FAQ

What do I do if my child needs to miss a class?

Make-up lessons are available at Chicago Swim School for those enrolled in the SWIM Shallow or SWIM Deep monthly package. There are NO make-ups available for those enrolled in the SWIM Starter package.

Students are eligible for no more than one make-up per month for the SWIM Shallow package and two per month for the SWIM Deep package if the absence is reported before the child’s class time.
Availability of make-up lessons is not guaranteed.
Make-up lessons may be scheduled up to 7 days ahead of the make-up time.
With continuous enrollment, make-up lessons must be completed within 60 days of the date of the absence.
Once a makeup is scheduled, it can not be re-scheduled.
Students need to be enrolled to complete a makeup class.

A note about makeup lessons: Ideally, you will never need a makeup class since consistency is a key to swimming progress. Please honor the spirit of this privilege and only use it for illness or an occasional special event.

How do I change my day or time?

We know how busy schedules can get and we are happy to change your child’s day and time when another class is available. Please call (847) 870-7946 or email info@chicagoswimschool.com for classes in Arlington Heights, or (708) 593-5915 or email mokena@chicagoswimschool.com for classes in Mokena. If you see a space available on the website, you can register for that class and send an e-mail that your child needs to be dropped from the other class.

Can I request a teacher?

We understand students become fond of certain teachers. We are fond of all our instructors. Although you may have selected classes based on the instructor listed, last minute modifications may be made based on class scheduling or changes in instructor availability. Please be aware that instructors need to take time off every now and then. While we will always have a fully qualified instructor in their place, we do not guarantee their gender will be the same as your instructor.

What do I need to bring to swim lessons?

Your child will need to have a swim suit, towel, and their wristband which they will receive on their first lesson. For children not potty trained or under the age of 3 please read the swim diaper policy. Many children prefer to have goggles. If your child does not have goggles, your instructor will have a pair to borrow. We sell goggles at the pool for your convenience.

What if my child is scared or cries?

We know it can be hard to watch your little one crying or scared. One thing to consider is that we have raised our children to a)not talk to strangers b)stay away from water. Then we put them in the water with a stranger. This can be scary for some children. Learning trust is a big part of swimming. Trust is gained over time, not just a few lessons. Our instructors are all trained in how to handle these situations. The Deck Leader can also be helpful and talk to the children about why they are scared or crying. Talking with the child, playing games, singing songs, and playing with toys can all be used to help ease the child into the class. If you need assistance with your child, please let our staff know so we can work with them. We want all children to feel comfortable and happy swimming!

What is a Deck Leader?

A Deck Leader is the staff member in charge on the pool deck during lessons. The Deck Leader will wear a red polo so you should be able to identify them easily. Deck Leaders are able to answer questions about your child’s progress and give more information to your child’s teacher.

How do I contact my child’s teacher?

Since many of our classes are back-to-back, there is limited time to speak with the instructor. If you have a quick question, you can ask the instructor as the children are getting out of the pool. If you need more information, you can talk to the Deck Leader.

Why does my child seem to be "stuck" in a particular level?

Children often hit a plateau and get stuck at a certain point. This is common when a child progresses very quickly in the beginning or takes sessions off. Our instructors are trained in how to motivate the swimmers that have been in the same level. Our wristband system, which lists when your child started the level, will help instructors identify when this happens. As owners and parents themselves, Rob and Buffy can attest to how frustrating it can be when your child stays in a particular level for a while. Their own children have gotten stuck in levels for over a year. Please it bring to our attention when you feel your child has been in a level longer than you would anticipate. We can then evaluate the reason why this may be happening and come up with steps to help your child move forward.

Why do you encourage year round, weekly 30 minute lessons?

At Chicago Swim School, we believe that children who take year round swim lessons learn to swim and be safe in the water at a faster pace. When children take time off they lose the skills they have gained through the session. This leads to wasted time and money for families. We also feel that 30 minutes is the perfect amount of time for children’s lessons. Most children are able to pay attention for the 30 minutes. When swimming for longer, children can get tired and will do the skills but not always with proper technique.

When can I sign up for lessons?

You can sign up at any time. Please check out our online class schedule to find the right one for your child. If you sign up after the 1st of the month, we will pro-rate your monthly fees to reflect your actual start date.

How do I register for lessons?

You can register on our website, call the facility you are interested in enrolling at, or e-mail info@chicagoswimschool.com for Arlington Heights classes, or mokena@chicagoswimschool.com for Mokena classes.

How do I pay for lessons and/or merchandise?

Due to our wonderful registration system, we are able to keep a secured credit card on file. You can pay for lessons on your credit card or by check or cash within 5 days of registration. Merchandise is sold at each of our locations. You can pay for merchandise with cash, check, or the credit card we have on file. We accept Visa and Mastercard.

How do I cancel my child’s swim lessons?

If you wish to take a break from lessons, a withdrawal form must be completed in order to process your request. If you choose to drop for the next month, and the withdrawal form is received before or on the 16th, you will be dropped at the end of the current month with no future tuition charges. If you choose to drop for the next month, and the withdrawal form is received on or after the 17th, there is a processing fee of $30 per child. If you choose to drop for the current month, there is a processing fee of $30 per child, plus paying for any classes that have been held so far that month. A credit will be placed on your Chicago Swim School account to use for future swim lessons.

What if CSS has to cancel a lesson?

If CSS must cancel a lesson for any reason, we will provide a make-up class. If a make-up class is not available, a credit will be placed on your account with us to use towards future lessons, no refunds will be given for cancelled lessons.

Do I need to change classes if my child moves to the next level?

Our system is unique because our teachers are able to adapt their teaching methods for each child in the class. We believe that keeping the same instructor and same kids in the class help children better adjust. Changing classes may make it difficult for families with multiple children. Your child’s instructor will make sure your child works on the skills to progress through the next level.

What if my class only has one or two children enrolled?

Although we never want to cancel any classes, we reserve the right to consolidate classes with 1 or 2 participants. We will do our best to work you into another class so your child can stay swimming.

How early do I need to arrive for lessons?

We strive to start and end each lesson on time. For your child to receive their full instruction time, and to minimize the distraction to other students, please arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled lesson. Please encourage children to use the bathroom before the lesson to minimize interruptions in their instruction time.

What if my child is not toilet trained?

Swim Diaper Policy as of August 1, 2016

Double Swim Diaper Policy…Poop happens! And unfortunately, sometimes it happens
in swimming pools, and it can close the pool. We have had some very unhappy little
swimmers, frustrated teachers and parents who have rushed to get here only to have to
go back home. Prevention is BETTER for all of us. Every child age 3 and under and
those NOT COMPLETELY POTTY TRAINED must wear 2 SNUG FITTING REUSABLE
swim diapers. According to the CDC no swim diaper holds fecal material beyond 3-5
minutes. By double diapering we hope to get the full 5 minutes. Please make sure your
child visits the bathroom before the lesson starts, even if they went at home. If you
observe your child doing the “potty dance”, or making the “potty face”, please come into
the pool area, take your child out of class and to the bathroom. Some children are
reluctant to tell the teacher if they have to go. If your child is not feeling well…has
cramps, diarrhea, “sick tummy”, do not come to class…we have many make-up days.
We would rather reschedule one child than disappoint 200. Some children have said
that it is funny to blow bubbles “out their back ends”. Compassionately understand that
many parents drive long distances and go through enormous effort to get to our classes
on time. We do not want to disappoint anyone for a problem that can be prevented.
Reusable swim diapers can be purchased in our swim shop. Although we don’t require
the brand of reusable diaper we sell, we have found them the best in containing fecal
material.

General FAQs

Every child age 3 and under will need to wear TWO snug fitting reusable (non-
disposable) swim diapers.
Safety is our NUMBER 1 priority!!! Prevention is the way to make sure this happens in
our pool water!
According to the CDC no swim diaper holds fecal material beyond 5 minutes. By double
diapering, this will help us get the full 5 minutes. Many parents do not realize their child
had a BM until it is too late!
When talking with the parents always let them know that safety is 1st and this is going to
help be sure that accidents are prevented as much as we possibly can.

What if my child has a reaction to the swim diaper?
Ask the parent if they washed them before they used them since most manufacturers use
chemicals on their fabric.

If they are sensitive then they can use a disposable one underneath the other two reusable
ones, such as a little swimmer. The Little Swimmers DO NOT count as one layer as they do not
hold ANYTHING IN!!! They can be used to have a layer in between or I used them in case my
kids had a poop that I could throw it away and only bring home the re-usable diaper to clean.

Should there be marks left on my child’s bottom after taking it off?
I will say that there could be irritation at the lines of the swim diapers and there should be a
mark after their lessons. If there isn't a mark then the diapers are not doing their job to keep the
poopy in. If they can stick a finger underneath then poop can make it's way out through that
same gap. Since it is tight, it leaves a line….similar to the goggle line left around kids eyes.

Do I have to use the ones you sell?
They do not have to use the ones we sell, they are free to purchase ones anywhere.

Mokena Phone

Arlington Phone

FAQ