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Mindfulness in Early Childhood

Mindfulness is growing in popularity just about everywhere. Parenting and early childhood settings are no exception.

It is widely recognized for reducing stress, improving health and supporting recovery from adversity in adults. Importantly, mindfulness also nurtures strong adult-child relationships.

Research on mindfulness in early childhood highlights its value in parenting and caregiving, and training in mindfulness provides practical strategies to support children’s development.

Mindfulness for Early Childhood Professionals

Practicing mindfulness is transforming the way educators care for children

Working in the early childhood field means navigating big emotions, constant demands and complex relationships. Yet this vital work is often undervalued and undercompensated. Without support, this important work can lead to stress, burnout and compassion fatigue.

Quick-Start Guide

Explore the benefits of mindfulness for early childhood educators with links to trainings, apps, and simple classroom practices you can start using today.

Free Training in Mindfulness

Access our learning module designed for early childhood educators and program directors on using mindfulness to support staff and children.

Mindful Caregiving and Mindfulness Activities

Mindfulness activities with children foster calm, strengthen relationships and support healthy emotional development

Through co-regulation, mindful activities help children feel safe and supported while learning how to manage their own emotions.

More Mindfulness Resources

Power List

5 Early Childhood Professionals Battling Burnout in the Field

Hear from five professionals who are actively addressing early childhood educator burnout while leading efforts to support resilience across their fields.

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Caring for Yourself While You Care for Your Children

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Toolkit

How can mindfulness support early childhood educators?

Studies show that practicing mindfulness in early childhood settings has an impact on teachers and on the children in their care.

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Mindfulness for Early Childhood Professionals

Stressed? Bring mindfulness to work.

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Resource

Mindfulness Practices for Children and Families

When parents and children are feeling big emotions, it’s good to find some calm. Simple mindfulness practices for families can help.

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Webinar

New Data on the Health and Well-Being of Early Childhood Educators

Explore recent data on an array of factors showing the pandemic’s impact on early childhood educator well-being.

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Resource

Preventing Burnout in Early Childhood Professionals: Practical Self-Care Strategies

Understanding the common causes and exploring ways to address burnout in early childhood education can help you effectively manage or even prevent it..

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Virtual Event

Virtual Event: The What, Why, and How-To of Mindfulness for Early Childhood Educators

When adults engage in focusing practices like mindfulness in early childhood settings, it helps to build important mental, social, and emotional skills that they need to be responsive supports and effective models.

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Distillation

Your Calm Is Their Calm: Co-Regulation Strategies for Infants and Toddlers

As parents, caregivers, or early childhood professionals, we’re often told that young children need help learning to manage their emotions. But what does that actually look like for babies and toddlers who don’t yet have the words to explain how they feel?

This is where co-regulation comes in.

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Dig Deeper

Explore research about implementing mindfulness within early childhood education settings and professional development courses designed to deepen your practice.