Preparing your child for S.P.R.I.N.G. - FAQs

What are Guardian-Mentor Meetings?

At the beginning of each term, we invite guardians to attend a one-on-one meeting with their child’s volunteer mentors. These meetings provide an opportunity for guardians to meet the mentors, share important information about their child, and collaborate on skill-development goals for the upcoming term. Your designated meeting time and room number will be provided in advance. Virtual options for guardians can be accommodated if needed.  

The meeting also gives guardians an opportunity to get to know their child’s mentors and determine whether they feel the mentors are a good fit for their child’s individual needs, personality, and goals. We value guardian input and encourage open communication to ensure that each mentoring relationship is a positive and supportive experience.

Guardians can also tour the facility, learn more about the program and mentoring approach, ask questions, and discuss ways to support their child’s progress.

These meetings help establish a strong partnership between guardians, mentors, and the program team, ensuring everyone is working together to support the child’s growth and success.

Who Will My Child Work With?

Your child will be paired with 2 trained volunteer mentors. Once we find the ideal supportive pairing for your child, their mentors will remain the same for the remainder of the term, whenever possible. Our mentors are paired with children based on information gathered from the Youth Registration and Guardian-Mentor Meeting process. 

Some of our volunteers have activity leadership roles and are responsible for organizing and directing skill-building activities in the gym. In these cases, your child may have one constant volunteer, while the second volunteer will join for transitions and time in the pool. 

What does a typical Sunday Session look like?

SPRING sessions begin at 09:00 AM. You may arrive anytime after 08:50 AM.

1. When you arrive with your child, you will be greeted by members of the SPRING Executive Team in the front lobby of the YMCA. *Please look for the table with the large "SPRING" banner set up in the lobby. 

2. The team will check in your child, and inform their volunteers of their arrival via an automated messaging system.

3. Your child's volunteers will come to the lobby and greet you and your child. One volunteer will take your child's belongings to their assigned locker, while the other will take your child to their first activity station.

4. From 09:00 AM to 09:55 AM, your child will rotate through 4 skill-building activity stations with their volunteers. One of the 4 activity stations will occur on the Play Structure, while the other 3 will occur in the large gymnasium on the first floor. 

5. At 09:55 AM, your child's volunteers will help your child get ready for swim time, which occurs from 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM in the small leisure pool and large lap pool on the YMCA first floor.

6. At 10:50 AM, pool time concludes, and your child's volunteers will help them change back into their clothing.

7. Around 11:00 AM, once changed, your child's volunteers will wait with your child for you in the front lobby. 

What if the Gymnasium becomes too loud for my child, or my child does not want to swim?

In addition to the gymnasium and play structure, SPRING utilizes a large classroom from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM every session; this classroom is set up with floor mats, various toys, sensory and stim items, and other activities for any child who wishes or requires a quieter, calmer spot to work with their mentors or for any child who does not wish to swim during a session. 

Do guardians and parents have to stay at the YMCA during sessions?

No, parents and guardians are welcome to leave after drop-off and check-in. However, you are always welcome to stay at the YMCA during sessions. You may observe gymnasium activities from the lobby, relax in the seating area outside the play structure, or use the designated viewing area with seating in the pool area. 

What Should I Pack For my Child?

Please ensure your child comes prepared to each session with:

• Comfortable/gym clothes and supportive footwear 

• A modest swimsuit and towel 

• Swim diapers, if needed 

• Water bottle & a snack 

• Any communication devices your child uses

• Any personal comfort or stim items, including headphones