Provider Health Spotlight on Tammy Kasier

September 15, 2016

yogagirlSpotlight

Tammy Kaiser, Director of Temple Beit Ha Yam Early Childhood Learning Center, Stuart, Florida

The Problem

Some children were experiencing behavior problems in the classroom. Tammy didn’t feel it was serious enough to warrant action—until she had a conversation with a congregant about the stress-reducing benefits of yoga.

The Solution

School-wide yoga for teachers and students.

 

How They Did It

Tammy was impressed with what she heard and read about how yoga promotes both physical and emotional wellness. She approved the purchase of 100 yoga mats and hired the congregant, an experienced yoga instructor, to teach weekly classes. The synagogue’s social hall became the school’s yoga “studio.” .

yogakids

The classes run between 15 minutes (for the one-year-olds) to 30 minutes (for the five-year-olds). They include low light, soothing music, and the use of lavender oil as a form of aromatherapy.

The Results

According to Tammy, yoga classes have led to better classroom management, and children who are more attentive and more aware of their bodies. Teachers report that their own stress levels are down. Some days, the children ask for yoga and teachers bring the yoga mats into the classroom and lead an impromptu class.

On Tammy’s Wish List

A small pot of money that could be used to purchase some yoga CDs and a CD player.

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Topics: Workforce, Best Practices, Health & Safety

Krista Scott

Written by Krista Scott

Krista Scott is an experienced child health expert working at the forefront of policy, advocacy and equity as the current Senior Director for Child Care Health Policy at CCAoA. For over 15 years, Ms. Scott has worked in public health and education, primarily in non-profit and government agencies, where she has honed her expertise in early childhood health, mental health, special education, program development and support and in using policies to strengthen practice. Ms. Scott has her bachelor’s degree in political science and her Master of Social Work with a focus on management and policy.