Caregiver Pilot Program
Hi and Welcome! We’re Really Glad You’re Here.
This page was created for caregivers of children with differences who are looking for support, education, and practical resources around water safety. You’ll find information to explore at your own pace, along with opportunities to learn more about the Caregiver Pilot Program, which aims to help create a caregiver-informed approach to water safety.
About Me and My Doctoral Experiential Capstone
My name is Kendall Smith, and I am a third-year doctoral student in the Occupational Therapy Program at Tufts University.
For my doctoral experiential capstone, I am gathering direct caregiver feedback on The Sunfish Method’s existing swim instructor program. The goal of this project is to help adapt the training into an online program designed for caregivers, by caregivers, to support families in teaching foundational water-safety skills to their own children.
In other words: caregivers are the experts here and this project centers your voice.
Participation in the Caregiver Pilot Program
Caregiver voices are essential in shaping meaningful and realistic water-safety programs. This pilot invites caregivers to share their experiences, feedback, and recommendations after completing the existing Sunfish Method swim instructor training.
What Would You Get?
Free knowledge on how to support your child from an experienced adaptive swim instructor and occupational therapist as well as the opportunity to provide input to shape future programming for caregivers
Participation includes:
- Completing the online training
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Participating in one virtual focus group
- Completing brief pre- and post-training surveys
Focus Group Dates (choose one):
- March 23rd at 7:30 PM ET
- March 27th at 10:00 AM ET
Your input will help guide the development of a future caregiver-focused water-safety program.
📧 Questions or want to learn more? Contact Kendall at ksmith34@tufts.edu
🌊 To access the training, click the “Enroll Now” button and enter promo code CAREGIVERPILOTPROGRAM for free access for the first 40 caregivers.
Blog & Education
Starting at the Shallow End: An Introduction to The Sunfish Method for Caregivers:
An introductory overview of The Sunfish Method and how caregivers are being centered in shaping a more accessible, caregiver-informed approach to water safety
Let’s Dive In: What Water Safety Really Means for Children with Differences
In this post, we explore what water safety truly means for children with differences, why it’s more than just swimming skills, and how teaching safety in ways that meet a child’s unique needs can change outcomes
Water Safety for Children With ASD: Small Steps, Big Impact
Water safety looks different for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This post explains the unique risks children with ASD may face around water, why swimming alone is not enough, and how caregivers can support safety through preventative strategies, reactive skills, and individualized instruction.
👉 To read more, click the “Blog Posts” button below
Additional Caregiver Resources
Below are additional caregiver-focused resources that may be helpful as you begin learning more about water safety.
Practical Tools for Caregivers
This section includes resources designed to support caregivers in real-world water settings.
*COMING SOON*
- Visual supports and social stories
- Sensory strategies for water environments
- Ways to understand your child’s sensory preferences
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General water safety tips/tricks for homes, pools and community spaces
Have a water safety question?
Our Caregiver FAQ is a shared space where caregivers can explore common water safety questions and learn from real experiences. No question is too small or too simple. Whether you’re looking for guidance, reassurance, or practical strategies, the FAQ offers support in a welcoming, judgment-free space.
Thank You for Being Here
Thank you for taking the time to visit this page and learn more about the Caregiver Pilot Program. Your interest, participation, and feedback directly support my doctoral experiential capstone and help ensure this work is grounded in real caregiver experiences.
By sharing your perspectives, you are helping shape a caregiver-informed approach to water safety, one that is practical, accessible, and reflective of what families truly need. Caregivers bring invaluable expertise, and this project is possible because of your willingness to contribute your voice.
Whether you choose to participate in the pilot or simply explore the resources shared here, your support of this capstone project is deeply appreciated and meaningful.
Yours Truly,
Kendall Smith OT/s