TRAINING COURSE
"The Child in the First Three Years"

NEW GROUP JULY 2010

Each July, we begin a new cycle of our 13-month part-time training course, featuring both a holistic, inspiring study of the development of the young child and the experience of creating a family.  This course is based upon the insitghts of Waldorf early childhood educations and the work and research of the Pikler Institute in Budapest, Hungary.

The program is designed for childcare providers working with infants, toddlers and young children; early childhood professionals wishing to deepen their understanding of these early years as a foundation for their work with  kindergarten children; parent-infant and parent-toddler group facilitating teachers; and those who work with expectant parents.

The course is founded upon the joy of learning together with others who share a deep commitment to very young children.  Study the development of infants and young children with gifted, devoted faculty.  Experience handwork and the arts, reading and journal activity, the art of observation, and further development of your own relationship to movement.

PROGRAM SEQUENCE
Each residential program module includes movement, handcraft, and artistic experiences, all while building a joyful community.  Experiential learning is part of each module.  Modules are arranged sequentially to support your work with children and families.

Current training  group schedule:

SUMMER I, 2010  -  2 WEEK SESSION, July 12-23, 2010

Study of the physical, cognitive, social-emotional and spiritual developmental stages of the child and family in the first three years, including the healthy development of the will.  In-depth introduction to the work of Emmi Pikler and the Pikler Institute: respectful care giving, support of motor development in the young child, using observation as a key to understanding.

FALL 2010 - 5 DAY SESSION, October 31-November 5, 2010

Exploration of program models for childcare, infant and toddler playgroups with parents; language development and nutrition; development of background for a personal research project to be presented during the spring module.

SPRING 2011 -  5 DAY SESSION, April 3-8, 2010

Study of the bodily care of the very young child, including practical experiences; exploration of biographical phases of adult development and group facilitation skills; sharing of independent study prepared during the winter.

SUMMER II, 2011  2 WEEK SESSION, July4-15, 2010

 Supporting healthy development in the early years.  Topics include the nurturing benefit of domestic activity, learning through imitation of life around the child, creative play, guiding children toward healthy self-discipline, working with conflict and aggression.

 NEW 2011 GROUP:  FIRST SUMMER  JULY 11-22, 2011

Our  brochure for the Training Coursefor summer 2010 is now available for down load by clicking on the link. 

MENTORING PROGRAM The training course has a mentoring component to the program.  Each student will have the special opportunity to work together with an experienced early childhood mentor who is familiar with his or her studies in this program. The mentor will visit each student in her professional or family environment twice during the training, to enter into dialogue around her questions and experiences while studying at Sophia's Hearth Family Center.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR:  Susan Weber 

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR: Jane Swain

COST
Tuition for the 2010 course is $5,800. Tuition includes healthy, deliciously  prepared group lunches each day.  Participants whose applications are received prior to April 1 will receive a $200 discount for the program.   A non-refundable deposit (except in case of course cancellation) of $300 is required upon acceptance.

Full course information and registration forms are available in our   2010-2011 Training Course Brochure. 

QUESTIONS?

 We’re available to consult with you about course choices or other questions you might have.  Simply call or email us!