Yoga for the Special Child®, LLC, is a multi-level comprehensive program of Yoga techniques designed to enhance the natural development of children with special needs. Our style of Yoga is gentle and therapeutic—safe for babies and children with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Microcephaly, Autism, and other developmental disabilities. These methods also provide an effective treatment for children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities.

Our therapeutic program includes:

• An integrated series of balanced Yoga poses to increase body awareness and strength
• Specialized breathing practices and relaxation techniques to improve concentration
• An early intervention program to assure the healthy formative development of infants, toddlers, and children

In Basic Part I, Sivakami employs hands-on instruction to guide program participants through each stage of the special child’s development. Topics include how to evaluate infants and children, how to create the optimal home environment, and how to work with specific syndromes and disorders.

Yoga for the Special Child® – Basic Part 1 curriculum includes:

• Specific techniques for evaluating infants and children up to 3 years of age
• The various components of interacting and bonding with infants/children
• The components of Yoga Therapy
•  The description of the physiological/psychological benefits
•  The four stages of development:

1. Preparatory Stage (birth to 6 months)
2. Inductive Stage (6 months to 1 year)
3. Interactive Stage (1 to 2 years)
4. Imitative Stage (2 to 3 years)    

• Specific techniques for evaluating and working with children from 3 to 12 years old
• Videos and/or demonstration of working with children of different ages
• Contra-indications
• Relaxation techniques

Training Information

Prerequisites

None.

Who Should Attend

Yoga for the Special Child® is ideal for parents, caregivers, Yoga teachers, educators, occupational, physical, and speech therapists, nurses, or anyone interested in teaching Yoga to children with special needs.

Continuing Education Opportunities

• Yoga Alliance (YA):  Approximately 48 contact hours
• International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT): Approximately 48 contact hours
• Healthcare and Related Disciplines: Although CMEs are not offered, a certificate documenting CE hours may be available for your discipline. Please contact CEU@iyta.org for details

After Basic Part 1, participants will receive a Certificate of Participation. Completion is only after the 95 hours

Yoga for the Special Child® Basic Certification

After completion of both Basic 1 and Basic 2 courses, participants will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment for the Yoga for the Special Child® Basic Certification.

**For Registered Yoga Teachers with 200 hours, completion of both Basic 1 and Basic 2 comprehensive teacher training together satisfies the 95 contact hours for Yoga Alliance RCYT (Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher). Please note: you must complete both courses to have the combined 95 contact hours for the Yoga Alliance. Please refer to Yoga Alliance for additional information on the requirement to obtain RCYT certification.

After Basic Part 1 and Part 2, you will not be certified to teach Yoga for the Special Child® to other teachers, but you will be certified to teach children of all ages using the Sonia Sumar Method.

Testimonials

I found this to be a phenomenal program. Sonia Sumar’s method of teaching, modeling, and presenting was heartfelt. The most important nugget I will take from this program are the five keys of life: connection, patience, fearlessness, love, and trust. — Johnnie Stewart

Sonia Sumar’s Yoga for the Special Child program combined with staying at Yogaville changed my life and way of thinking for the better. It was a positive mind and body connection. I was able to fully immerse and better myself so that I can better the lives of others. — Tabitha Tatum

This was a great experience and amazing training. I am very new to Yoga and I now plan to continue practicing both personally and professionally with much dedication. I am very excited for this new beginning and hope to spread Yoga practice and it’s importance to family, friends, and students. — Monica Johnson