Early Childhood
Ages 3-6
The Early Childhood teacher education course prepares the adult learner for their role as a Montessori guide in a multi-age classroom of children ages 3-6. The program aligns with all philosophies and principles of the Montessori methodology.
Program Details
Academic
The AMS minimum academic course requirement is 300 hours of coursework delivered in a hybrid model (onsite and online). The course integrates subject content with Montessori components, philosophy, methodology, and MACTE competencies, to create an overall experience of learning, growth, and transformation. Onsite training includes three weeks in July and six weekends during the school year. There are additional Zoom meetings from 7:00- 8:30 pm, approximately 2-3 times per month.
Practicum
The practicum phase consists of the adult learner working in the Montessori classroom of their practicum site for a minimum of 540 hours. These hours are met by working in a well-equipped, multi-age classroom for three hours each day (during the morning work cycle), five days a week and over the nine months of the academic school year.
Credentials Awarded
Graduates of the PCTE Early Childhood course who hold a Bachelor’s degree will earn an Early Childhood (3-6) Full Credential, while those without a B.A. will earn an Early Childhood (3-6) Associate Credential. Both are accredited by Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), with the affiliation of the American Montessori Society (AMS). Please note that the 3-6 Overview class is a prerequisite for the Early Childhood program.