The FitCatZ program is an aquatic and motor program offered for children ages 2-21 years old. The program is designed to help the participating children become efficient movers in a fun and safe environment. Each child in the program is assigned a trained clinician who will work one-on-one with the child for the two-hour aquatic and motor program. FitCatZ is supported by The College of Charleston Department of Teacher Education.
A child's program may include:
- Physical fitness activities to improve muscular strength, endurance and flexibility.
- Sensory motor activities.
- Fundamental motor patterns and sport skills.
- Body awareness and spatial orientation.
- Swimming and water safety skills.
Participant Eligibility
FitCatZ is open to children with a range of physical, intellectual, behavioral, and emotional disabilities ranging in age from 2 to 21 years old. We are willing to work with parents to accommodate specific concerns and can provide additional assistance for children with more severe challenges.
Role of the FitCatZ Clinician
Children participating in FitCatZ will be paired one-on-one with a trained undergraduate or graduate volunteer student clinician. The clinicians are recruited from local graduate and undergraduate education and therapy disciplines and are volunteers who have shown an eagerness to work in the program and who demonstrate a willingness to learn and accept an educational challenge to motivate and teach children and youth with disabilities. Interested volunteers are interviewed and agree to the commitment of the FitCatZ program. Each child is strategically paired with a clinician based on the clinician’s experience and the child’s specific needs. Throughout the program, clinicians will evaluate children’s physical activity and motor development needs and will structure individualized instruction in order to help them progress toward goals and objectives developed by the clinicians in concert with parents and children. Lifeguards and Aquatic specialists will also be assisting with the program.
Clinician Benefits of Participating in FitCatZ
In addition to being able to work one-on-one with a child who truly values his/her clinician’s time and commitment, volunteering for the FitCatZ program has many other benefits for volunteers. FitCatZ provides an outstanding professional experience that has lasting benefits for volunteer students entering teaching and other service professions. Since the program is on a volunteer basis, it also may fulfill service hour requirements.
Supervision
The program is being administered by Program Director, Susan Flynn. All phases of the program will be monitored and supervised by the Program Director and trained therapists.
Jackie E. Wilkinson, Physical Therapist
Kimberly R. Wheat, Sensory Motor Specialist
