AQUA K.I.D.S. Program
Where Learning and Fun Are One And The Same!
What is AQUA K.I.D.S?
A Socialization Swim, Gym and Art Program for Kids with LD, ADHD & Mild Autism
For kids with learning disabilities aged 6 to 16, AQUA K.I.D.S. provides a place where they can have fun, make new friends, and build self-confidence. It’s also a great way for them to improve their physical coordination and develop their fine motor skills.
Our AQUA K.I.D.S. sessions are held on Friday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:15 PM, with two seasons of 10 weekly sessions per year. At the end of each season there is a much anticipated party celebrating our children’s and volunteer youth counsellors’ accomplishments.
Fully trained to provide your child with the care and attention they deserve, our volunteer counsellors are paired one to one with each participant, which is why we only accept 28 children for each season. Spots fill up quickly, so book as early as you can!
AQUA K.I.D.S. Is On Pause
Health and safety are always top priorities for us at The MCLD, so we’ve temporarily paused our AQUA K.I.D.S. program during the COVID-10 pandemic to safeguard the health of our instructors, volunteer counsellors, and – of course – our participants.
We hope to be back soon, but if you’re looking to give your child a social and educational experience that’s just as awesome as AQUA K.I.D.S., check out our brand new online CYBER K.I.D.S. Program.
Explore The CYBER K.I.D.S. Program >
How AQUA K.I.D.S. Can Help Your Child
Teaching Social Skills with Fun and Positivity
It’s always easier to learn when you’re engaged and having a good time. That’s the guiding principle behind every AQUA K.I.D.S. activity, and it’s why we encourage all of our participants to get comfortable with their peers and program counsellors.
But it’s more than just fun and games – all that lively socialization will help your child learn to express themselves individually and as part of a group, giving them the nuanced social skills they need for a fulfilling career and healthy relationships.
Climb Like A Squirrel, Swim Like A Fish:
Learning Coordination in the Pool and the Gym
With the enthusiastic guidance of our counsellors – and the careful supervision of the Hampton Y’s lifeguards – your child will enjoy a balance of structured games and free time in the pool and gym, along with arts and crafts to let their creative talents shine.
Our AQUA K.I.D.S. activities will help your child practice their coordination, allowing them to improve their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and attention span. You’ll notice results, even if your child doesn’t – they’ll be too busy letting their imagination run free and having a blast with all the other kids!
Bringing the Community Together
Involving the Leaders of Tomorrow in Our Mission
A huge part of what makes AQUA K.I.D.S. so special is the one-on-one attention that each child receives. That’s owing to the hard work of program director Christopher Simeone, who doesn’t just pour his heart into creating a fun,caring and structured learning environment for the participants, but ensures that Montreal’s next generation helps to shape the experience.
Youth volunteers are a key part of AQUA K.I.D.S. success, and your child will partner with one of our volunteer counsellors as they move from activity to activity. Joining us from Montreal’s post-secondary schools and high schools, each volunteer receives in-depth training so that they can give your child a great experience.
Not only do these young men and women donate their time and energy to the AQUA K.I.D.S. program, but they become advocates for those with learning disabilities, bringing their experiences and understanding to the wider community of Montreal.
Your Program Coordinator
Christopher Simeone
Having graduated from Vanier College’s Special Care Counselling (SCC) program, as well as McGill’s Inclusive Education program, Chris is a specialist on special needs and believes that everyone is capable of achieving as long as they are given the tools they need.
Initially diagnosed with a speech disorder at the age of 3, and later diagnosed with a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) at age 7, Chris struggled with school and social interactions. Growing up, he made it his mission to show and teach others about empathy and understanding, as he knows the struggles someone can experience both emotionally and socially.
Chris has been active in the field of special education since 2009. He’s currently a Special Ed Technician for the English Montreal School Board, a Learning Facilitator for Special Olympics Quebec, and coordinator of the NDG Lions Special Olympics soccer program. Chris is currently also developing more programs for the MCLD that will reach out to the youth population. One being the new CYBER K.I.D.S. program and a social support network.
Let Your Child Experience The Fun And Excitement of AQUA K.I.D.S!
Our 10 week program will fly by in the blink of an eye. From social skills to fine motor coordination – and even just plain old fun – there’s so much for your child to learn and do at AQUA K.I.D.S. Don’t miss out – give them skills and experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.