Infant Toddler Education Workshop Goes Virtual!

BY MIREN OCA OCAQUATICS

One of the silver linings of the last couple of years that we have just gone through is we have all learned how to better navigate a virtual world for online learning and meetings. The US Swim School Association is no exception, as we have officially launched the online Infant Toddler Education Workshop and our first class was a huge success! It was as well attended as a traditional course normally taught at a conference and included participants from all around the United States. Those who participated in the course received the equivalent information that is delivered in the conference course and were able to enjoy the same amount of sharing with the others in the class through breakout room experiences. We’re excited to continue this online offering and we already have our second course scheduled for the fall on September 12th from 9 am to 3 pm Pacific (noon to 6 pm Eastern).

The virtual course is a 6 hour interactive workshop with breaks and breakout room experiences. The topics covered are the USSSA Guidelines in teaching this age group, Progression Development, Professionalism, Basic and Advanced Water Skills, Communication with Parents, and a Child Development Survey. Participants do receive a certificate of completion after the course.

Some of the takeaways and feedback from the course participants included: “I think this course was AMAZING!!. It’s great to hear what other swim instructors do and their techniques. I really enjoyed the participation and breaking out into small groups from time to time, it makes the course not boring! I loved it!”

“I thought it was very informative and helpful, and it was fun talking to other people across the country from other swim schools and learning how they do and explain certain things.”

“There is so much to learn and even more to really understand, this course really gave me more tools to add to my skill set so that I am more equipped to teach babies and their parents how to not only swim in the water, but how to truly enjoy the swimming experience.”

“This is not normal or basic knowledge for the everyday person. Even someone who has a child doesn’t know how to teach them to swim. If you’re going to be in the water teaching young children then this class should be a requirement. I would never have been as confident without this course. I cannot say thanks enough for offering it online, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without your stepping up and out to try something new.”

“I am impressed the breakout sessions worked as well as they did. Nice use of technology.”

And of course, the instructor for the workshop was super pleased with the results! “I LOVED teaching the first virtual IT course. It was fantastic to use the virtual space to engage with so many teachers across the US. The discussions were rich and the questions helped me know how excited the group was to learn! The time flew by, and I am excited for the next one!! It’s so amazing to be able to offer this material to anyone vs. just teachers who attend conferences. The more babies and parents we teach the better chance we have at reducing childhood drowning!!” Krissy Bartlett

There is not an in person Infant Toddler Instructor Education Workshop planned for the Hawaii conference so make sure to reserve your spot in the fall virtual course. Reminder: a prerequisite to the conference or virtual course is the Infant Toddler Online Course that is available on the USSSA web site.

NEXT VIRTUAL

INFANT TODDLER EDUCATION WORKSHOP

SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 I 9 AM TO 3 PM PST

(NOON TO 6 PM EST) More Information And Registration On The USSSA Website