Program Duration

The Infant & Toddler 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, Child Development, Environmental Design, Pedagogy, Child Family Community, Observation, Personal Growth, Program Leadership, 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 Infant & Toddler training is a hybrid program, consisting of in-residence instruction during summers and three weekends out of the 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.

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, beginning on January 25th and ending on May 4th. As adult learners move through the course, 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 play 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 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.

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