Swimming for 3 Year Old...

Again...not sure where you live, but we really like Kittleson swim school in Madison,wi. They are very aware of how the kids are feeling and work hard to make sure they are comfortable. Each level has a very clear list of what skills need to be accomplished to move to the next level. My kids, ages 5 and 2 1/2, have made great progress since starting lessons there.

J.,

I don't know where you are from but we love Pete Kennedy Swim in Iowa City. They are great and you get to make your own schedule!!

Whe we lived in Sioux Falls, SD. We took our kids to the YMCA.

I haven't tried the rec center lessons.

Good luck!

A.

Hi J.. If you are still looking for swimming lessons, my family attends SwimWest in Fitchburg (Madison), Wi. The teachers are so understanding and the pool is very clean. I really like how the deck managers make it a point to always update the parents on how their kids are doing! Its a wonderful program and the prices stay pretty affordable despite other higher priced pools. Hope that helps!www.swimwest.com

We initially tried the community ed classes, but they didn't work well for us....primarily because the pool was always freezing. We were told that the Courage Center offers classes that are open to the public and gave that a try. We loved it!!! The water was always warm. :) Also, the instructors were great....very welcoming, family-friendly and patient.

We have done lessons through the City of Plymouth (didn't like due to freezing water & too high student/teacher ratio) & through the Crystal pool in the summer (loved that program!), but since it's no longer outdoor swimming weather, we started going to the Ridgedale Y. My daughter is 4 & has progressed very quickly in only a few months. They have a 4:1 ratio but last session there were only 2 in her class. This session there are 4 kids, but still the teacher is great w/all of them & takes time w/each of them, but there really isn't a lot of down time for the kids to fool around. If you're a member, it's only $25 per 7 week session, if not, I think it's $85, which is still a really good deal. Also, if you have other kids, you can drop them off at the child care area so you can watch the lessons in peace! :)

J.,

We have taken my daughter and son to Foss Swim School since they were just over 6 mo old. They have several locations across the metro area but we go to the one in Woodbury. The lessons are more pricey than the YMCA but the student: teacher ratios are much lower. Each age range has several levels. The first level for a 3 year old has a 3:1 ratio. My daughter is currently in the second level and she is in a 4:1 ratio but most of the time only 3 show up.

The pool is heated and even the room that the pool is nice and warm so that when they get out they don't catch cold. I haven't had my kids in lessons anywhere else but from the comments of some of the other parents that had their kids elsewhere they said they didn't learn because of the high student:teacher ratios and not paying attention.

Check it out. I think their website is www.fossswimschool.com.

I am not sure where you live, I live in the Fox Valley in WI and take my daughter to the local YMCA for there swim program. You do not have to be a member to enroll, it is usually just an increase in fees. I have really enjoyed the time I have gotten to spend with my daughter in the water. At the Y you are required to be in the pool w/ your child I believe until they are 3yrs or showing certain swim skills but each location maybe different. It is a lot of fun!
I would check out the YMCA's website nearest to you.