Some of the main course components include

• Montessori Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies: presents Montessori Philosophy in the context of the most current understanding of psychology, neuroscience, and human development
• Observation Theory and Techniques
• Environmental Design
• Establishing healthy rhythms and routines
• The Development of Language and Communication
• Activities for supporting Sensory, Cognitive, and Motor Development Music—The Child in the Family
• Classroom Leadership and Administration

IMC Montessori Certification for teaching ages 0-3. (Full Certification is MACTE Accredited.)

19 months

During the distance learning phase, students will need access to a Montessori Infant or Toddler environment for observation assignments and the 9-month practicum/internship.

Coursework over the entire 19 months with a one-week break approximately every 8-9 weeks and a two-week winter and summer break. New cohorts (groups) of students will begin several times a year. Students follow a specific schedule of course curriculum, working with fellow students and Instructional Guides on a weekly basis.

Students should plan 10-15 hours per week, which can be scheduled at their own convenience, to view course video lectures and presentations, complete a variety of assignments, and participate in course discussions. Once a week, students participate in a one-hour scheduled chat session.

The Infant-Toddler Full Certification Program requires attendance at one 80-hour residential session. Our recommendation is for attendance at a residential session in the first summer of the course, before one begins the practicum/internship phase. The summer residential session provides opportunities for supervised practice with lessons and caregiving techniques, as well as environmental design and material making. The emphasis on classroom leadership skills helps prepare students for the practicum phase so they are successful in translating Montessori theory and methods into daily classroom practice.

Students are required to complete a 9-month, 400-hour practicum/internship in an approved Montessori Infant or Toddler classroom or a Montessori Parent/Infant program. Classrooms must be well prepared according to Montessori principles for this age group and follow Montessori best practices for supporting the development of children ages 0-3.

Students will be assigned a Field Consultant who will visit the intern in the practicum classroom to provide feedback and support and to evaluate the intern’s growth and progress as a Montessori Guide. CGMS makes an effort to find and contract certified and experienced Montessori consultants within reasonable driving distance of the student to serve as the field consultant. When this is not possible, the student or sponsoring school will be responsible for the additional travel cost for the practicum evaluation visits.

The ideal practicum experience takes place in a classroom with a certified and experienced Montessori Infant/Toddler Guide. In this situation the student serves as an assistant teacher-intern working under the guidance of the Supervising Teacher. This enables the student to observe and learn from the mentor teacher while increasingly developing knowledge and skill in all areas of the curriculum and in the duties of a lead Montessori Guide.

In some circumstances students may need to complete a Self-Directed Internship. This occurs when a qualified Supervising Teacher is unavailable to work directly with the student. We realize this may occur in some cases when schools or individuals are starting new programs. In such cases of self-directed internships, CGMS will work with schools and individuals to develop a support plan, which will include additional mentorship from experienced Montessori Infant and Toddler teachers. This additional support may be provided by video conferencing or in person. The fee for this additional support will be based on the level of support needed, with a minimal fee being $700.

CGMS offers two tiers of training. Full Certificate students attend a two-week training program in addition to their Montessori distance learning component.

CGMS Associate Certificate students can, either during their course of study or for up to five years after, upgrade to the Full Certificate by attending the summer sessions. This unique feature of the CGMS program means that you can begin your training now, when you can’t leave home, and then upgrade to the Full Certificate when your schedule improves.