Yoga for pre-school children in head start programs: Promoting motor and social skill development

Background: Children aged 3-5 years in Head Start Programs often have or are at risk for delays in motor and social skills. A Group Yoga Program was designed to promote skill development.

Methods: Two Head Start Programs located in underserved neighborhoods partnered with physical and occupational therapy departments at nearby universities to design, implement and evaluate a Group Yoga Program delivered during summer. Children (n=105) participated in these Yoga Programs (55% boys; 45% girls). The Yoga Programs included sequences to promote motor and social skills. Sequences were contextualized in stories of journeys to city landmarks to motivate children; improve attention and retention; and for fun! Yoga instructors were therapists, therapy students and teachers. Focus groups were conducted with instructors (n=11) to identify themes on Yoga Program feasibility and effectiveness. Some children were measured pre and post Program to evaluate changes in motor (n=38) and social (n=13) skills. Data analysis included mixed methods approaches.

Results: Themes from focus groups suggest that instructors: 1) valued interdisciplinary team approaches, 2) considered the Yoga Program a good fit for Head Start; and 3) observed positive changes in child motor development. Preliminary analyses of child outcome measures suggest that children improved on motor planning and strength but not on behavioral or social-emotional factors.

Conclusion: Yoga Programs using an interdisciplinary model may be feasible and effective to promote motor and social skills in pre-school children in Head Start. However, future studies should evaluate environmental adaptations and Program duration to support child social and motor skill development.