackie Young Founder Kelley Robinson Associate Director SWIMBABES tm The World's Youngest Swim Team (Working in Benefit for infant/toddlers swim safety and health) |
