IAIM Instructor Training Curriculum & Certification Process

The Blueprint of Nurturing Touch

From physiological science to the heart of baby-led communication.

Master the IAIM Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to move beyond "how to massage" and instead focuses on "how to facilitate." You will learn the science of secure attachment, the physiology of the infant body, and the specific pedagogical techniques required to teach parents how to listen to their babies.
Theoretical Foundation

Explore the history of IAIM and the vital research on bonding, attachment, and the benefits of touch for both the infant and the caregiver.

Practical Application

Hands-on practice using demonstration dolls to master the full-body massage routine, including specific strokes for relief, stimulation, and deep relaxation.

The Certification Path

Understand the post-course requirements, including your supervised practicum and the international take-home assignment needed to earn your official CIMI title.

The 6 Modules of Mastery

Your Learning Journey Description: The training is divided into six core areas, ensuring you leave the four-day intensive with a holistic understanding of the parent-infant relationship.
The Language of Cues

Learn to recognise and interpret infant states of consciousness. You will master the art of teaching parents when to begin and when to stop.

Anatomy and Physiology

Deep dive into the infant’s bodily systems, including how massage aids the nervous, immune, and digestive systems, with a focus on colic relief.

Facilitating Parent Groups

Develop the skills to lead adult learners. You will learn how to facilitate discussions that build community and support parental mental health.

Adaptations for Growth

Discover how to modify the massage strokes for toddlers and children with special needs, ensuring the programme remains relevant as the child grows.

The Ethics of Touch

Understand the boundaries of our profession. We focus on non-invasive techniques and the importance of never massaging the baby ourselves.

Practical Teaching Lab

Engage in a "live" teaching environment during the course, where you will practice demonstrating strokes to a real parent and baby under supervision.

Join the Training

Are you ready to become a certified voice for infants and families in your local community? Take the first step toward your new career by checking our upcoming training dates in Singapore. We can’t wait to welcome you to our next intake!

Busting the Myths of the Classroom!

Curriculum FAQs

Think this is just about rubbing backs? Think again! Our curriculum is a robust mix of science, psychology, and soul. Here’s the lowdown on the learning.

Oh, yes! We dive into the neurobiology of touch and how it affects the infant brain. It’s fascinating stuff that gives you real authority when talking to parents.

After the 4-day course, you’ll teach a real class of parents. It’s your "test drive" where you apply everything you’ve learned while being supported by your trainer’s feedback.

No, IAIM only uses high-quality, unscented, cold-pressed vegetable oils. Our curriculum teaches you why scents can interfere with the baby's natural smell—their "first bond."

We use a specific "facilitator" model. Instead of lecturing, you’ll learn how to help parents find their own answers, making them the experts on their own babies.

It’s a "take-home assignment" rather than a sit-down exam. It’s designed to ensure you’ve deeply understood the philosophy and the strokes before you head out into the world.

Absolutely! In fact, we welcome it. Our curriculum teaches you how to support parents during those "fussy" moments. You’ll learn that a baby’s cry is their communication, and instead of shushing it, we teach parents how to listen and respond with empathy and a calm presence.

Yes, inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. The curriculum includes a dedicated module on adapting strokes and positioning for infants with different physical or developmental needs. We ensure you feel confident and equipped to support every family who walks through your door.

 

It’s a bit of IAIM magic! It is a specific, evidence-based sequence of strokes designed to help move gas and ease constipation. You will learn the anatomy of the infant gut and how to teach this routine to parents whose little ones are struggling with digestive discomfort.

We do! To know where we are going, we must know where we started. You’ll learn about our founder, Vimala McClure, and how she integrated ancient Indian traditions with Swedish massage and reflexology. It’s a beautiful story that connects you to a global lineage of care.

Don't worry—most people feel that way at first! Our curriculum breaks down the teaching process into "micro-skills." We guide you through how to use your voice, how to position your demo doll, and how to build rapport with a group. By the end of day four, you’ll be amazed at your own confidence.