YMCA to fund water classes through grant

Submitted by Prairie Valley Family YMCA

Prairie Valley Family YMCA has received a $1,000 grant from Huggies Little Swimmers Brand to fund scholarships for the organization’s Parent/Child Water Enrichment Programs.

“Our parent/child program specifically focuses on introducing the aquatic environment to children ages 6 months to 3 years and centers on five main components: personal safety, personal growth, stroke development, water sports and games and rescue,” said Laura Rudie, health enhancement/aquatics director of Taylor Family YMCA, 50 N. McLean Blvd. in Elgin, where the lessons are conducted.

The classes are designed around games and songs which help the child become comfortable in the water while parents learn how to teach the child to be safe in and around water. All instructors are YSL certified or in training to become YSL certified.

Taylor Y’s parent/child classes are offered six times a year for seven weeks. Classes are limited to 12 parent/child pairs per instructor. The next parent-child classes are schedule to begin Sept. 6.

Scholarships are awarded according to a needs-based application process and are limited to members who are not already on some type of scholarship. Financial assistance forms are available in both English and Spanish.

For more information, call Rudie at (827) 899-7410, ext. 17 or email to lrudie@elginymca.org.