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Montessori Early Childhood

Certificate Program The purpose of the Montessori Early Childhood certificate program is to educate teachers with the professional competencies to implement the Montessori approach in the early childhood classroom (Ages 2.5 – 6).

The Programmatic Outcomes for the Montessori Early Childhood Certificate Program are:

Following completion of the CERTIFICATE IN MONTESSORI EARLY CHILDHOOD, graduates will have acquired the ability to:

  1. Identify the learning needs of each early childhood student;
  2. Integrate the knowledge, understanding, skills, and values necessary to meet individual and group developmental needs;
  3. Analyze data from classroom observation to improve effectiveness of instruction;
  4. Design, organize, and implement a developmentally appropriate program for the early childhood age group in accordance with the Montessori philosophy; and
  5. Interpret student and classroom observable data to administrators, parents, and the community.

Cost Per Credit: $415.00

Montessori Early Childhood Certificate Courses

  • Examines Montessori philosophy, theory, teaching strategies, rationale, and basic methodology for the materials in the areas of the curriculum.

    **Waived for students holding AMS credential at another level.

  • Introduces students to the philosophy and rationale for everyday living and sensory-motor curriculum areas. Students learn how to design and maintain developmentally appropriate activities in those two areas for the young child.

  • Examines how a child develops linguistic skills and presents strategies for facilitating development in a holistic foundation for the understanding of quantity and the development of number sense through specially-designed hands-on materials sequenced to correspond with the child's development.

  • Explores the philosophy, theory, and strategies of the Montessori approach to early childhood and elementary education. The course is designed to provide a background for understanding the sequence of normal human development, the study and practice of objective observation, and its use as an assessment tool for educational planning.

  • Includes the teaching of the fine arts and the performance arts (art, music, movement/dance). Emphasis is placed on the role of the related arts in the development of the young child and how these can be integrated into the daily curriculum. The course includes cultural studies (history and geography) and explores ways of broadening one's horizons in physical and life sciences (botany, zoology, earth science and physical science) while nurturing a sense of wonder and spirit of inquiry inherent in each student.

  • EDM 649 Classroom Leadership for Montessori Early Childhood Teachers (3) Classroom Leadership for Montessori Early Childhood Teachers equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills in classroom management, record-¬keeping, curriculum and environmental design, and human relationship skills to successfully implement the Montessori approach in the Early Childhood (2.5–6 years) classroom, and interpret classroom observations to the public.

  • Student teacher applies Montessori instructional strategies in implementing early childhood curriculum with supervision by a certified Montessori teacher. Student is visited three times during the semester. One on one consultation is given by University instructor during these visits.

  • Continues the application of Montessori curriculum and instruction techniques at the secondary level under the supervision of a Montessori-certified teacher and a University advisor. Prerequisite: Completion of all certificate coursework.

NOTE: Students earning a Montessori Early Childhood Certificate can apply those credits towards a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Montessori Early Childhood degree program.

Additional Credential Information

Graduates of the program who fulfill practicum requirements set by the American Montessori Society will be recommended for the American Montessori Society Early Childhood teaching credential for ages 2.5 - 6 years.

As stipulated in the AMS Handbook for Teacher Education Program Affiliation “For college or university programs, the adult learner registration and fee is due at the conclusion of the academic phase, or when the adult learner enters the practicum phase (whichever comes first), and no later than six calendar weeks from the start of the practicum phase.” Upon enrollment in Practicum I (EDM-656 for Early Childhood students). AMS/MACTE Adult Learner Fees will be collected as an additional student fee tied to the course. Payment of the professional Adult Learner fees will allow the Montessori Program Director to submit registration information and Adult Learner fee payments to the American Montessori Society and to the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education. Adult learners will receive a practicum membership in AMS with its accompanying rights and privileges. AMS and MACTE do not accept fees directly from the adult learners.

Additional Graduation Requirement

Written verification of Practicum EDM-656 and EDM 657 (for Early Childhood students) completion must be filed with the advisor.

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