THE CHILD IN THE FIRST THREE YEARS

In July 2004, Sophia's Hearth began our 14 month part-time certificate
training for those interested in exploring in depth the first three years of
the child's life. This course has been developed out of the requests and
interest of teachers and those interested in very young children. The
special experiences of our faculty and of our own center are shared with the
students in the course, and naturally, each participant will bring his or
her own rich life experience. The program is structured in four residential
modules, and will be of interest to child care providers working with
infants and toddlers; early childhood teachers wishing to deepen their
understanding of these early years as a foundation for their work with
nursery and kindergarten children; parent-infant and parent toddler group
facilitating teachers, and those who work with expectant parents. Parents
will also find this course of great interest. Faculty members include
co-directors Susan Weber and Jane Swain, along with Ute
Strub, English language training faculty member at the Pikler Institute in
Budapest, Hungary, Helle Heckmann, director of the Danish child care center
Nøkken in Copenhagen, and Carol Pinto of RIE (Resources for Infant
Educarers) in Los Angeles. Others experienced with prenatal care, young
children, families, Nancy Mellon, storyteller, Wilton, NH; Genelle
Mikkalson, midwife and others gifted with the arts join us.

Our first group of students completed its study and celebrated its
graduation in July of 2005.  A new group will begin its study in the summer
of 2006.  Full course information is available in our brochure; please write
or call us for a copy.

The training course features. . . 

Ours is a time of challenge for infants and young children, as the world
around them attempts to minimize the innate timeliness and protection needed
for their full blossoming. Our training honors the fullness of time deserved
by each child, and prepares those who live with and care for very young
children with the insights and practical capacities to offer care and
guidance in a loving, inspired way.

Our program prepares you to create . . .

PROGRAM SEQUENCE

SUMMER I, 2006 2 week session, tentatively scheduled for June 26 ­ July 7
Study of the physical, cognitive, social-emotional and spiritual
developmental stages of the child and family in the first three years; the
healthy development of the will. In-depth introduction to the essential
elements in the work of Emmi Pikler and RIE; respectful care giving,
support of the motor development of the young child, using observation as a
key to understanding.

FALL 2006  4 day November session (to be scheduled)
Exploration of program models for expectant parents, playgroups for infants
and toddlers with parents, and child care. Development of background for a
personal research project, to be shared during the spring module.

SPRING 2007   4 day April session (to be scheduled)
Study of the bodily care of the very young child, including practical
experiences. Exploration of biographical phases of adult development and
group facilitation skills.

SUMMER II, 2007  2-week session (to be scheduled)
An advanced study of the young child¹s sensory and bodily organs.
Stimulating healthy development in the early years ­ topics will include the
nurturing benefit of domestic activity, learning through imitation of life
around the child, creative play, guiding children toward healthy
self-discipline. Creating program models that support these themes. Advanced
insights into the development of movement.

CO-DIRECTORS

Susan Weber & Jane Swain

COST

For a complete training information and brochure, please contact Sophia’s Hearth.