Early Childhood AMS Credential

Program Duration

The Early Childhood program has a two-year completion time. Adult learners compete the academic coursework in the first year and moves through the practicum phase and coursework in the second year.

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 2025. Being a hybrid program, 75% of the program is in-residence during summers and monthly weekends during the year. The other 25% is delivered online in Canvas.

Application Process

The application period will open in January and end in mid-April. 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.

Virtual Open House Sessions

If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to sign up to join us for one of our two upcoming Virtual Open House Sessions. These sessions are held via Zoom. Our TEP Program Directors and Instructors will be present to provide program information and answer your questions. Contact us to receive a Zoom Meeting invitation.

Virtual Winter Open House: Tuesday, January 28th from 6 to 7pm EST

Virtual Spring Open House: Wednesday, March 19th from 6 to 7pm EST

Tuition & Fees

Early Childhood Program

  • Application Fee: $125
  • Tuition: $6,900
  • 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.

*Information updated 11/15/24

Course Schedule

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

In-Residence Dates:

  • June 9 – 20, 2025
  • July 14 – 18, 2025

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. 

  • June 8 – 12, 2026

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 2027. 

 

Early Childhood Assistant Training

This course supports assistants currently working in classrooms and aspiring Montessori assistants.

Our assistant’s course spans three months. As the adult learner moves through the course, with their cohort, they will gain knowledge of children development and learn how the Montessori method supports the youngest child from birth to 3. Learners will also participate in self-reflection and the preparation of the adult, learning that the adult serves as the important link in a Montessori infant and toddler environment.

Adult learners can work at their own pace while moving through bi-weekly modules with their cohort. The added benefit of Zoom lectures with our Infant & Toddler Teacher Education Program Instructional 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.

  • Approved KY ECE-TRIS hours
  • Cost: $400 (10% discount for 3 or more participants from one school)

Dates for our next cohort will be announced in summer 2025.