Infant developmental movement education program

The developmental courses that make up the program can be conducted independently according to the needs and interests of the students. IDME Program. Infant Development Movement Education. Students will learn to:. Observe how the development of normal movement happens in childhood. The IDME Program is suitable for people who are working with babies for the first time and those who are already working in this field, especially:. Workers in the fields of movement, bodywork, massage or somatic education who want to expand their skills to include working with babies.

IDME Courses. They are the first modalities of learning and form the foundation for bonding, relationships, perception, learning, emotional well-being, physical agility, cognitive functioning and also the general ease with which a child can grow and develop. The nervous system is developing rapidly in infancy. However, because the nervous system has a great deal of plasticity during this period, it is easier to facilitate optimal movement.

This program is a highly sophisticated and subtle approach to the observation and facilitation of normal movement patterns in infants. It is child centered and relationship centered, and child oriented rather than task oriented.

It trains people to recognize early movement patterns and to interact effectively with infants in gentle, enticing ways that will have a positive effect on their growth and development. The goal in movement education with infants is to help set a foundation that supports pathways of ease, strength, agility and adaptability and to help avoid restrictive patterns of movement that inhibit the development of the full potential of the child. The approach is gentle, non-intrusive, and enticing rather than demanding.

It is direct and highly specific to the individual child. It always looks at the whole child and fully embraces each child and their parents and family. It includes and educates the family in the interactive process. This program is designed to train people to evaluate and facilitate normal development in infants using an embracing, child-centered approach. It is suited for those who are new to working with infants and those who are already working with them.

We especially invite:. The key to change is engaging the child rather than making the problem the focus. Typically-developing babies will find sitting, standing, and walking completely on their own , without being taught. This is essential for creating optimal foundations for body health, brain development, safety, reading skills, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence.

It can be very tempting to hold or prop babies upright. I want parents to have the information you need and to understand how this approach is different from common parenting advice. If propping is done habitually, it can hinder various aspects of development, even relational skills.