📋 Step 1: Class Basics
Child’s name and age
Current level and regular instructor
Day, time and pool location
School front desk phone
Substitute instructor’s name
Date of the substitute class
📞 Step 2: Before Class
Tell my child about the new teacher. Keep it simple and calm: new teacher, same pool, same rules.
Name one thing that stays the same. The song, the swim bag routine or the goodbye words.
Pack the swim bag as usual. Swimsuit, towel, water bottle and any approved gear.
Use the bathroom first. Then follow the school’s snack and drink rules.
Arrive a few minutes early. Let my child see the new teacher before class starts.
📝 Step 3: What I Share With the Substitute
Name and level. My child’s name, nickname and current level.
What helps. What calms my child or helps them try something new.
Current skill. The skill the class is working on.
Health and safety needs. Allergies, medication, sensory needs or anything the instructor must know. Also confirmed with the front desk.
Nickname or what my child likes to be called
What helps my child feel safe
Skill we are working on
Special notes for the instructor
👀 Step 4: On the Deck
Stay on site for the whole class. An adult I trust is always here.
Eyes on my child. Phone put away and the school’s deck rules followed.
Watch how the group runs. Turns, directions and how my child reacts.
Never leave my child alone near water. This is true on every class day.
Speak up quickly about anything unsafe. Tell the instructor or the deck supervisor right away.
✅ Step 5: After Class Notes
Tell the front desk if your child seemed frightened, cold or unhappy, or if you have feedback. Ask how notes reach the regular instructor and what the school’s makeup rules are.
🏠 Step 6: Our Family Plan
Who takes our child to class
Who watches from the deck
Our goodbye words or routine
Who talks to the front desk
When we will check in with the regular instructor
Anything to change next time
Young children are never alone near water. If a child is in trouble in the water, get help and call 911 or my local emergency number. Lessons do not make a child drown-proof, at any age.
