Early Childhood Program (3-6)

Overview

The Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Education program offers a comprehensive curriculum for early childhood educators, integrating philosophy, theory, and peace education with an in-depth study of Dr. Maria Montessori's work. Adult learners explore subjects such as child development, practical life, sensorial, mathematics, and language through hands-on materials ranging from concrete to abstract while also designing rich experiences in art, music, movement, the physical and life sciences, and social science.

This program emphasizes strong home-school partnerships, mindful guidance of children's behavior, and support for children at risk, and reinforces practical skills in observation, classroom management, and administrative leadership. Through a year-long cultural research project, live online conferences that foster community, and an intensive practicum where students gradually assume full lead-teacher responsibilities, participants develop the knowledge, confidence, and practical expertise needed to create nurturing, peaceful, and developmentally responsive Montessori environments.

Curriculum

Philosophy, Theory and Peace Education

Examines historical and contemporary educational theories and their impact on current early childhood practices. Includes an in-depth study of Dr. Maria Montessori's educational philosophy and its application to today's classrooms.

Child Development

Provides an overview of classic and current theories of child development and their relationship to early childhood and Montessori education. Emphasizes current research and its implications for practice.

Practical Life

Focuses on the prepared environment and sequential presentation of Practical Life materials. Highlights activities that refine movement, foster independence, and support the development of the whole child.

Sensorial

Explores sensorial theory through concrete Montessori materials. Develops the skills to plan and implement activities that refine the senses, support cognitive growth, and build a foundation for later intellectual work.

Mathematics

Builds on Practical Life and Sensorial principles to introduce an integrated, hands-on mathematics curriculum. Examines didactic materials that move from concrete experiences to abstract understanding in response to children's developmental needs.

Language

Extends the theoretical base from Practical Life and Sensorial into language acquisition. Emphasizes materials and strategies that support spoken language, written language, and early literacy in the Montessori environment.

Art, Music and Movement

Investigates key elements of art, music, and movement experiences for young children. Develops both theoretical understanding and practical skills for designing rich, integrated creative activities.

Physical and Life Sciences

Examines how to design experiences that help children explore and understand the natural world. Encourages bringing nature into the classroom and nurturing curiosity about scientific phenomena.

Social Science

Develops the skills to plan and implement social studies activities in geography and history. Includes cultural studies and education in human values to support the development of the whole child.

Family Involvement

Explores the relationship between home and school and its impact on the child's development. Emphasizes positive family-school partnerships and the use of community resources.

Observation

Combines lecture and guided school observations in a variety of Montessori environments. Emphasizes observation as a key tool for understanding children and supporting the prepared environment.

Classroom Leadership

Focuses on the daily operations of a Montessori classroom and the conditions that support effective learning. Covers strategies for observing, guiding, and documenting young children's development.

Year-long Project

Involves researching a cultural group and designing a comprehensive unit of study. Gives experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating curriculum that enriches the classroom and invites children to explore how others live.

Peace Education

Introduces Cosmic Education and the adult's role in nurturing peace within the Montessori environment. Guides teachers in creating a classroom culture that supports inner peace and peaceful relationships.

Children at Risk / Neurodivergent Learning Style

Provides guidelines for recognizing and understanding children who struggle to adapt to their environments. Addresses patterns of behavior, performance, and interaction that may signal the need for additional support.

Administrative Leadership

Introduces the administrative aspects of Montessori school leadership, including policy development and regulatory compliance. Covers foundational skills for managing school systems and operations.

Mindful Guidance of Children's Behavior

Examines how children communicate their needs through behavior. Uses interactive activities and discussion to develop mindful, needs-based guidance strategies.

Live Online Conference

Offers opportunities to connect with instructors and peers to share questions and reflections. Supports community building and confidence as learners enter and progress through the practicum.

Practicum

Provides supervised experience as a Montessori lead teacher in a classroom setting. Over the year, students gradually assume responsibilities in observation, curriculum planning, presentations, documentation, and classroom management.