OCDEL to Offer Course on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and the Pennsylvania Key are offering an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course.

What is MBSR?

MBSR is the most extensively-tested, evidence-based mindfulness program available. Mindfulness is the practice of paying focused, non-judgmental attention to the present moment. It involves being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings without trying to change or avoid them.

This eight-week course is aimed at individuals who are seeking a reputable and in-depth exploration of mindfulness meditation. It adheres to the same standards and structure as the in-person program created in 1979 by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.

The course includes 2.5-hour sessions each week as well as a full day-long-at-home retreat and daily practice. It is an intense course for those seeking to deepen their mindfulness practice and understanding through a trusted and well-researched system.

More Information

Those interested in taking the class should view a recording on the Pennsylvania Key Mindfulness page prior to completing an application. The recording can be found at the bottom of the page.

There are limited seats currently available. Applications will be prioritized for early childhood educators providing direct service to children and families. The application deadline is 4 p.m. on Friday, December 20. 

Applicants will be informed by Monday, December 23 of their application status. Those who are selected will receive a link and a code to register for the course through Mindful Leader, the organization hosting the courses. Applications are available online.

The four different class options include:

  • Starting January 6: Mondays, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Sessions: January 6 - March 3; retreat on Saturday, February 22)

  • Starting January 12: Sundays, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Sessions: January 12 - March 9; retreat on Saturday, February 22)

  • Starting January 24: Fridays, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Sessions: January 24 - March 21; retreat on Saturday, March 8)

  • Starting January 28: Tuesdays, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Sessions: January 28 - March 25; retreat on Saturday, March 15)

Providers, NewsNathan Dukemindfulness, mindfulness-based stress reduction, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, The Pennsylvania Key