Research-Based Benefits of Mindfulness for Young Children and Adults
"Mindfulness In and Out of the Early Childhood Classroom" is a thoughtful and practical course designed to help educators and caregivers explore mindfulness for both personal growth and classroom application. Participants will begin by learning about the research-backed benefits of mindfulness for children and adults, then move into developing their own mindful practices through guided techniques and meditation.
The course also focuses on how to bring mindfulness into early childhood environments—integrating it into daily routines, classroom activities, and even family engagement. By the end of the course, participants will have a toolkit of mindful strategies and a comprehensive resource list to support young children’s well-being while deepening their own sense of presence and calm.
Dr. Johnna Darragh Ernst is a Distinguished Professor of Early Childhood Education at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, USA. In addition to publishing numerous articles, she has authored two books focusing on inclusion and family engagement and co-authored two publications focused on using early childhood competencies to support professional pathways. Johnna has presented extensively at state, national, and international conferences on topics including inclusion, assessment, family engagement, and incorporating mindful practices in the early childhood environment.
John Ernst, Ph.D., is a faculty member in film and communication. He has been practicing and teaching mindful strategies for over 30 years and incorporates mindfulness into his college courses. He is a frequent speaker on the benefits of mindfulness and how to incorporate mindful practice into one’s daily life.
