Canada-Wide Montessori Education Program – Early Childhood Montessori Diploma

Canada-Wide Montessori Education Program - Early Childhood Montessori Diploma

To guide children aged 3 to 6 years

The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.”    – Dr. Maria Montessori

The Early Childhood Montessori Diploma Program has designated intake start dates annually in January, May and September.

Next Program Start Date: May 2025

Part-time: 10 month program (approx.)

Virtual Lectures:
Weekly (weekday TBD)
– 6:00PM to 8:00PM (MST)
– 8:00PM to 10:00PM (EST)

Locations:

– Toronto: 8525 Torbram Rd, Brampton, ON L6T 5K4
– Calgary: 4963 Front Street SE, Calgary, AB, T3M 2M3

Accreditations

Program Overview

This online blended program is designed to fit the needs of students residing across Canada, specifically in areas where access to MACTE accredited Montessori diploma programs is not available. The program consists of ten months of online coursework and online virtual lectures, followed by a two-week Practical Review period which would require candidates to travel to one of the college’s locations (Calgary or Toronto). Online virtual lectures will take place 8-10 pm EST (5-7 pm PST, 7-9 pm CST, 9-11 pm AST). The program also requires candidates to complete 360 hours Practicum Internship at an accredited school (place of employment) local to the candidate and 40 hours of Observation. Please see below for further detail.

This MACTE accredited Early Childhood Montessori Diploma Program will prepare you with the necessary resources, skills, knowledge and practical hands-on experience to pursue a career as a caring and qualified Early Childhood teacher who effectively guides children in a Montessori classroom/environment.

Our highly qualified faculty, advanced curriculum, and blended (online and in-person) approach offers unparalleled learning opportunities for our adult learners. Graduates from our programs become problem solvers, innovators and resourceful Montessori educational guides for children.

Our blended program is comprised of the following elements:

  • Asynchronous Learning: Approximately 10-15 hours per week on your own schedule
  • Synchronous Learning: Live virtual evening lectures (once a week, 2 hours in length)
  • Practicum Internship: 360 hours in a Montessori classroom (3-6 years of age) (in a school local to you)
  • Pure and Formal Observation: 40 hours (in a school local to you)
  • In-Person Practical Review: Two weeks (in the summer) in our Toronto or Calgary campus

Please see below for details regarding practicum hours, observation hours and practical review day schedules.

Program Courses

  • MEC501 Practical Life & Foundational Theory
  • MEC502 Sensorial & Basic Theory
  • MEC503 Arithmetic & Intermediate Theory
  • MEC504 Language & Advanced Theory
  • MEC505 Culture & Theory Integration
  • MEC530 Early Childhood Practicum
  • MEC531 Early Childhood Practical Review

Course Schedule

The course schedule will be provided as practical review dates are finalized. We thank you for your patience!

In-Person Practical Review

The In-Person Practical Review Period provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Montessori materials and to learn from experienced instructors directly. This is an intensive two-week review portion of the program, taking place over 12 days from 8:00 AM – 7:00 pm EST at either our Calgary or Toronto location. Learners will attend these classes from Monday to Saturday

Montessori Teachers College is not responsible for travel expenses, accommodations, or meal plans. Links to resources where you can find help for these areas are located here:

Toronto Locations:

299 Barton St., Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2K7

OR

North York, TBD

Alberta Locations:

4963 Front Street SE, Calgary, AB, T3M2M3

In-Person Practical Review Dates:

Review dates TBD  —————–  —————–
 —————–  —————–  —————–
 —————–  —————–  —————–
 —————–  —————–  —————–

Note: Dates and locations are subject to change.

Pure and Formal Observation

Learners must complete the Observation component, which includes 40 hours of 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 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. 

Practicum Internship

Learners must complete 360 hours in an approved Montessori classroom with children between the ages of 3-6. Field visits made to check in with the learner will be completed virtually. The practicum site(s) must meet the College’s requirements:

  • The site must conduct an authentic Montessori program
  • The site must have a prepared environment that contains the Montessori materials for the appropriate age level
  • The site must maintain an uninterrupted work cycle that is age appropriate
  • The site must maintain multi-age groupings to support social development
  • The site must provide the college opportunity to complete 3-6 virtual field visits

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.

Admission and Fees

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

Be 18 years of age or older

Submit a current resume

Have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent), College Diploma or University Degree 

Pass the English Language Assessment

Submit Photo Identification

Provide copies of travel arrangements (flight bookings, accommodations)

Admission Process

The admission process is as follows:

Step 1: Submit the Application Form

Step 2: Upload required supporting documents here within 24 hours of your application submission

Step 3: Montessori Teachers College will contact you to set up a virtual interview which involves an oral language assessment

Step 4: Upon a successful interview and review of your submitted documents, Montessori Teachers College will require the completion of a written language assessment which will be sent to you by email

Step 5: Upon successful completion of the written language assessment, Montessori Teachers College will email you an Acceptance Letter and require you to submit firm travel plans (flight bookings, accommodations) prior to issuing a deposit.

Step 6: The deposit must be paid to secure a seat in the program.

Program Fees

Application Fee: Waived

Registration Fee: $500.00 (due upon acceptance – non refundable)

Early Childhood Montessori Diploma Tuition: $6,285.00 (in addition to the initial non refundable $500.00 deposit)

Payment Options:

Option #1: 
10 monthly instalments of $628.00 (1st of every month, not including initial non refundable $500.00 deposit)

Option #2: 
Lump Sum of $6,785.00 upon acceptance (includes non refundable $500.00 deposit and $6,285.00 tuition) 

Montessori Teachers College recommends candidates budget approximately $120 for books and an additional $200 for printing and supplies.

We are happy to discuss alternative payment schedules. Please contact [email protected] to inquire.

Please note that Montessori Teachers College is not responsible for travel, accommodation, meal, or insurance expenses incurred by candidates during the course of their program.

Program Aims and Objectives

  • To have a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy and methodology
  • To love and respect each individual child’s spirit and purpose
  • To apply your experience, skills and knowledge in an Early Childhood classroom
  • To apply your knowledge and skills with your own child(ren)
  • To be a professional, caring Montessori teacher (guide/directress/facilitator) in any Early Childhood class around the world

Career Opportunities

After completing your Early Childhood Montessori Diploma Program, you can apply to the following positions:

  • Early Childhood or Casa Montessori Teacher, Early Childcare Teacher, Primary classroom teacher, Early years administrator, Casa Montessori co-teacher / assistant
  • Ability to open your own Early Childhood home school
  • School Administrator

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.

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.