Created in 2007 by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), The Pennsylvania Key implements the work and supports the policies developed and managed by OCDEL. Learn More. >
Created in 2007 by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), The Pennsylvania Key implements the work and supports the policies developed and managed by OCDEL. Learn More. >Mindfulness is particularly important for early childhood educators because it enhances both their well-being and their effectiveness in nurturing young children’s development. Key reasons why mindfulness is essential in early childhood education field include:
It is important to acknowledge that there are a lot of resources on how to introduce mindfulness to young children, and there are many benefits to doing so. The supports and resources provided here are very intentionally designed to support the adult in the early childhood setting. When we as adults are better able to regulate our emotional state, we can model for children and truly embody the concepts prior to bringing practices and activities to the young children in our care.
If you are looking for guidance on bringing mindfulness into your early childhood setting, the ZERO TO THREE Getting Started with Mindfulness Toolkit is a resource designed to introduce early childhood professionals to mindfulness practices that can support their personal well-being and enhance their interactions with young children. The Toolkit provides practical strategies and tools for integrating mindfulness into daily routines.
Key Features:
This Toolkit helps early childhood professionals build mindfulness habits that benefit both their well-being and the children in their care
The Healthy Minds Program app is a free science-based mindfulness and well-being app developed by the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The app combines neuroscience, contemplative traditions, and behavioral science to help users improve their mental well-being through meditation, mindfulness practices, and personal development.
Key Features:
The Healthy Minds app is designed to be accessible for both beginners and experienced practitioners, providing tools to enhance mental clarity, emotional balance, and resilience. It’s available for free, making it widely accessible for personal use
The UCLA Mindful app is a free mindfulness and meditation app developed by the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. It provides users with easy access to a variety of guided meditation practices and resources designed to promote mental clarity, relaxation, and emotional well-being.
Key Features:
The UCLA Mindful app is grounded in research and designed to help users build a consistent mindfulness practice, improve their mental health, and reduce stress in their everyday lives.
The Shine app is a self-care and meditation app designed to support mental health, with a particular focus on fostering well-being for marginalized communities, including people of color. It offers daily meditation, mindfulness, and wellness content that promotes self-compassion, emotional resilience, and stress management.
Key Features:
The Shine app encourages users to cultivate mindfulness, improve their mental health, and create positive self-care habits, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced meditators.
The Insight Timer app is a popular meditation and mindfulness app offering a vast library of free guided meditations, music tracks, and mindfulness practices from teachers around the world. It is known for its diversity of content and the global meditation community it fosters.
Key Features:
The Insight Timer app is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike, offering a rich variety of content for cultivating mindfulness and improving overall well-being.
Incorporating mindfulness into organizational culture is more than just a wellness initiative—it’s a strategic approach to building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate workplace. By fostering mindfulness, an environment in created where every individual is empowered to contribute their best, feel valued, and grow both personally and professionally. Together, you can cultivate a mindful organization that champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all.
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Key, is excited to announce the opportunity to attend an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is the most extensively tested evidence-based mindfulness program available. Given the proliferation of mindfulness programs without established standards, it can be difficult to know which program to choose. For individuals seeking a reputable and in-depth exploration of mindfulness meditation, we highly recommend MBSR training. The program adheres to the same standards and structure as the in-person program created by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, as outlined in the MBSR Standards of Practice. This includes 2.5-hour sessions each week for 8 weeks, a full day-long at-home retreat, and daily practice. It is not a quick 5-minute meditation course on an app, but rather an intense course for those seeking to deepen their mindfulness practice and understanding through a trusted and well-researched system.
On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, an Information Session on the MBSR Course was held virtually. The recording and the corresponding slide deck of this meeting are available now!
There are limited seats currently available. Applications will be prioritized for Early Childhood educators providing direct service to children and families. The application deadline is 4:00 pm, December 20, 2024.
There are four different class options:
Starting January 6: Mondays, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Starting January 12: Sundays, 9 am – 11:30 am
Starting January 24: Fridays, 9 am – 11:30 am
Starting January 28: Tuesdays, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Applicants will be informed by Monday, December 23, 2024, of their application status. If your application is selected, you will receive a link and a code to register for the course through Mindful Leader, the organization hosting the courses. These courses are also offered to the public and you will likely be in class with non-ECE professionals from all over the country and even the world.