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Canada-Wide Montessori Education Program – Infant Toddler Montessori Diploma

Canada-Wide Montessori Education Program - Infant Toddler Montessori Diploma

To guide children aged 0 to 3 years

“Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.” – Dr. Maria Montessori

The Infant Toddler Montessori Diploma Program has designated intake start dates annually in May and September.

Next Program Start Date:
May 2025

Part-time:
10 month program (approx.)

Orientation:
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
– 8:00PM to 10:00PM (EST)

Virtual Lectures:
Thursday Nights, Weekly
– 8:00PM to 10:00PM (EST)

Toronto Locations:

North York, TBD

Alberta Locations:

4963 Front Street SE, Calgary, AB, T3M2M3

 

Accreditation

MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education).

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 learners to complete 360 hours of a Practicum Internship at a Montessori school in their community and 60 hours of Observation. Please see below for further details.

This MACTE accredited Infant Toddler Montessori Diploma Program is geared towards adult learners who are working or plan to work full-time in a Montessori School environment in their communities. 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 online blended program is comprised of the following elements:

  • Asynchronous Learning: Approximately 8-12 hours per week on your own schedule
  • Synchronous Learning: Live virtual evening lectures (once per week, 2 hours in length)
  • Practicum Internship: 360 hours in a Montessori classroom (0-3 years of age) (in a school local to you)
  • Pure and Formal Observation: 60 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

  • MIT401 Child Development
  • MIT402 Infant Home and Community: The Prepared Environment & Developmental Aids
  • MIT403 Toddler Home and Community: The Prepared Environment
  • MIT404 Toddler Home and Community: Developmental Aids
  • MIT405 Toddler Home and Community: Practical Life
  • MIT406 Toddler Home and Community: Self-Expression & Professional Development
  • MIT407 Early Childhood Overview
  • MIT430 Infant Toddler Practicum
  • MIT431 Infant Toddler Practical Review

Course Schedules

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 intensive two-week period takes place over twelve days from 8:00 AM – 7:00 pm EST at either our Toronto or Calgary 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 Location:

North York, TBD

Alberta Location:

4963 Front Street SE, Calgary, AB, T3M2M3

In-Person Practical Review Dates:

April 13, 2025 April 14, 2025   April 15, 2025
 April 16, 2025   April 17, 2025  April 18, 2025
 April 20, 2025  April 21, 2025 April 22, 2025
April 23, 2025 April 24, 2025 April 25, 2025

Note: Dates and locations are subject to change.

 

Online Practical Review Dates:

Please note that these three additional online virtual review days will be held from 9 am to 5 pm EST. These days will be entirely online and a link will be provided.

Virtual Review Day 1: Date TBD Virtual Review Day 2: Date TBD Virtual Review Day 3: Date TBD

Pure and Formal Observation

Learners must complete the Observation component, which includes: 

  • 30 hours of pure observation
  • 10 hours of observation in an Infant environment
  • 10 hours of observation in a Toddler environment
  • 10 hours of observation in a Casa environment

The above hours are required to complete Observation Reports that are due at various times throughout the program. Observation Report #1 is due in MIT401. 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 0-3. Of these hours, there must be a minimum of 150 hours in a Toddler Montessori classroom. The remaining hours can be completed in either an Infant and/or Toddler Montessori classroom. 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 a Montessori program and be approved by the college
  • 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. Learners may only submit their Practicum Documentation upon the completion of MIT401 and MIT402. Hours may only be logged after the submission has been approved and a Field Supervisor has been assigned.  

Please note that some programs cannot be counted towards the Practicum, including but not limited to: before/after school programs, recess, lunch coverage, breaks, or hours completed outside of the appropriate age level. Hours can only be logged 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)

Infant Toddler Montessori Diploma Tuition: $6,180.00 (in addition to the initial non refundable $500.00 deposit)

Payment Options:

Option #1: 
10 monthly instalments of $618.00 (1st of every month, not including initial non refundable $500.00 deposit)

Option #2: 
Lump Sum of $6,680.00 upon acceptance (includes non refundable $500.00 deposit and $6,180.00 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 love and respect each individual child’s spirit and purpose
  • To have a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy and methodology
  • To obtain knowledge and practical Montessori skills
  • To apply your experience, skills and knowledge in an Infant Toddler classroom
  • To understand and appreciate the art of classroom management in a Montessori prepared classroom
  • To apply your knowledge and skills with your own child(ren)
  • To be a professional, caring Infant Toddler Montessori teacher (guide/directress/facilitator) in any Infant Toddler class around the world

You will learn how to guide healthy growth and development during the child’s very important early years. The child between the ages of 0 to 3 requires a safe, engaging, and nurturing prepared environment to develop trust in themselves and their world. By offering age-appropriate activities and gentle feedback, you as the Montessori guide will help to build the child’s confidence in their evolving and emerging abilities, developing coordination and language skills, and guiding them to gain their independence in daily tasks and activities.

Career Opportunities

After completing your Infant Toddler 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.

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.