HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST KIDS YOGA TEACHER TRAINING:

In today’s yoga landscape, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a Kids Yoga Teacher Training (KYTT). With so many programs available, the task of selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. Not every training is designed with the same care, inclusivity, or depth of experience—and the program you choose can make all the difference in the kind of teacher you become.

Whether you’re just beginning your yoga teaching journey or looking to expand your skills to work with children of all ages, here’s your guide to what truly matters when choosing a Kids Yoga Teacher Training or a 95-Hour Kids Yoga Teacher Training program that leads to a Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher (RCYT) designation via Yoga Alliance.

Timing & Accessibility

The right program should meet you where you are in life, a few things to consider:

• Flexible scheduling: Weekend intensives, modular learning, or online options can help fit training into your personal and professional schedule.
• Accessibility: Programs should ensure participation is possible for all learners, regardless of physical ability, location, or background.
• Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher (RCYT) Designation: If you’re a 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with the Yoga Alliance and interested in receiving Continuing Education (CE) credits or the designation of a RCYT, be sure to sign up for a program that’s 95 Hours and is a RCYT designated program with Yoga Alliance.

If you’re not concerned with receiving RCYT designation and/or you’re not a 200 Hour RYT, then there are only a few reputable programs out there that are excellent and still accessible to meet your needs (We love Prema Kids Inclusive Teacher Training, Karma Kids, Yogi Beans, and Childlight Education Company).

Affordability & Payment Plans

Investing in your education should not be a financial burden. Look for trainings that:

• Provide affordable tuition that reflects the value of the training.
• Offer payment plans to make the program more accessible to aspiring teachers.
• Are transparent about what’s included (manuals, materials, practice hours, mentoring).

Commitment to DEIB & Trauma-Informed Practices

A quality kids yoga training program should prioritize inclusivity. That means:

• Focusing on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), ensuring yoga feels welcoming for every child.
• Being trauma-informed, equipping teachers with tools to create safe spaces where children feel seen, respected, and supported.

Multi-Age & Multi-Population Approach

Children are not a monolith. A robust KYTT prepares you to work with:

• Toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and teens.
• Different populations including children with diverse abilities, neurodivergence, or special needs.
  This ensures you graduate ready to teach confidently across ages and settings—from classrooms to studios to community spaces.

Expressive Arts & Creative Integration

Yoga for kids goes beyond postures. Programs that stand out:

• Weave in expressive arts like storytelling, music, dance, journaling, and mindful art.
• Encourage creativity and imagination, making yoga engaging and developmentally appropriate for children.

Meeting Students Where They Are

The best trainings emphasize that no two children learn in the same way. Look for a program that:

• Incorporates multiple intelligences theory (movement, music, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, etc.).
• Recognizes different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).
• Equips you with strategies to adapt classes so that every child can succeed and shine

Practice Teaching Opportunities

Confidence comes with practice. Strong KYTT programs don’t just talk about teaching—they give you plenty of chances to actually teach. Expect:

• Supervised teaching practice during the training.
• Constructive feedback from experienced trainers.
• Opportunities to practice in different settings, ages, and group sizes so you leave prepared and confident.

Not all Kids Yoga Teacher Trainings are created equal. The best 95-Hour KYTT programs go beyond teaching asana sequences—they prepare you to be a compassionate, inclusive, and confident teacher who can support the whole child. By considering timing, affordability, inclusivity, trauma-informed care, creative approaches, learning differences, and practice opportunities, you’ll find a program that not only elevates your skills but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact in children’s lives. The bottom line: Choose a program that doesn’t just train you to teach yoga—choose one that trains you to teach children through yoga. That’s where the real magic lies. 

About the Author:

Larissa R. Noto (C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, RCYT, RPYT).

Larissa is a writer, published children’s author, yoga therapist, professor, wife, mom of 3, and disability/legal advocate. She is the Owner/CEO of The Lovely Little Lotus and Director of Trainings & Programming Partner at The Yoga Loft in Bethlehem. Larissa is also the writer and co-creator of Prema Kids Inclusive Yoga Teacher Training, along with long time collaborator, writer and co-creator, Camelia Felton of Mimi’s Yoga Kids. Learn more about this training here.