This course is to integrate the principles and practice of yoga therapy into the assessment and care of the child, providing a more holistic, creative, and compassionate approach to the management of the pediatric population.

Course Description  This 2 ½ day course equips the participant with the skills to practice yoga therapy for the child with hypotonia, hypertonia, musculoskeletal imbalance, chronic and/or progressive disorders, and sensory dysfunction.  Learn to perform a unique and functional assessment to determine the needs of each child and to utilize breathing/pranyama, asanas/postures, sound therapy, and relaxation techniques to improve the child’s overall health, well-being and function.  The course will include lab sessions and daily yoga practice to demonstrate and apply newly learned skills, so please wear comfortable clothing and bring your yoga mat.

Audience Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Athletic Trainers, and other healthcare professionals who want to integrate the tools of yoga into the traditional management of the pediatric population. Yoga Therapists, Yoga Teachers, or Certified Personal Trainers who want to gain knowledge of the pediatric population as it applies to yoga therapy. Graduates of PYT Certification who want to expand their knowledge into the area of pediatrics.CEU’s:  18.5 hours

Clinical Objectives

• Demonstrate knowledge of yoga principles and how to integrate them with western medicine to provide therapeutic yoga for the child with physical and/or sensory needs
• Perform a holistic and unique assessment of the child utilizing a combination of western medicine and yogic tools.
• Perform and teach yogic breathing, postures, sequences, and relaxation techniques to match specific needs of the child.
• Understand how to develop a home practice/program for children, incorporating newly acquired techniques.
• Learn ways to provide therapeutic yoga to more than one child and in a group setting. 

Course Outline

• Yogic Philosophy & a New Therapeutic Management Paradigm for the care of  the Child
• Holistic Assessment of the Child
• Common Presentations of the Child with Physical and/or Sensory Needs
• Pranayama/Breathing Techniques and Application
• Asana Classifications, Applications, Modifications and Precautions
• Use of Sound in Therapy
• Relaxation Techniques
• Case Studies/ Developing a Treatment Plan
• Creating a Home Practice/Program
• Providing Yoga Therapy to More than one Child and in a Group Setting

Continuing Education Credits 18.5 hours

Prerequisites

This is not an introductory course; therefore we recommend the following:  a degree from an accredited university in a healthcare field and prior personal yoga practice of at least 6 months OR approved training and/or certification in yoga, yoga therapy, or personal training and prior personal yoga practice of at least 6 months.  If you have any questions, please contact us and we will help you decide if this is the right course for you.