Policies & Guidelines for Students and Parents

Welcome to Manda’s Minnows! Our goal is to create a safe, positive, and fun learning environment. These guidelines help everyone (students and parents) know what to expect and how to make each lesson successful.

 

1. Safety First

For Students:

• Always wait for your instructor before entering the water.

• Walk—never run—on the pool deck.

• Listen closely to directions and follow them right away.

• No pushing, dunking, splashing others, or roughhousing.

• Tell your instructor if you feel scared, tired, or unwell.

For Parents:

• Please keep children out of the water until their instructor invites them in.

•  We ask that students avoid eating for at least one hour before swim class. This helps prevent stomach discomfort and keeps everyone safe during lessons.

• Ensure your child is supervised until class begins.

• Notify instructors of medical needs, special considerations, or concerns before class starts.

• Help us maintain a clear, safe pool deck by keeping bags and belongings with you.

 

2. What to Bring

Students Should Have:

• Proper swimsuit

• Towel

• Goggles (If recommended)

• Swim cap or hair tie for long hair

• Swim diaper for any child not FULLY potty-trained.  Please make sure the swim diaper has elastic waist and legs, not just a disposable swim diaper.

Parents:

• Refrain from bringing glass containers on deck.

• Discontinue use of all floaties, water wings, puddle jumpers, etc.  These devices stall swim progress and are NOT safe.

  

3. Behavior Expectations

Students:

• Be kind to classmates and instructors.

• Take turns and share equipment.

• Respect the people around you.

• Try your best—everyone learns at their own pace!

• Use encouraging words and be supportive of those around you.

Parents:

• Encourage your swimmer to practice kindness and listening skills.

• Please avoid coaching from the sidelines; it can distract students and instructors.

• Celebrate progress, not perfection!

 

4. During Class

Students:

• Stay with your instructor at all times.

• Listen carefully to your instructor.

• Participate even if a task is new or challenging—your instructor will help you succeed.

• Ask questions if you don’t understand something.

Parents:

• Please remain in designated seating/viewing areas.  Please do not sit or stand on the edge of the pool, close to your student unless asked to do so by your instructor.

• Avoid entering the water or interrupting class unless asked by an instructor.

• If you need to speak with the instructor, please wait until after class or email/text the school.

 

5. Attendance, Makeups & Cancellations

Parents:

• Please arrive a few minutes early so students can be ready when lessons begin.

• If your child misses a class for any reason, two makeup lessons will be available depending on space—makeups are not guaranteed and may not be with your assigned instructor.

• All make-up lessons must be completed during the current swim session and do not get carried over into future sessions.

• 12 hours notice required (when possible)

• No-Shows and less than 12 hours notice will not be eligible for make-up lessons

• Weather, staffing or facility issues may cause cancellations; any school-initiated cancellations will be rescheduled.

• Sick children should stay home for the safety of all students.

  

6. Skill Progression

For Everyone:

• Students are taught to master and retain skills—not based on age alone.

• Each swimmer progresses at their own pace.

• Instructors build on skill development and communicate progress throughout the session.

• If a student begins to struggle with a skill, the instructor will back-up to insure retention of skill

• Parents may request a skill update at any time.

 

7. Parents Participation

Parents:

• Please remain at the pool with your child.

• Stay engaged and committed to your student’s progress

• Use positive reinforcement.

• When possible, please have your student prepared, including use of a bathroom prior to arriving.

Students:

• Stay close to your grown-up and your instructor.

• Practice skills with your grown-up’s help.

 

For Everyone:

• Bullying, teasing, or exclusion of any kind is not allowed.

• We celebrate differences and welcome all abilities and backgrounds.

• Treat instructors, other swimmers and their families kindly and respectfully.

 

9. After Class

Students:

• Exit the pool only when your instructor says class is finished.

• Discard disposable diapers in a plastic bag before placing them in the trash

• Gather all belongings before leaving.

Parents:

• Pick up your child promptly at the end of class.

• Double-check that nothing is left behind.

• Feel free to ask the instructor brief questions after class or schedule a longer conversation if needed.

 

10. Photography & Privacy

Parents:

• For the safety and privacy of all families, please avoid taking photos or videos of other children.

• Photos and videos taken by Manda’s Minnows staff will only be used with parental/student consent.

 

11. Communication

Parents:

• For scheduling changes, concerns, or questions, please contact us through our official email or communication channels.

• Please avoid discussing concerns with instructors during class times—they need full focus on student safety.

• We welcome feedback, suggestions, and open communication.

 

12. Payments

• Annual $50 registration fee, per student, is due at registration

•  Payment for each session is to be paid in full prior to first lesson of each session.

•  No refunds are issued for registration fee or swim lessons.

 

13. Scheduled Closures

Easter (4/3 and 4/6), Memorial Day (5/21, 5/22, and 5/25), 4th of July (7/3 and 7/6), Labor Day, Thanksgiving (11/25-11/27), Christmas (12/24-12/28), New Years (12/31 and 1/1)

Thank You for Being Part of Manda’s Minnows!

Together, students and parents help create a safe, supportive, and joyful environment where every swimmer can grow, gain confidence, and have fun in the water.