Children's Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher
Training Program

A comprehensive certification for teaching yoga and mindfulness to children and youth ages 3 to 18. Available online and in person.

Set Your Intention

Share Trauma Informed Practices with Children

LFY Training is a comprehensive certification in yoga and mindfulness practices for youth 3 to 18. Certified by Yoga Alliance, and offering up to 6 graduate level credits (through our accredited partner University of the Pacific) training focuses on the complete physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of students.

The foundation of training is rooted in building your own self-awareness and deepening personal practice. From there, we equip you with a wide range of activities that you can implement with the kids you work with.

Our work is research-based and centered on healing and resilience building. Trauma-informed practices are integrated into all of our programs. As practitioners and educators ourselves, we are immersed in the latest developments in the field and update our curriculum regularly.

There are two ways to participate in our online Level 1 training. One is self paced, so you may sign up and begin as you are ready. The other is a guided online course, where you will be supported by our faculty while working in a learning cohort. Any L1 graduate can choose to move into our livestream L2 and L3 trainings allowing you to continue your learning in community.

GET STARTED WITH LEVEL ONE

 

The LFY training program is an inclusive, professional, caring, empowering experience with top-notch trainers who bring out the best in all its participants. I look forward to bringing my new-found wisdom and practice out into the world!

Christine P.

Where to Begin

There are two ways to participate in the workshops and courses offered through the LFY Teacher Training Program.

 

Dip Your Toe In

Some of our classes are available to take as stand alone learning experiences based on your interests and needs (or for continuing education). The Level 1 course (Foundations of Children’s Yoga + Mindfulness: Creating Safe and Engaging Mind-Body Experiences), Chair Yoga for Children and Adolescents, and Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices are open to anyone at any time.

We also offer online programs and webinars that have no prerequisites. If you find yourself inspired and want to learn more, you might consider getting certified.

Certification Track

Our Core Curriculum consisting of Level 1, Level 2, Level 3; Three online courses (6 content hours each) addressing trauma, chair yoga, and neurodiversity; Two integration + implementation programs that include a teaching practicum and a mentorship matching you with a teacher for personalized feedback.

Completion of the courses below qualifies for 95 hour Yoga Alliance Children’s Certification. See more about each course and how they fit together below.

This was the most comprehensive, well-planned, and creatively structured children's yoga course I have ever attended...I now feel much more confident in working with children in my yoga studio

Cassandra P.

TRAINING TAKEAWAYS

What You’ll Learn

Through an innovative combination of in-person and online workshops, 
as well as one-on-one mentorship, you will:

  • Gain a greater understanding of the relationship between the brain, the nervous system, and the body
  • Discover how yoga and mindfulness can support effective integration and function
  • Learn a clear, structured framework, based on our five element methodology, that will allow you to teach an integrated experience of yoga and mindfulness in any setting
  • Learn compassionate behavior management skills
  • Learn to teach from a trauma-informed perspective
  • Deepen your own yoga and mindfulness practice
  • Explore short practices that can be integrated into day to day life without a yoga mat
  • Get practical information about how to set up new classes and navigate relationships with schools
  • Explore the challenges of teaching in school environments, studios, and community spaces
  • Receive ongoing support as you build your career

You will return home with a deeper understanding of child development, the capacity and confidence to create lesson plans that meet children’s needs, and the knowledge to teach in a safe, engaging, and compassionate way.

I can’t say enough about what I took away from this program. Not only do I feel totally prepared to teach yoga to children, but I’m a better teacher and a better person.

Karen E.

Who is Training For?

For Teachers, Parents & More

People from a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences attend our Training Programs. What they share is a desire to give kids tools to embrace joy and build resilience, regardless of their circumstances.

  • Classroom Teachers
  • School Counselors
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Community Center Staff
  • Parents and Caregivers
  • Social Workers
  • Psychotherapists
  • Health Professionals
  • Yoga Teachers
  • Meditation Teachers
  • Camp Counselors
  • Coaches

Note: You do not need to be a yoga teacher or an advanced practitioner to attend this training. If you’re not sure training is for you don’t hesitate to call or email.

More Benefits

Why Train With Little
Flower Yoga?

  • WE LOVE KIDS! We believe in helping children and adolescents embrace their full potential and live their lives with joy, knowing that the world holds great wonders for them and that they have great gifts to share with all of us.
  • WE’VE BEEN AROUND A WHILE. We are one of the longest running youth yoga training programs. Since our first programs in 2006, we’ve trained more than 1200 teachers who have brought these tools to children in schools, community centers, studios, hospitals, shelters, detention centers, refugee camps, and more.
  • WE’RE ACTIVE IN THE FIELD. Our trainers are all actively teaching in schools (and several had previous careers as classroom teachers) which allows us to get real-time feedback from the students and teachers in the classroom and stay up to date on what’s going on in the education field at large. We are regularly modifying our curriculum to reflect the latest needs and incorporate new research and information.
  • WE’RE SERVICE-ORIENTED. As founding members of the Yoga Service Council, we are dedicated to working in ways that serve all regardless of circumstances, with a commitment to sharing practices that empower individuals and communities.
  • WE GO BEYOND YOGA POSTURES. Our curriculum is about more than just how to have the kids roar like a lion! We teach you how to teach yoga and mindfulness in a way that includes key social and emotional skills like self-reflection, self-inquiry, and relationship building. Our goal is to create an optimal learning environment and an inclusive learning community.
  • WE’RE MULTIDISCIPLINARY. Kids need representation and support from their various caregivers. That’s why we include yoga and mindfulness teachers, educators, and mental health professionals on our staff (and most of us are parents too!). We are able to offer multidimensional support to the challenges children, adolescents and educators are facing.
  • WE MAKE TEACHING EASY FOR YOU. Our 5 Elements approach—connect, breath, move, focus, and relax—gives you a clear framework within which you can easily create a lesson. Teachers find this structure makes it easy to take what they learn into the classroom

I have been an educator for 30+ years and this was one of THE best trainings I have ever attended. The presenters are impassioned individuals who have deep respect for children and their development and share their passion, tools and resources with grace, intelligence and humor. They created a safe space for us to learn, experiment, ask questions and make mistakes. They also facilitated time for us to reflect, collaborate and nurture ourselves. TOP NOTCH!!!

Laurie M.

Educator for 30+ Years

Ongoing Support

Join Our Coaching and Community Group

Com·mu·ni·ty – a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

We all need ongoing support to integrate our learning, grow as educators, and navigate the many challenging scenarios that arise during teaching. 

The LFY Coaching and Community Group, open to our training graduates at any level, is designed to offer you tangible resources to support your career, on-going coaching, and a built in group of colleagues. 

When you join, you’ll receive: 

  • Coaching from the LFY team, led by founder Jennifer Cohen Harper, through 2 monthly community zoom calls. Bring your questions! All topics are welcome.
  • Teaching resources including free webinars, audio presentation and worksheets.
  • Access to our 18 week yoga and mindfulness curriculum.
  • A variety of branding material including descriptions that you can use on your website, flyers, parent or school letters, etc.
  • Discounts on continuing education courses and webinars
  • Being together in community with a vibrant group of LFY teachers

Learn More

Join Our Learning Community Discussion Group

In addition to our Coaching and Community Group, training participants can join our private online learning community at no cost. Learn from the wisdom of your colleagues in this vibrant and active community of educators, yoga teachers, mental health care providers, coaches, parents and many others. The generosity of spirit and advice freely offered is helpful and inspiring.

Financial Considerations

Payment Options

Training Pricing

Certification

Register for full certification at a bundled price of $3200 (saving more than $565).

*Payment plan available 

Purchase certification bundle with self-paced L1, and start anytime. Email tricia@littlefloweryoga.com for details.

 

 

Level 1-3

If you’d prefer to pay for your courses as you go, you can register for each component of training separately.

Tuition for L1-L3 is typically $795 per level, but may vary by location. See upcoming dates for detailed prices and registration options.

Additional Requirements

Trauma, Chair, and Neurodiversity workshops are required for certification, and are available online at $199 each.

The Training Practicum is $285. One-on-one online mentorship is $450.

Group Rates

We offer discounted rates for groups including schools. Customized trainings (online and in-person) are also available, and can be tailored to the needs of your community.

Contact training director Tricia Stevens for a quote at info@littlefloweryoga.com or 212-634-7890 ext 5.

Graduate Level University Credit

LFY Training is available as a graduate level course through our partner, University of the Pacific. The credits offered are post-baccalaureate, graded, graduate-level semester credits. They are specifically designed to meet the needs of educators for Salary Advancement and Recertification.

Each L1-L3 course is eligible for 1 credit, and full certification is eligible for 6 credits, at a rate of $62/credit payable directly to the university. Learn more or apply for credit

Who You'll Learn From

Our Training Team

Learn from leaders in the field with a wide range of experiences and expertise.

Upcoming Training Dates

Most Asked FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where do your trainings take place?

    We are now offering our entire certification both in-person and online allowing students from around the world to train with us.

     

  • Are the online trainings live-streamed or recorded?

    We have two ways for you to participate in our Level 1 training. One way allows you to be supported by our faculty and staff and move through training in a structured format. There are guided discussions, Q&A’s, live stream meetings, office hours, practice teaching time and a variety of things allowing you to feel like you are connected. The other is a self-paced course that you can do as you feel ready and at your own leisure. Both provide approximately 20+ hours of content.

    You’ll have ongoing access to all of the course components including lectures, practice videos, worksheets, and more. Levels 2 and 3 are a hybrid of livestream and recorded material and very similar to our Level 1 supported format.

  • Do you have to be a yoga teacher to take the training?

    Definitely not. This is a comprehensive training that is appropriate for anyone who is interested in helping children become the best versions of themselves. Each training session contains a diverse group of yoga teachers, classroom teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, parents and many more.

    You don’t have to be able to do advanced yoga poses for training, but general familiarity with the practice is important. The best thing to do is to just participate in classes at a local yoga studio before our training, and, if possible, take a beginners yoga workshop in preparation.

  • Do you have to participate in all three levels of training? Can I just take Level 1?

    No. Some people register for Level One and find that they have the tools they need to introduce yoga to the children in their lives.

    Many participants do eventually participate in all three levels, but there is no timeline for completion and no requirement to take all 3 levels unless you are hoping to become certified.

     

  • Will I be able to teach right away if I just take Level One?

    Level One training covers the most essential aspects of sharing yoga and mindfulness with children safely and effectively, in a trauma informed manner.

    You’ll learn our five element methodology of connect, breathe, move, focus and relax, and how to use practices within each of these elements to cultivate self-awareness, resilience and joy in children and teens.

    This training will give you the tools you need to start teaching right away, in a variety of settings including schools, studios, and private sessions.

  • Will I need to have any props or accessories to take this training virtually?

    No. You can participate fully without any props or other equipment at home. A yoga mat would be great but you really don’t even need that!

  • Is there a timeframe? What are your requirements of the full LFY certification?

    There is no required time frame for completion – you can work towards certification at your own pace.

    When you have completed all required courses and assignments, you can submit your information for certification through the “Learning Resource Center” under your account information on the LFY website. If you have questions about certification at any time, please don’t hesitate to contact us at here.

    The LFY certification includes the following combination of courses:

    Core Curriculum Level 1-3 (Can be completed online or in-person. Weeklong Omega training includes these three levels of training)

    Inclusive Teaching Modules: Trauma Informed Teaching, Chair Yoga for Children and Supporting Neurodiverse Children (Self paced 6 hour online courses)

    Integration and Implementation: Practicum (6 hour online courses), Online Mentorship Program (Personalized support for practice teaching and reflection work)

     

  • Do I receive training manuals? Do I have to purchase any additional items?

    Yes! You receive training manuals (among other supportive content and resources) for all levels of training and courses.

    There are 4 books to read and those are at an additional cost but we have found they are often available at a local library.

  • Do you have a LFY community or support group?

    Yes. Community is very important to us!

    Once you begin training (at any level) you will be invited to our Facebook Teacher Community Group. This is a wonderful group with over 1000 LFY graduates that have various professional backgrounds. Folks are happy to support each other on the page, and LFY trainers and staff regularly check posts as well to be sure everyone who needs support gets it.

    We also have our LFY Coaching and Community Group. This community offers many resources including:

    • Monthly zoom calls led by founder Jennifer Cohen Harper.  We explore topics of interest, answer participant questions, and share resources
    • Access to a well-rounded yoga and mindfulness curriculum
    • A personalized listing in the LFY online teacher directory
    • A variety of branding material including descriptions that you can use on your website, flyers, parent or school letters, etc.
    • Teaching resources including 3 free webinars, audio presentation and worksheets
    • Discounts on continuing education courses and webinars

    More information can be found here.

  • How Do I Receive Graduate Level Credit?

    LFY Trainings are accredited through the University of the Pacific for graduate level credit. Each L1-L3 course is eligible for 1 credit, and full certification is eligible for 6 credits.

    Payment for these credits is made directly to the University, at the rate of $62 per credit.

    View this link for registration details and process

    Here is some additional information: 

    The University of the Pacific is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the state of California. The Graduate-Level Professional Development semester credit provided by the University of the Pacific is accepted by school districts nationwide. The University of the Pacific is fully accredited with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 

    The credits offered are post-baccalaureate, graded, graduate-level semester credits, provided directly through the University of the Pacific, University College. They are specifically designed to meet the needs of educators for Salary Advancement and Recertification. 

    The credits are acceptable where local districts approve and applicable to state licensing where authorized. We always encourage teachers to check with their employer for acceptability of these credits. All participants are responsible to determine acceptability of these credits for their intended use.

    It is under the discretion of individual universities as to whether or not they will accept some or all of these graduate-level professional development units towards attainment of specialty credentials or masters degrees with them.

    Teachers are advised to verify with their school district or state licensing bureau acceptance of such graduate-level professional development semester units/credits prior to registration for unit credit.

     

  • Will my school district accept these courses for salary increments/licensing requirements?

    Each district has different guidelines and deadlines for salary advancement and licensing requirements. We always encourage participants to familiarize themselves with their own policies prior to enrolling.

    The credits offered are post-baccalaureate, graded, graduate-level semester credits, provided directly through the University of the Pacific.

    They are specifically designed to meet the needs of Educators for Salary Advancement and Recertification, however participants are fully responsible for determining the acceptability of these courses for their intended use.

  • Will these courses be applicable/transferable towards my degree

    These courses are not applicable for a degree at Pacific but can be transferred at the discretion of your institution. An official transcript is available from Pacific upon successful completion of coursework. While it may be possible for the credits earned in these courses to be used for salary advancement and state licensing requirements, we do not provide assurance that any state licensing board or school district will accept these credits for those purposes. Individuals seeking credits for those purposes are advised to check with the appropriate agencies and gain approval prior to registering. Accredited by The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

  • Is LFY Yoga Alliance registered?

    Yes. Yoga Alliance certification requires that you participate in all  our core curriculum, consisting of Level 1, Level 2, Level 3; Three Online Courses (6 content hours each) addressing trauma, chair yoga, and neurodiversity; Two Integration + Implementation programs that include curriculum development and a mentorship matching you with a teacher for personalized feedback.

  • How long does the mentorship take?

    We work with each teacher to adapt the mentorship to the demands of busy schedules.

    If you participate in live mentorship (usually greater NYC area only) we require 18 hours of class participation, and many people choose to attend once a week for two back to back classes, and complete the program in 9 weeks. Most folks participate in our web based mentor program, which takes 6-12 weeks based on your pace.

    Please Note: Currently all LFY mentorship is being held virtually.

  • Do you hire people trained by LFY?

    Yes. All of our School Yoga Project teachers are LFY certified, and we only hire teachers who have completed our training. Participation is not a guarantee of hire, but we are adding new school programs every semester and regularly need new teachers and subs in NY. We also receive regular requests for teachers around the country and do our best to refer those opportuntities to member teachers and training graduates.

  • What do I do if I have a question or need help?

    We know that participating in a training like this is a big decision. We want to make sure this program is a good fit for you, and that you have all the information you need. If your questions haven’t been answered above, or you need to know more, please don’t hesitate to be in touch.

    You may email your questions anytime to info@littlefloweryoga.com or schedule a call to speak with our Training Director. 212) 634-7890 x 5