The U.S. Swim School Association’s Infant Toddler Instructor Education Program (“IT Program”) was developed to educate professionals involved in aquatic programs for young children (under 36 months of age).
The IT Program is comprised of three courses that survey the history of baby swimming, cover health and safety issues, professionalism, child development and skill progression. The IT Program includes the Infant Toddler Independent Study Course, Classroom Workshop and Water Workshop.
The course respects that each teacher, school and facility offers unique qualities. The course presents the U.S. Swim School Association’s Infant Toddler Guidelines for teaching young children in an aquatic environment and educates teachers in many areas of aquatic training within these guidelines.
Infant Toddler Independent Study
This is the self-study portion of the Program. This study is based on a wealth of material compiled by the IT Committee and the textbook: Baby Swim; The Beginning of a Life Long Adventure by Dr. Ludmilla Rosengren.
This course is done online at your own pace. It is a survey of Infant Toddler learning, health and safety information, practical skills and charts as well as historical video. The exam is taken online and a passing grade of 80% must be achieved before a certificate of completion can be issued.
Cost: $100 for first exam per swim school (includes textbook)
$ 25 for any additional teachers at that swim school
Infant Toddler Classroom Workshop
This is a 4-hour classroom workshop comprised of lecture and interactive activities. The Classroom Workshop covers the History of the U.S. Swim School Association; Guidelines on Swimming Instruction for Children Under the Age of Three Years; Development of a Teaching Philosophy; Video of Swim Programs; Professionalism; Health & Safety Concerns; Child Development and Progressions & Skill Development. A certificate is issued upon completion.
Cost: $89 per student
Infant Toddler Water Workshop
This 4-hour water workshop, covers practical teaching techniques.
Attendees are encouraged to participate in the water – please bring a suit and towel. This course is often taken several times as the interaction changes as participants share and practice the teaching techniques that are covered. A certificate is issued upon completion.
Cost: $89 per student
WORKSHOP COURSES
Infant Toddler Workshops are often offered at the U.S. Swim School Association’s Annual National Conference and/or the Spring Conference. “To- Go” Workshops may be offered in addition to these. Please check the website for courses near you. To participate in the Infant Toddler Workshops attendees must pre-register. The $89.00 course fee includes a certificate upon successful completion of course and exam.
Certificates of Completion are awarded for the Independent Study, Classroom Workshop and Water Workshop. A “USSSA Infant Toddler Instructor Education Achievement” certificate is awarded after completion of all 3 parts, recognizing the student’s commitment and pursuit of excellence in their study of Infant Swimming.
We recommend the course be taken in the following order but we understand sometimes that’s just not possible!
- Independent Study
- Classroom Workshop
- Water Workshop
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Article approved for use by: United States Swim School Association