Early Childhood AMS Credential

Program Duration

The Early Childhood program has a two-year completion time. Adult learners complete the academic coursework in the first year and move through the practicum phase and coursework in the second year. Our next cohort will begin in June 2026.

Program Sections

Philosophy, Practical Life, Language, Sensorial, Math, Cultural Studies, Observation, Personal Growth, and Practicum.*

The Practicum Experience

Adult learners are required to complete 540 in-classroom teaching hours during their practicum. The required hours must be obtained over a school-year period of 9 consecutive months with the learner working in the classroom at least 3 hours a day 5 days a week. The practicum may be self-directed or directed by an experienced Montessori educator.

Format

Adult learners will move through the program as part of a cohort beginning in June 2026. Our Early Childhood training is a hybrid program, consisting of in-residence instruction during summers and one weekend a month throughout the school year. The online portion is delivered through Zoom and Canvas. 

Application Process

The application period is open. Once the application and the $125 non-refundable application fee have been received, the potential adult learner will be contacted to set up a student interview.

Tuition & Fees

2026 Early Childhood Program 

  • Application Fee: $125
  • Tuition: $7,500
  • Supplies: $500
  • Practicum Fee: $600
  • AMS & MACTE Adult Learner Fees: $500
  • *Writing Workshop (*required for those w/out a bachelor’s degree): $150
  • Practicum sites that are outside a 60-mile radius, the cost of transportation and lodging (if required) must be assumed by the adult learner.
  • Possible additional fees include personal supplies and curriculum albums.
    • Payment plans are available
    • Tuition may be paid in full or in 12 monthly installments with a down payment of $2,500 due at the start of the academic workshop in June 2026

*Tuition updated 12/4/25*

2026-2028 Cohort Course Schedule

Adult learners should expect to attend class from 8am to 5pm each day they are in-residence.

In-Residence Dates:

  • June 8 – 12, 2026
  • June 15 – 19, 2026
  • July 13 – 17, 2026
  • June 7 – 11, 2027

Weekend sessions, during the first year of the program, will be held on the first Saturday of each month with the occasional exception of weekends during which holidays or Montessori conferences fall. 

Weekend sessions, during the second year of the program, will be held on the first Sunday of each month with the occasional exception of weekends during which holidays or Montessori conferences fall.

Final Exams will be taken in June 2028. 

Early Childhood Assistant Training

This course supports assistants currently working in classrooms and aspiring Montessori assistants and is delivered 100% online through Canvas.

Our assistant’s course spans three months.  As the adult learner moves through the course, with their cohort, they will gain knowledge of Child Development, the Montessori Philosophy, Learning Environments, the Role of the Prepared Adult, Curriculum and Observation. Learners will also participate in self-reflection to facilitate awareness of the important role they hold as the link between the child and the classroom environment.

Adult learners can work at their own pace while moving through bi-weekly modules with their cohort. Coursework consists of asynchronous assignments and synchronous Zoom lectures. The added benefit of Zoom lectures with a member of our Early Childhood instructor team at Crescent Ridge Academy sets our assistant’s training apart from other programs. Live lectures provide adult learners with opportunities for collaboration, connection, and real-time discussion with peers and instructors.

Attendance will be taken throughout the course as learners’ complete coursework and attend live Zoom lectures. Reliable access to a laptop/personal computer, printer, and internet are required.

 

  • Approved KY ECE-TRIS hours
  • Early Registration Cost: $450 if registered by January 14, 2026 (10% discount for 3 or more participants from one school)
  • Late Registration Cost: $500, late registrations will be accepted through January 23, 2026
  • Our next cohort will begin in summer 2026
Registration Closed
Course Schedule

Course Duration: January 25th through April 25th

Synchronous Lectures Dates (attendance required)

 

  • January 26th, 7:00 to 8:30pm EST
  • February 9th, 7:00 to 8:30pm EST
  • February 23rd, 7:00 to 8:30pm EST
  • March 9th, 7:00 to 8:30pm EST
  • March 23rd, 7:00 to 8:30pm EST
  • April 6th, 7:00 to 8:30pm EST
Montessori classroom