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Kidz Aquatic - A Swim School Unlike Any Other
By Gloria DeWalt
As summer progresses now is the perfect time to consider a new activity that kids and adults alike can learn, or an established skill can be strengthened. And if such a skill happens to be swimming then Kidz Aquatic, a swim school unlike any other is a perfect fit. Established in 2006 by Washington native swim coach, Janine Yoder, Kidz Aquatic is already well known by many for its passionate instructors dedicated to helping anyone, from infants to adults, learn the basics of swimming and love of water. Providing private or group lessons, all instructors travel to student homes and those interested in lessons without access to a pool can still receive lessons. Whether utilizing swimming facilities at California State University Northridge or pools available at local churches, Yoder, and her staff are able to work with everyone so that anyone with interest in learning to swim can be taught.
All instructors at Kidz Aquatic undergo extensive training in addition to the minimum five years teaching experience in swimming, though most have more in addition to a minimum of three years experience life guarding that they are required to have. With over ten years of experience, Yoder, widely recognized by the National Association of Professional Women, an organization profiling the country's most accomplished professionals as well as Cambridge Who's Who, an organization recognizing individuals committed to excellence and advancements within their respected field, attributes much of Kidz Aquatic's success in helping people of all ages learn to swim to the "wealth of knowledge [instructors] have to draw on." As one of few swim schools in the state of California with adaptive aquatic certification instructors are well adept to teach children with special needs ranging from attention deficit disorders to varying degrees of vision and physical impairments. "[Parents] need to know that they can trust their kids with Kidz Aquatic," states Yoder. In addition to maintaining Adaptive Aquatic Certification, Yoder and her staff remain abreast new developments in water safety, teaching techniques as well as numerous teaching aids. And with the extensive training and requirements that Kidz Aquatic instructors undergo, in addition to several years of experience teaching and in certification, the knowledge and skill instructors are able to impart on students is invaluable. More than simply teaching students to swim, instructors integrate valuable lifelong skills such as confidence and responsibility. By setting goals to accomplish during each lesson at the end of the tenth lesson most students can swim laps. Understanding that no one is "drown-free" once swimming is mastered, Yoder and her staff implement the idea of "safer 3" endorsed by United States Swim School Association and the American Red Cross as a way to educate swimmers on drowning prevention.
Knowing the value of swimming, yet recognizing the current economic turmoil deterring those in need has inspired Yoder to provide an opportunity for those with financial need. The annual JK Scholarship, in honor of her aunt and uncle, Karen and Jacob, who have been instrumental in providing a means for the transportation that, has made the establishment of Kidz Aquatic possible. Because of the JK scholarship each year a select number of students have been able to receive lessons that would normally not be able to afford them. "[We] try to work with everyone so children can be taught," states Janine. In addition the JK scholarship Kidz Aquatic also offers various discounts providing those in need the chance to master an invaluable lifelong skill.
Lessons can be held as early as 6am and as late as 8pm Monday through Sunday with some flexibility for parties during holidays and other special occasions. Lessons are available year-round. For more information on hours, prices, instructors, lesson packages including details of what is covered during each lesson visit www.kidzaquatic.com or call (818) 671-1905. Questions can also be sent via email to info@kidzaquatic.com.
Autism Spectrum Therapies Offers New Summer Programs & Services for Children with Autism and Their Families in Southern California
By Staff Writer
Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), an agency providing behavior therapy and other autism services, now offers new summer programs for children of all ages and their parents. These fun, kid-friendly programs are designed to help children with autism disorders maintain their academic and communication skills over summer vacation and to develop new skills for the upcoming school year.
"It's all too easy for academic, social, and communication skills to fade over the long summer months, and that poses an extra challenge for a child with autism," notes Ronit Molko, Ph.D., a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and co-founder of AST. "Our summer programs allow children to retain what they've learned over the past school year and help them develop new skills, too. And we've made these programs as enjoyable for children as they are educational."
AST's new summer programs include:
4Summertime Home School provides an experienced behavior therapist to address specific goals and skills in a structured in-home format focusing on academics and communication.
AST also offers Summer Respite & Leisure Services for Parents, who sometimes just need a breather from their caregiver obligations, but find it difficult to find childcare providers with specialized training and experience working with children with autism.
AST's family-focused programs incorporate natural home routines to foster an environment that supports a child's therapeutic goals. The agency's play-based therapy and other treatment programs are grounded in scientifically-validated teaching methods and are supervised by a highly qualified clinical staff.
Interested families should contact AST to inquire about programs and services available in their area, as space may be limited. Please call (866) AST-1520 or visit www.autismtherapies.com.
About Autism Spectrum Therapies:
Founded by respected leaders in the field of autism, Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) provides individuals with autism with a range of services from infancy through adulthood, as well as comprehensive training and support for parents and families in their homes and communities. AST's highly trained clinical staff uses scientifically-validated methods grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), with customized services ranging from play-based early intervention programs, to classroom support, to building practical skills for independent living. AST's intensive family-focused approach facilitates measurable, sustainable progress and helps individuals with autism achieve their full potential. The agency provides services through Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego counties. More information at: www.autismtherapies.com.