“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” – Dr. Maria Montessori
The Montessori philosophy, which is at the heart of this program, is offered within the framework of contemporary child development for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years.
This skills- and knowledge-based MACTE-accredited Early Childhood Montessori Diploma Program prepares adult learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience needed to pursue a career as a caring and qualified Early Childhood Montessori educator.
Our experienced faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and blended approach to learning provide adult learners with opportunities to develop their understanding of Montessori philosophy, child development, Montessori materials, and practical classroom applications.
The Full-Time Early Childhood Montessori Diploma Program combines online learning with in-person instruction, observation, practical learning, and supervised practicum experience. Learners will have opportunities to apply their knowledge and develop the skills required to work effectively in a Montessori classroom and prepared environment.
The program includes the following mandatory components:
The In-Person Practical Review Days provide an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Montessori materials and to learn from experienced instructors regarding the fundamentals of giving strong and meaningful presentations to a child.
In-Person Practical Review Days will take place on the tentatively scheduled Saturdays or Sundays outlined below at our Ontario campus from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EST).
Ontario:
Note: Practical review dates and locations are subject to change.
Learners must complete the Observation component, which includes 40 hours of in-person observation. These observation hours are required to complete Observation Reports that are due at various times throughout the program. Observation Report #1 is due in MEC501. Please note that learners cannot progress in the course without submitting observation reports in a timely manner.
If employed at a school, learners must make the appropriate arrangements to complete these hours within the required due dates. While completing observation hours, the learner cannot be counted in ratio and must silently observe the room.
If learners are not currently employed at a school, arrangements must be made immediately. Learners are asked to please consult with their student handbook for guidelines on how to make these arrangements.
For MACTE reporting purposes, these 40 observation hours are included as practicum hours.
Learners must complete 360 hours in an approved Montessori classroom with children between the ages of 3–6, with a minimum of five children enrolled. For the Full-Time program, the practicum begins after all required coursework has been successfully completed.
The practicum site must meet the College’s requirements:
A list of Montessori materials is available here.
During the completion of practicum hours, learners are expected to observe, assist and participate in all aspects of the children’s development and growth in their assigned classroom.
Please note that some programs cannot be counted towards the Practicum, including but not limited to: before/after school programs, camps, recess, lunch coverage, breaks, or hours completed outside of the appropriate age level. Hours must be logged on a consistent schedule in a minimum of 2 hour work cycle increments.
Learners are encouraged to complete the practicum on a full-time (Monday to Friday) basis. Learners completing the practicum on a part-time basis must maintain a minimum commitment of two full days or four half days per week throughout the practicum. This consistency is required to support meaningful engagement in the Montessori environment and the child’s developmental process. Learners are not able to start and stop practicums at various times once commenced.
After completing your Early Childhood Montessori Diploma Program, you can apply to the following positions:
Montessori Teachers College does not guarantee admission or successful completion of the diploma program offered.
Montessori Teachers College does not guarantee employment to those who successfully complete the diploma program. Please note that learners taking this program in Alberta should click here for information regarding post-graduation certification.
Admission to the diploma program does not guarantee the adult learner the right to enter Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) or to receive a visa or other document required under that Act.