The Registration of PranaYoga and Ayurveda Mandala as a State Private Occupational School

By Hansa

It started with a simple phone call. When I decided to start a teacher training program, I requested information from the state of Colorado on the requirements of teachers who teach teachers. I also needed to know the definition of a Private Occupational School, and how that definition would affect my business, PranaYoga.

The phone call began a journey. In the state of Colorado, any school which teaches people a skill that offers an alternative or supplemental source of income must be registered and approved as a Private Occupational School, through a Division of the Department of Education. Training in every career field, from truck driving to massage therapy, must be registered. Yoga Teacher Training programs are included in that requirement. My yoga school had to meet all the requirements.

School instructors must meet certain standards. Colorado regulations are based on educational parameters plus experience. Teachers must have certifications in their area of expertise and 10,000 hours or five years working in the field. Assistants must be certified and have 5,000 hours of experience. The school was asked to establish a syllabus. We had to document the number of hours, textbooks, course objectives, payment agreement and refund policy. There was an on site visit to the school. We acquired evaluations from other schools, teachers and potential employers who accessed the syllabus and offered input. Supporting the solvency of the school included assuming a bond to cover monies paid, should the school close before completion of the program.

The goal of the State Division of Private Occupational Schools is consumer protection. It is not about money or making a school teach certain information. The Registry supports the consumer; by guaranteeing registering students that they will receive the advertised program. The Registry also protects the School. Through the process, I enhanced my understanding of my intention for the PranaYoga Teacher Training Programs. Because of the registration process, I have a greater sense of what I am offering at PranaYoga.

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