Mindfulness & Yoga for Early Childhood Educators
What you'll learn
- Techniques for incorporating Mindfulness and Yoga practices into Early Childhood Environments
- Benefits of using Mindfulness and Yoga practices in the Early Childhood Environment
- Practical ways of bringing Mindfulness and Yoga practices into everyday life
Requirements
- N/A
Description
Hi! My name is Andrea Dupree, I'm a Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200) and certified Children's Yoga Instructor with a Master's in Innovative Early Childhood Education and 20 years experience in the classroom. I completed my Master’s in 2022 through University of Colorado and Boulder Journey School’s Innovative Early Childhood Education Online MA program; this program focused on the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education and deeply informs my work as an educator. I'm certified as a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider® (YACEP); this is a Yoga Alliance designation for individuals teaching continuing education courses. Since 2016 I've taught several weekly Yoga classes, both in-person and virtually, for children ages 3-13 and adults (in different groups). I’ve taught and learned in all-virtual contexts since Spring 2020, and am continually astonished by technological tools of connection and the possibilities they offer for all ages.
My ongoing experiences in working with young children and my training in Yoga and Early Childhood Education inspired the content in this course. In this course we'll explore the mental and physical benefits of Mindfulness and Yoga practices, and learn practical ways of applying these practices in the Early Childhood Learning Environment. Topics include Children's Mindfulness & Yoga, self-care practices for Early Childhood Educators (including Yoga poses, Mindful movement & meditation), breathing & meditation exercises & techniques, and tips for creating mindful spaces. This course includes videos of Yoga classes that are suitable for Educators with all levels of experience, as well as printable resources for sharing Yoga poses with children.
*course content updated in March 2023 to include more on-demand Yoga classes and downloadable resources*
Who this course is for:
- Early Childhood Educators
- Parents
- Nannies
- Au pairs
- Education Students
Instructor
I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT200) and certified Children's Yoga Instructor with 7 years experience as a Yoga Instructor and 20 years experience teaching in the PK-12 classrooms. I’m certified as a Louisiana Pathways Early Childhood Teacher Trainer and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider® (YACEP) which is a Yoga Alliance designation for individuals that teach continuing education courses.
In May 2022 I completed my Master's in Innovative Early Childhood Education through the University of Colorado Denver + Boulder Journey School (2020- '22). I'm currently working independently offering virtual instruction in Yoga and Early Childhood learning experiences for children and adults.
During my 20 years teaching I’ve worked as a Teaching Artist in PK-12 classrooms, four years as a full-time preschool teacher at a Reggio-inspired, play-based preschool in New Orleans, and most recently as an all-virtual, independent Yoga & Reggio-inspired educator. I have a BFA in Studio Arts (ceramic sculpture + video art) that continues to inspire my approach to working with children.
My background in Yoga, Reggio-inspired and arts-integrated education all inform my approach to teaching. I am committed to providing instruction that fosters growth in all aspects of child development and provides children with opportunities to explore mindfulness, their unique creativity and the natural world. I am thrilled to share my passions with fellow caregivers and educators!