Tadpoles Program
Tadpoles is our program for children ages 4 - 7 (some 8 and even 9 or 10 year olds) who are transitioning from lessons to 'team ready'. These younger swimmers practice separately from the team and focus on developing proper body position, balance, arm stroke, kicking, and side breathing.
The Tadpoles program is meant to be a training ground for the swim team. The program goal is to get the kids comfortable and competent swimming 25 yards of freestyle with side breathing proficiency. Backstroke technique is also emphasized and the beginning rhythm of butterfly is also introduced.
Qualifications
To swim in the tadpoles program your child must be:
- Deep water safe (confident)
- Able to swim 10-15 yards with some arm strokes
- Able to join group activities unaided
- Ready to learn new skills in a group setting
An assessment for 'Tadpole Readiness' is required as part of the registration process.
Please click here to learn how to register for a "NEW 8 & Under" Assessment and to see the dates and times assessments will be offered for the 2023 season.
When/Where
The Tadpole program is offered at the College of Marin - Kentfield in the Spring and Fall.
For Spring 2023, Tadpoles Season Dates are: February 27 - April 30*
| Session | Days of Week | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1A | M, W, F | 3:15 | 3:45 | $275 |
| 1B | T, Th | 3:15 | 3:45 | $275 |
| Sat (Mar 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr 1, Apr 14) | 11:00 | 11:30 | $275 | |
| Sun (Apr 23, Apr 30) | 11:30 | 12:00 | $275 | |
| 2A | M, W, F | 3:45 | 4:15 | $275 |
| 2B | T, Th | 3:45 | 4:15 | $275 |
| Sat (Mar 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr 1, Apr 14) | 11:00 | 11:30 | $275 | |
| Sun (Apr 23, Apr 30) | 11:30 | 12:00 | $275 | |
| 3A | M, W, F | 4:15 | 4:45 | $275 |
| 3B | T, Th | 4:15 | 4:45 | $275 |
| Sat (Mar 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr 1, Apr 14) | 11:00 | 11:30 | $275 | |
| Sun (Apr 23, Apr 30) | 11:30 | 12:00 | $275 |
*there is a possibility we will be able to offer a 4 week extension at the end of this session, but we won't know until we know College of Marin's pool deck maintenance schedule.
Family Volunteer Commitment
None.
What to Expect
For tips about what to expect at practices, including what to bring, how often to attend, pool rules, and more, see Practice Tips.
How to Sign Up
Registration for the Spring 2023 tadpole session will open on January 2, 2023 for returning families and January 9, 2023 for new families. Once registration is open, complete the registration form and select, "NEW 8 & Under Assessment". There is a $10 charge for the assessment which is applied toward the registration fee if your swimmer is offered a spot. At the conclusion of registration, you will see the "Registration Success" page. On that, there will be a link to a Sign Up Genius where you can sign up for an assessment. Click here for more assessment details.
If your child is older than 8 years old, but you do not believe your child is 'team ready' (able to swim 25 yards of the pool with consistent side-breathing), please register into the age group for your swimmer and then follow the link to the sign-up genius and sign up for an assessment. It will help Coach Marie advise on proper group placement.
