FAQs
General Gymnastics
What is the youngest age children can start classes?
We have classes for children as soon as they can walk! We start with Biddy Buddy classes and offer classes for children through Jr High age.
What are the children supposed to wear?
All female students (except those in a Diaper Gym Class) are required to wear a one piece leotard (no skirt), hair pulled back neatly, bare feet and legs, no jewelry. All male students are required to wear comfortable shorts or sweatpants (no zippers, buttons, snaps, or belts), a tucked in t-shirt, bare feet and no jewelry.
Can I take pictures during my child’s class?
Unfortunately, in today’s society pictures of children sometimes get used inappropriately. Jump Start wants to do its part to protect our children. Therefore, we cannot allow any unauthorized pictures or videotaping. We will have camera weeks at least two times in each session. You may bring cameras during those times and take as many pictures as you would like.
USA Gymnastics Safety guidelines prohibit the use of flash photography during gymnastics activities. Camera flashes can cause momentary blindness that could cause a fall or injury.
Cameras are distracting to our students when they are trying to focus on the instructors.
In following the USAG guidelines, we designate two weeks a session to allow parents to take photos and videos of their students. This is done for the safety of our students.
What if I miss a class?
Jump Start does allow classes to be made up in similar classes if there is room available. Make ups are guaranteed only for classes cancelled or rescheduled by Jump Start Gymnastics. Make ups for classes missed due to an illness or other reasons are not guaranteed. The front office must be contacted to schedule a make up.
How do children move through levels?
The Rainbow Skill Program is a complete developmental program for our non competitive school age girls & boys gymnastics and tumbling classes that allows for easier tracking of skill achievement and level advancement. Students are placed in a skill level designated by a color of the rainbow (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Violet). Students must master a minimum number of skills at a level to advance to the next colored level. When a student advances to the next level, he/she receives a certificate of completion and the next color wristband to wear during class.
Laughin' & Learnin' Playcare
Can children come on a regular basis?
Yes, this is a program designed for parents’ convenience. Children can come as often or as little as needed.
Do you serve food?
We provide a prepackaged snack and juice once during the morning hours and once during the afternoon hours.
Do children have to be completely potty trained?
Yes. We do not have diaper/pull-up changing facilities in the classroom.
Do we need to call before bring our children?
No, you do not have to, but we do encourage you to call to ensure availability as space is limited.
What is the child to staff ratio?
We are only allowing 7 children to one staff member.
What are the qualifications/experience of the director of the Laughin’ & Learnin’ program?
Ms Marissa has her degree in Early Education and has worked with children of all ages for over 15 years. She has helped start up many preschools/daycares and is CPR/First Aid certified.
Is Laughin’ & Learnin’ a DCFS licensed facility?
Yes.
Kids in Motion
What is Kids in Motion?
Kids in Motion are recreational gymnastics and movement classes for children with special physical and cognitive learning needs. The goal is to give each child what all children are entitled to: the opportunity to experience an active life that is filled with excitement, self-confidence, discovery and most importantly, FUN!
What are the ages?
We take anyone as young as 2 years old, up to 15.
What about the evaluation?
Your child must have an OT/PT evaluation completed to participate in class. This lets our instructors know if any restrictions to adjust the class so your child can safely participate in class.
Can my child participate if they are in a wheelchair?
Yes, we can set up appropriate activities for your child to still have fun and be safe.
What is the difference between open gym and class?
Open gym is supervised free time for your child to explore the gym and the equipment available at Jump Start. Classes are more structured and require listening to teachers for instructions and following and participating in a set lesson plan.
Will my child be with other children with disabilities?
Yes, we try to form classes by putting children of similar abilities and ages together.
Team
What does it take to be on team?
At Jump Start Gymnastics, we offer a Team Development program. This is a year round program that requires an invitation from instructors to join. Throughout our recreational classes, instructors are evaluating students on a consistent basis and looking for a certain set of skills. Once instructors have seen those skills mastered, they suggest they move into a Hot Shot or Super Kids class.
Gymnastics, unlike other sports, is year round. It requires a big time and financial commitment.
How many hours does the team practice?
Gymnasts in Level 4 work out a minimum of 9 hours a week (3 hours, 3 times a week), with upper levels working out up to 15 hours a week.
Do they travel for meets?
The Jump Stars team travels to meets in Chicago, St Louis and various locations in between. Generally, meets are within a two and half hour radius. Meet season runs October through March. The Jump Stars attend 6-8 meets a season.