Donna and Marian operated the program from their school, Creative Child Center in Cincinnati. North Cincinnati NCME was in operation from 1988 to 1998 when Marian sold her school. They considered closing the NCME program but Ann Wurdeman & Rick Hulefeld were instrumental in convincing them to continue the program at Children, Inc. (now Learning Grove) facilities in Covington, KY.

In 1998, North Cincinnati NCME became Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education (GCCME) and continued under their leadership until 2006, when Crystal Dahlmeier assumed directorship. She continues to be on Faculty as an Instructor and continues to offer inspiration and guidance within the GCCME community.

After working closely with Crystal for several years, Heather Gerker assumed directorship in 2012.   In 2017, Lisa Dieso, GCCME faculty member, assumed directorship.

In 2019, GCCME started a new partnership with Northern Montessori Academy in Crescent Springs, KY and in 2021 both the academy and teacher education program were renamed Crescent Ridge Academy.

PROGRAMS

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 to June.

Face to Face Meetings:
Summer 2023
June 5 – 9 (8am-5pm)
June 12 – 16 (8am-5pm)
July 17 – 21 (8am-5pm)

Weekend Meetings
Saturday meetings are part of the Academic Coursework
Sunday mornings are the Practicum Workshops
September 9-10
October 14-15
November 11-12
January 6-7
February 3-4
March 2-3
April 6-7
May 4-5

Summer 2024
June 10-14 (8am-5pm)
Online learning courses begin July of 2023 and continue through June of 2024.

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 Canvas, 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.

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!