Welcome to the Infant-Toddler Course

The Infant-Toddler Course prepares adults for a career as a Montessori teacher in a lead position in an Infant-Toddler 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 Infant-Toddler Practicum

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. 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.

The practicum in the Infant and Toddler classroom provides a laboratory for the implementation of the theory, philosophy, and concepts that are presented in the academic phase.  

The Infant and Toddler 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.  

  • Setting 1: Infant Concentration (Birth to 18 Months)
  • Setting 2: Toddler Concentration(18 Months to 3 Years)
  • Setting 3: Special Interest The practicum is designed to meet the individual needs of a wide variety of professionals. The practicum is co-designed by the teacher education program and the candidate.

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

AMS Infant and Toddler Associate Credential is awarded to those who do not hold a bachelor’s degree and have satisfactorily completed the Infant and Toddler 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 infant and toddler 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

Philosophy 

The focus of this course is on principles of the Montessori philosophy as found in the primary works of Maria Montessori.  Topics include the study of Dr. Montessori’s life, development of the method, preparation of the environment, observation, role of the adult, the nature of the child, discipline, spiritual preparation and personal development of the teacher.

Pedagogy 

In this course the study of Montessori philosophy, the understanding of the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of the infant & toddler and the skills learned in designing an appropriate environment are integrated. The emphasis will be on how to teach, organize and guide an infant and a toddler class while assisting the unfolding of the human personality of each child. Interactional techniques with children, classroom management and positive communication with children will be examined.

Environmental Design

Infant Focus: This course will focus on infant development and the importance of an appropriate and stimulating environment for children ages 8 weeks through 18 months.

Students will gain insight into the montessori infant center through discussion of required readings, observation and independent research.

Toddler focus: The course focus is on designing suitable environments for children according to the principles of Dr. Montessori.  Topics include the study of the needs of the child as the basis of environmental design; arrangement of the room and its aesthetics and functionality; and the materials and activities for which students learn appropriate uses in the environment with the children.  Underlying principles such as development of the senses, independence, order, space, and safety are also studied.

Child, Family & Community 

In this course, the parent toddler relationship and the family and school as a partnership will be examined.  Topics will include; The parent toddler relationship, building trust with parents, examining one’s own feelings, communicating with parents, the family and school as a partnership, locating resources, and health and nutrition. This course also  highlights the importance of sharing local resources for the families of the school.

Observation 

During this course, adult learners will begin to develop the skills needed to observe children objectively and will learn how to record their findings using a variety of methods. They will practice interpreting and analyzing the data they have collected. Adult learners will devise a record keeping system that they may use and modify in their internship year. This 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 infants and toddlers. 

Personal Growth & Development 

The focus of this course is on the adult learner’s personal development, a component of the spiritual preparation of the teacher described in Dr. Maria Montessori’s works. This course will introduce the importance of ongoing personal growth in terms of professionalism, introspection, spiritual growth and ethics. Through writings, readings, group discussions, adult learners will develop strategies for their own personal and professional growth.

Program Leadership 

The focus of the course is on the philosophy, materials and implementation of procedures necessary when working within a toddler environment. Topics include Orientation, Phase-in, Circle, Toileting, Lunch/Snack, Nap, Safety, Outdoors and Reception/Dismissal. Students will observe these procedures at Princeton Montessori School and discuss how to adapt these procedures in their own school situation.

Child Development 

A review of the theoretical foundations of early childhood care.  An examination of the work of some of the major theorists and how it relates to child care and children. An examination of how this work can be incorporated into the best Montessori practices. Also, to provide adult learners with a basic knowledge and understanding of child development and theories as they relate to the Montessori method and application.

Practicum Seminar & 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.

3-6 Overview for IT 

Montessori philosophy and method of the 2.5 to 6 yr age range is covered in correlation with child development and the consideration of environmental design extensions to meet the social, emotional and academic needs of the older toddler.  Also included in this overview course is Montessori rationale and basic methodology for the materials in the early childhood curriculum areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics and Language.

Music 

This class is designed to give adult learners the tools they need to incorporate music into every area of their infant toddler 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.

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Princeton Montessori School

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487 Cherry Valley Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08540

609-924-4594