Certified Instructor Program

Click here to download detailed program information (9,144 KB).
Click here to download this information in A4 format (9,146 KB).

Our SHANTALA Massage Certified Instructor Program is an extensive and complete instructor program. There is no pre-requisite for taking the training, but because of the nature of the program we would like to advise you that most of our instructors have a specific background, which could include but is not limited to: Therapists (PT, OT, MT), Yoga Instructors (pre- and postnatal), Program Directors for Early Intervention Programs, Physical Education specialists and Personal Trainers (pre- and post natal).

Upon certification, we will continue to support instructors with research updates, articles, continued education, specific support for their SHANTALA Massage business, Newsletters etc.

As an Organization, we strive to raise the bar for quality Baby, and Child Massage classes. A goal that starts with a solid education for instructors. An education that goes further than simply instructing students on the technique. Our Certified Instructor Program will enable students to become a terrific instructor to parents, helping them help their baby through a regular massage routine.

Level I and Level II

Our SHANTALA Massage Instructor certification process includes a Level I and Level II. Both levels are completed with an official exam. Upon graduating Level I, students have 90 days to complete their Level II.
Graduating both levels will give students their Certification.
All our Certified Instructors abide by the SHANTALA Massage Code of Ethics, ensuring high quality classes for their parents.

Not included in the certification are: SHANTALA Music and Massage for Toddlers, SHANTALA for Kids and the course SHANTALA for Couples, which are all available as Continued Education Programs.

Goals and objectives:

• You will be educated (practically and theoretically) in the traditional art of SHANTALA Baby Massage. During the Level I training we will work with 55-cm. dolls to practice our technique. Level II - practicum will be done in a class setting, with parents and their babies.
• Basic adaptations to the SHANTALA Massage technique, enabling you to provide alternatives to parents, and caregivers of some special needs kids and touch defensive babies/children.
• Acquire a basic SHANTALA Massage technique for older children - which will give you alternatives within the baby massage as well as help you with your "performance".
• Explore our own sensorial impressions; experience the dos and don'ts of touch.
• Developmentally beneficial yoga exercises for the babies.
• The advantages of regular massages. The latest research will be covered.
• The science behind the theory.
• The importance of getting to "baby pace". Why that is so important plus some relaxation techniques for yourself to help you get to baby pace.
• Base-affirmative lifting and carrying techniques, what it is and why that is so important.
• Baby's hand language.
• Massage oils and essential oils for babies.
• Swaddling, indication when and when not to swaddle/various techniques.
• Baby Massage music.
• Setting up your own SHANTALA Baby Massage business.
• We offer you countless practical examples.
• Completing a reading list is part of the training.
• Your choice of Continued Education Programs and general Continued Education Congresses that will keep you on top of the latest developments in baby and child massage. Our CEP's also allow you to offer a wider range of classes to your parents. One CEP is mandatory each 18 months to maintain your certification.

Benefits:

• On-line listing as a Certified Instructor, with a personal biography.
• Personal SHANTALA Massage e-mail address (e.g. tracy.test@shantalamassage.org).
• You can download research papers, parent manuals, promotional flyers, articles, logo's and much more from a secured Instructor Downloads section of our website.
• You can buy SHANTALA Massage products at special instructor prices, enabling you to sell our products through your courses and workshops. You are NOT obligated to do so, but you can if you wish.
• Access to great continued education programs, like the one focussing on the gentle SHANTALA massage technique for children.
• Membership to our SHANTALA Instructors Association.
• Receive our SIA Newsletter twice yearly, filled with updates and the latest research on touch, baby and child massage.

You will take home with you -
Upon completion of Level I:

• The book "Loving Hands - The Traditional Art of Baby Massage", written by Frederique Leboyer, the renowned French obstetrician who introduced SHANTALA Baby Massage in our Western society.
• A complete and extensive Reference Manual.

Upon completion of Level II:

• Your SHANTALA Massage Instructor Certification.
• Access to the special Instructor Downloads section of our website.
• Your SHANTALA Massage email account.
• SHANTALA Instructor Association membership.
• SHANTALA Massage Code of Ethics.

AMTWP approved

Our Certified Instructor Program is officially recognized by the Association of Massage Therapists and Wholistic Practitioners.
This association offers a wealth of professional benefits to its members, which includes group liability, business and health insurance plans, a national magazine, a yearly conference and marketing materials. The AMTWP also works on behalf of and with members on advocacy issues and public education about CAM therapies.

More information:

If you are interested in becoming a Certified SHANTALA Massage Instructor but would like more information, please feel free to contact us.
We are also willing to organize an Instructor Training in your area upon request.

Tuition:

The tuition for the complete program (Level I and Level II):

• Within Canada: $995.00 (CAN)
• USA and South America: $925.00 (US)
• Europe: €795.00 (EUR)

Calendar:

Check out our calendar and see if and when we have scheduled an Instructor Program in your area. If not, please contact us. We might be able to work something out.

Registration:

Register here and we will send you a complete information kit.