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FAQ's for little lights yoga classes - Child Care Centres & Kindergartens
How much space do you need?
  • A clear uncluttered space with enough room for children to hold hands in a large standing circle, which would create enough space to set up 15 small round yoga mats.

How long does each class run for?
  • Classes are designed in 8 week blocks, starting in week two of each school term, unless otherwise specified. The duration of each weekly class is 30 minutes, however the yoga teacher will arrive 15 minutes early to set up the cleared space with yoga mats. Weekly yoga classes are booked for the same time and day each term. This ensures children gain maximum benefits, weekly attendance allows them to become familiar with practicing each pose, build trust, gain confidence and increase strength. Children experience success through repetition and predictability, each week they become more comfortable with the yoga teacher, the group and flow of the class structure. Weekly attendance builds an atmosphere of safety and trust for all who participate, which supports children’s full participation and overall wellbeing.

How many children per yoga class?
  • Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 15 children, this allows the yoga teacher to create a sense of community and connection within the yoga class and maintain quality yoga teaching. Two 30 minute yoga classes can be offered during one visit to ensure all children have the opportunity to participate. For example: 10.30am – 11.00am and 11.00am – 11.30am. Times can be negotiated to fit in with your routine.
  • For stability reasons, little lights yoga  requires a minimum of 10 children in any one yoga class

How much do the classes cost?
  • little lights yoga takes pride on working with each client in reaching a pricing agreement that works for everyone involved and we are happy to discuss payment options that meet your individual needs.

Do we have to provide any equipment?
  • No, all yoga mats and craft materials are supplied by little lights yoga

Is the yoga teacher qualified?
  • Yes. Amanda has completed specialised children’s yoga teacher training with Loraine Rushton of Zenergy Yoga, which include: Foundation, Advanced, Mastery, Yoga Therapy and Yoga Therapy for Special Needs courses. In addition, Amanda is also a qualified early childhood educator with 20 years experience working with young children.

What do children need to wear?
      Children are required to:
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing such as leggings, shorts or track suit pants with a favourite T-Shirt. This type of clothing provides comfort, ease of movement and protects children’s dignity. If children are wearing a skirt/dress, please make sure they are wearing leggings/sport shorts/lycra shorts underneath.
  • have long hair tied back from their face
  • be free from jewellery and accessories such as; hats, sunglasses, necklaces/bracelets or scarves
  • practice yoga in bare feet (unless weather is extremely cold)

What happens if a child is absent due to illness?
  • A missed class may be made up during the same 8 week block of classes, if space is available in another class.

What about toileting needs?
  • It is advisable that all children be reminded to go to the toilet just before the yoga class begins. This avoids disruption to the class and ensures children gain maximum benefits of participating in the full yoga class.

Does the yoga teacher have a current criminal history screen check and other relevant documents?
      Yes, the yoga teacher holds:
  • Child-related employment screening certificate, issued by DCSI
  • First Aid Certificate:
  • Apply first aid – Early Childhood
  • Perform CPR
  • Provide basic emergency life support
  • Asthma and Anaphylaxis management
  • Child Safe Environments Certificate (reporting child abuse and neglect)
  • DECD - Authority to work 2015/2016
What are the benefits of yoga for children?
Through nurturing the whole child, children experience benefits on physical, mental and emotional levels, which eventually encourage their spirits to shine.
On a physical level children:
  • increase strength, coordination, flexibility and balance, through body awareness
  • increase energy levels and stamina
  • learn how regulate their breathing, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm
  • develop good posture and alignment for a strong healthy spine
  • work muscles, bones, joints and improve organ function
On a mental level children:
  • increase their focus, concentration and listening skills
  • learn life skills to balance emotions, calm the nervous system and reduce stress
  • learn stillness and relaxation to calm busy minds
  • reduce stress and anxiety
  • develop resilience and stability
On an emotional level children:
  • benefit from increased levels of confidence, self-esteem and inner strength
  • learn kindness and respect for themselves and others
  • enrich their creativity and imagination
  • create a sense of peaceful wellbeing
  • build balance and inner quiet

Does a staff member need to join in?
  • It is not essential for staff to join in, however, if one staff member is available to participate in the class, it not only offers support to the yoga teacher but provides a familiar face for the children, while allowing the yoga teacher to demonstrate the poses and remain focused on teaching the class with minimal disruptions.

Can parents stay and watch their child?
  • Typically we discourage parents/guardians from staying for the class. We find that children settle better, are more engaged and less distracted when their parents are not present.

Do your yoga classes support Belonging, Being & Becoming - The Early Years Learning Framework and the NQS?
  • Yes, as outlined in the cover letter little lights yoga supports Belonging, Being & Becoming and also helps your child care centre or kindergarten program meet some NQS requirements. If you would like to know more information on how children’s yoga classes can support these documents, we are more than happy to discuss this with you in more detail.

How do we know what happens in a yoga class?
  • At the beginning of each 8 week class block, little lights yoga will provide the director with a brief descriptive overview for each class, detailing the intention and benefits for children.

Bushfire policy
  • Please note, if your child care centre or kindergarten is in a high risk bushfire area, on catastrophic fire days all yoga classes will be cancelled and rescheduled.

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