The Early Childhood program prepares adults for a successful career as a Montessori guide in a lead position in an Early Childhood classroom of a Montessori school.

Program Format

The Program format consists of two delivery methods.

Onsite training consists of:

Lectures, discussions, material presentations, small and large group projects,supervised practice with materials and a range of other hands on activities. In most cases, modules are designed to deliver 4 hours of learning.

Online training will use the Google Classroom platform.

Module Structure

Each module will consist of a Zoom class with the Instructor and follow up content.

Follow-up content includes; lesson presentations, reading, videos, reflection papers, group discussion,  practice with materials, material-making, project preparation, project presentations and a variety of other activities, and will be clearly explained by the Instructor. 

Attendance and participation are mandatory.

The Early Childhood Practicum

The preparation of an Early Childhood teacher involves both the acquisition of basic knowledge outlined in the academic requirements and the use of that knowledge in developing skills and fulfilling the MACTE competencies. The function of the practicum phase is to provide the student with a supervised teaching/learning experience and a period of observation, internalization, and further study to bring together the theory and practice of Montessori education. The Early Childhood practicum is defined as lasting a minimum of 540 hours completed over a nine-month period with the adult learner working at the practicum site, in the classroom for three hours a day, five days a week for nine consecutive months.  

The practicum begins the September following the summer academic phase. A minimum of five weeks of the summer academic phase must be completed in order to begin the practicum phase.  Locating a practicum site is the responsibility of the adult learner. All practicums must be approved by PCTE prior to the beginning of the practicum phase.

There are two practicum models: The Supervising Teacher and the Self-Directed.

Supervising Teacher Model

This model is one in which the adult learner teacher works in the classroom under a qualified Supervising Teacher at an approved school site.  A minimum of three field consultant visits are required. To best support the growth of the adult learner, the consultations/evaluation visits must be spread throughout the practicum phase.

Self-Directed Model

In some circumstances, there is not an opportunity for an adult learner to work under a Supervising Teacher.  In that case, adult learners may do a self-directed practicum.

All the requirements for the supervised practicum apply to the self-directed practicum.

The practicum may extend over a period of two academic school years.

Credentials Granted

AMS Early Childhood Full Credential is awarded to those who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have satisfactorily completed the Early Childhood teacher education program.

AMS Early Childhood Associate Credential is awarded to those who do not hold a bachelor’s degree and have satisfactorily completed the Early Childhood teacher education program. Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree, the candidate receives full certification. The associate certification satisfies the necessary qualifications to teach in a Montessori early childhood environment in a recognized Montessori program in most states.  AMS strongly encourages holders of the Associate credential to obtain a Bachelor’s degree within seven years of credentialing.

Course Descriptions

Practical Life 

This course includes the study of Practical Life including the areas of;  Analysis and Control of Movement, Care of Self, Care of the Environment, Grace and Courtesy, Food Preparation, and Art. Adult learners will gain knowledge in subject content, material design, practice with the materials and analyze practical life activities.  Teaching methods include presentation of materials, discussion, small group activities, and practice of lessons. 

Sensorial

 This course prepares the adult learner to use the sensorial materials in a classroom setting.  The materials are designed to develop coordination, observation, and judgment while using all the senses:  visual, tactile, gustatory, olfactory, and auditory. The adult learner examines the relationship between size, color, shape, and texture and relates these concepts to mathematical functioning.  The structure of the course will include lecture and demonstration of lessons, readings and discussion, practice of materials and album preparation.

Language 

This course is designed to introduce the adult learner to the philosophy and rationale of language development for the 2.5- 6 yr old child.  The adult learner will be guided in how to prepare and facilitate an Early Childhood language environment. Topics include oral language development, expressive and receptive language experiences, reasoning skills, vocabulary development and enrichment, word composition, phonemics, reading, writing, creative expression, children’s literature and drama. 

Math  

The course focuses on the study of the development of the child’s mathematical mind. The content of the course is divided into the following: numbers 1-10, decimal system, linear counting, and the four mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  Adult learners learn to approach the mathematical concepts using concrete materials and then to lead the child to abstraction. The structure of the course will include lecture and demonstration of lessons, readings and discussions, practice of materials and album preparation.

Physical and Life Sciences 

This class is designed to give adult learners the lessons and materials needed for preparing science materials and lessons in the early childhood environment, including botany, zoology, earth elements, and physical science. It includes plant exploration, animal exploration, physical sciences exploration and simple experiments.

Social Studies 

The course focus is on teaching social studies to children ages 3-6 according to the Montessori philosophy.  Two areas of concentration are history and geography. Geography covers spatial orientation, land and water forms, globes, maps, flags, multicultural awareness and peace education.  History includes time, calendar, seasons and personal history. 

Classroom Leadership 

The study of Class Leadership and Management will include lecture and discussion of management skills and community building within the classroom.  Adult learners will participate in practicing classroom management techniques through role-playing and group activities. This class expands management skills, which have been introduced as part of the laboratory class discussions and lectures.

Montessori Philosophy

 The focus of this course is on principles of the Montessori philosophy as found in the primary works of Maria Montessori and works of various contemporary authors who describe the implementation of American culture today.  Topics include the study of Dr. Montessori’s life, development of the method, the materials, preparation of the environment, observation, role of the adult, the nature of the child, discipline, spiritual preparation and personal development of the teacher.  Peace education is also a focus in this course.

Observation 

The essential techniques of observation and recording are the focus of this class. Adult learners will develop the skills needed to observe children objectively, using a variety of methods.  They will practice interpreting and analyzing the data they have collected and will learn about record- keeping systems. This class includes lecture on the techniques of observations and supervised observations, some of which may be done during the practicum phase. Documented observations must represent a balance of three to six year olds.

Child Development

This course serves as a study of basic theories of child development according to the major contemporary child developmentalists.   Stages of development related to the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual growth of the 3 -6 yr old child are examined along with current research.  This class includes discussion, videos, lecture, and small group projects and presentations.

Art

This class is designed to give adult learners the tools they need to incorporate art into every area of their early childhood curriculum regardless of their prior experience.  Creating a cultural experience across the curriculum serves a strong foundation in appreciation of techniques and style. Adult learners explore several basic techniques, art mediums, and art history.  Creating classroom materials is also a part of this class.

Music

This class is designed to give adult learners the tools they need to incorporate music into every area of their early childhood curriculum regardless of their prior experience.  Creating a cultural experience across the curriculum serves a strong foundation for this class. Adult learners will learn such topics as; rhythm, singing, instrumental skills, and music appreciation.

Movement

Through participation of group exercises and discussion, students will develop an understanding of the way movement is essential to the development of the child. The students will expand their knowledge of how to direct children through a variety of physical activities that are relevant, meaningful and enjoyable that promote coordinated movement, flexibility and creative movement.

Parent Involvement/Education

 Adult learners will learn the importance of family and school as a partnership, the need for mutual trust and respect, skills in communication, need and opportunities for parent education, and skills for sharing information and offering practical help to parents. Models for the following types of collaboration are covered; parent meetings, telephone calls, parent – teacher conferences, and written communication.

Practicum Seminar and Year Long Project

The Practicum phase includes 540 hours of in class experience to be fulfilled by attending class 3 hours a day (during work cycle), 5 days a week, over 9 consecutive months in the same classroom.  The Practicum also includes assignments, Field Consultant visits and seminar contact hours. A minimum of 3 Field visits are conducted. Additional mentorship and visits are required, depending on Practicum model, experience, and circumstances.  Yearlong project consists of Reflective Journals and videos.

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Princeton Montessori School

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487 Cherry Valley Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08540

609-924-4594