HFSS offers one-on-one Special Needs classes during Friday PM shifts at all locations. In some infrequent instances, we may also have weekday morning availability.
Phoenix| Friday 3:00 - 6:00p
M / W 9:00a - 1:00p, T / Th 9:00a - 1:30p, F 9:00a - 11:30a
Peoria| Friday 3:00 - 6:00p
T/W 9:00a - 1:30p, Th 9:00a - 12:00p
Riverview| Friday 3:30 - 6:30p
W/Th 9:00a - 12:00p
Goodyear| Friday 3:30 - 6:30p
M/T 9:00a - 1:30p, W/Th 9:00a - 11:30a
About Special Needs
Lessons for students 3 through 11 years old.
We are not therapists or specially trained to work with children with special needs. We offer children who have difficulty with motion or expression in varying forms the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of the water and the freedom it allows.
Introducing children with special needs to an aquatic learning environment can be rewarding (providing a weightless environment, increased sensory input) and challenging (noisy environments, anxiety). HFSS is committed to working through any challenges with the child and caregiver as a team. As a child acclimates to this new and wonderful environment, this process may include moving from a private class to a group one.
Customer Inquiries: Email is the only way to contact the SNEC. Guardians can email the SNEC directly, or staff can take a message and send an email on the family's behalf, including the parents' email, to respond. Notify the family that they will get a response via email within 7 days, as our SNEC does not work every day. (Note that typically, response time is much faster!)
Enrollment Details
A guardian must complete the online Special Needs Inquiry Form from our website under Contact. This form is sent directly to the Special Needs Enrollment Coordinator (SNEC) for review and next steps. See staff responsibilities below.
The SNEC will communicate with Sites & manage the waitlist to enroll or transfer a Special Needs (SN) enrollment.
HFSS offers one class per student at the reduced special needs rate. If a SN student wants to enroll in multiple classes per week they may do so at the full Private class rate - not eligible for multi-class discount.
Special Needs swimmers are NOT eligible for:
- makeups
- refunds for missed lessons
- Summer Six Pack
About The Waitlist
Use the button above to view the Special Needs Waitlist. This will help you with any questions, such as how many people are ahead of me, what times I am listed for, etc.
If a waitlist request needs to be updated, the Best Practice is for the parent to reply to the email they received with their original request asking to update availability or for staff to send an email to SpecialNeeds@hubbardswim.com.
Staff must set realistic expectations when we offer one-on-one special needs classes.
Customer Support Responsibilities
Accepted Waitlist: Process waitlist emails as usual; you don't need to do anything else.
Decline Waitlist: If the waitlist is declined, cc SpecialNeeds@hubabrdswim.com to reply as a notification.
Request A New Class For A Current Swimmer
Staff must set realistic expectations when we offer one-on-one special needs classes.
Staff or a guardian can email SpecialNeeds@hubbardswim.com requesting to get on the waitlist for a new class.
Special Needs Adaptive Resources
Hubbard Library
Adaptive Swim Goals & Considerations
Therapeutic Properties of Water
Special Needs Enrollment Coordinator (SNEC)
Responsibilities
Project Manager: SpecialNeeds@hubbardswim.com
Enrollment
The SNEC will manage SN forms and the SN WL, offering spots when available and answering any initial questions the customer may have. An outline of tasks is below.
Waitlist over 11 years old
A swimmer who is 11 years old and not currently enrolled but on the waitlist will be removed with the Waitlist Age Out Removal Process.
Update Current Swimmer Info
Completed once a year. Project > SN Swimmer Update Process
Site Supervisor
Responsibilities
The Site works with the Deck Supervisor to communicate with parents, provide evaluations, and discuss class size changes as needed (e.g., moving to a group setting).
Please discuss class issues or concerns with your GM/AD to find a solution.
Please review the above process if a currently enrolled 1:1 swimmer needs to move to a new 1:1 class.
If a currently enrolled group swimmer needs to move to a new 1:1 SN class, please have the family fill out the Special Needs Intake Form to get on the waitlist, drop the swimmer from lessons, and detail the situation in Family Notes.
The Hubbard Way - FAQs
Who determines if my child gets a one-on-one vs group?
If there is any concern for safety with the swimmer being in a full class, we recommend a 1:1. We do not offer "tryouts" in a group class to see how it goes. Depending on the child's needs and our limited availability, we may also recommend JR's Swim School.
Why are Special Needs students not eligible for makeups?
If the child is in a class with accommodations, we are unable to offer makeups because we cannot replicate those specific accommodations.
Do Special Needs swimmers receive Progress Reports?
SN swimmers can receive progress reports upon request. The progress report is modified based on their ability.
What is the Certificate of Achievement?
SN swimmers receive the Certificate of Achievement when they have reached their full potential at HFSS. There comes a time when we are no longer the best fit for the child, and we want to provide them with something to recognize for all their accomplishments during their time here.
My child does not fit in your swim diapers; what now?
Extra Large swim diapers for our Special Needs kids can be purchased online through Theraquatics.