Infant & Toddler Certification

Program Duration

One year, the adult learner works to complete both academic and practicum coursework concurrently.

Program Sections:

Academic Coursework

The adult learner receives instruction and demonstrations in all course areas. Adult learners learn how to create a prepared learning environment and have opportunities for supervised practice with the learning materials. The academic coursework consists of the completion of all classes and assignments in each course, written assignments on readings from Montessori and related texts, group discussions, activities, and the development of Infant and Toddler Resource Albums.

The Practicum Experience

Under the guidance of an experienced Montessori educator or in a self-directed practicum* adult learners teach in a Montessori program (working in a classroom for 3 hours a day, five days a week or 540 hours for 9 consecutive months). Assignments specific to the practicum experience include observations, material making, family partnerships, a child study, and a research project. Adult learners are also required to attend Practicum Workshops, totaling 18 hours of face-to-face meetings throughout the school year. *Self-directed practicums must be approved by the CRA Program Director.

Format

Adult learners move through the program as part of a cohort group. Classes are a combination of face to face (80%) and online (20%)

Course Schedule.

Face to face meetings: 3 weeks in the first summer, 3 weekends throughout school year, and 1 final week in the second summer (plus practicum experience). Online work occurs July-June.

Early Childhood

Program Duration

Earn an American Montessori Society credential in one or two years. While we strongly encourage two years to complete the certification, the program can be completed in one year with the approval of the Program Director.

Format

Adult learners move through the program as part of a cohort group, beginning each June. Classes are a combination of face to face (75%) and online (25%).

Course Schedule

Face to face meetings: 3 weeks in the first summer, 1 weekend a month throughout the school year, and 1 final week in the second summer (plus practicum work). Online work: July-May.

Program Sections

Section I, The Academic Workshop (Year 1)

The adult learner receives instruction and demonstrations in all curriculum areas as well as classroom management, child development, observation and evaluation techniques. Adult learners also learn how to create a prepared learning environment and have opportunities for supervised practice with the learning materials. This portion of the program consists of a series of written assignments on readings from Montessori texts and related texts. The topics focus on Montessori principles, child development theories, observation of children and environments for learning. Of the 317 hours in this section, 100 of those will be conducted via Blackboard, our online course management system. Adult learner evaluation(s) are also included in the Academic Workshop.

Section II, Practicum (Year 2*)

Under guidance of an experienced Montessori educator or in a self-directed practicum, adult learners teach in a Montessori program (working in a classroom for 3 hours a day, five days a week or 540 hours for 9 consecutive months). Assignments for this section include observations, material making, family partnerships, a child study, and a research project. Adult learners are also required to attend Practicum Seminars, totaling 32 hours of face-to-face meetings throughout the school year (and 8 hours of face-to-face assessments).

Workshops

Customizable Workshops:  Customized, small-group training sessions (in person or virtual) from an instructor.

Professional Development Hours: Please inquire for details.

We offer several professional development opportunities throughout the year.

Consultation

The TEP offers consulting and mentoring services. We can assist your school and staff members with the following:

• Building bridges among staff in a peaceful work community
• Administration and leadership
• Montessori education
• Working with Parents
• Creating a beautiful classroom environment
• Classroom Management

Our experienced faculty are excited to support you and your staff!