Infant-Toddler Program
(Birth - 3 Years)
Infant/Toddler Program
The Infant/Toddler program prepares the adult learner to guide children from birth through 3 years old in a Montessori environment. Through comprehensive studies of the Montessori philosophy and methodology, the adult learner will gain a deep-seated understanding of this method. Curriculum and lectures videos guide the adult learner by providing practical applications of the Montessori materials. The adult learners participate in online discussions with their cohort to further deepen their understanding of Montessori philosophy while applying and integrating these methods into their everyday classroom experiences.
Distance Learning Coursework
The coursework begins in August or January. The adult learner begins with online participation from August through June of year one. Adult learners follow a specific schedule of course curriculum working with their cohort and instructors. The online learning is divided into courses that are 4-6 weeks in length. There is a one week break between courses to complete manuals/albums for the course. The online coursework is asynchronous and can be completed at the adult learner’s convenience. The coursework will require 6 – 12 hours each week to complete. The instructors schedule video conferencing at regular intervals throughout the course.
In-residence Coursework
The in-residence studies in Waukesha at the Montessori School of Waukesha takes place in July and consists of three weeks of intensive in class work. Those who are beginning in August, will attend in-residence in July of year one following the online coursework. Those who are beginning in January, will split their in-residence between July of year one and July of year two.
Montessori School of Waukesha provides beautiful, fully equipped environments that are available for both class and practice time and is located at 2600 Summit Avenue, Waukesha, Wisconsin, about 15 miles west of Milwaukee. Montessori School of Waukesha is the only AMS accredited school in Wisconsin.
The summer in-residency provides the learners with live lesson presentation, supervised practice and material making. The students participate in discussions, lectures, interaction with the materials and other adult learners. Emphasis is placed on hands on activities and classroom leadership skills.
Practicum Phase
The nine-month practicum takes place during year two, beginning in August and continuing through June. The practicum consists of 540 hours of classroom experience. The practicum phase must take place in a Montessori environment with children in either:
the birth to 18 months range (Infant) or
the 18 months through age 3 range (Toddler) or
a combined birth through 3 year old environment.
Adult learners will be under the direction of either a supervising teacher or mentor (for a self-directed practicum). The adult learner will be provided with a Field Consultant who will visit the adult learner in their environment a minimum of three times during the course of the practicum. The Field Consultant will provide support, feedback and mentoring for the adult learner during the course of the practicum.
The adult learner who has completed all their coursework and has paid tuition in full will be eligible for their credential after year two.
**Applicants must have access to Infant-Toddler Montessori materials and computer technology. Below is a list of suggested Montessori materials for an Infant or Toddler environment.**
AMS Suggested Infant-Toddler Materials
The Infant-Toddler adult-learner will experience a specialized training pertaining to this age level and are viewed as facilitators and guides, instead of teachers who provide direction instruction. Classes will begin with online classes starting with the Montessori Early Childhood Overview course (for those who do not possess a MACTE EC credential), followed by Philosophy-Child Development, instruction on how to use and design Montessori materials with Infants and Toddlers before attending the In-residence classes in Waukesha. During the nine-month practicum phase in an approved Montessori classroom, the student must participate in monthly online discussions and seminar sessions.
Infant Toddler Adult Learners will engage in their practicum either from August through June following the in residence at an approved practicum site. A total of 16 observation hours will be completed during the practicum. The adult learners will participate in monthly online practicum meetings. These meetings will support each adult learner by discussing subjects such as classroom management, behavior management and environmental design. The monthly meetings for the Year Long Project and presentation of the Year Long Project, will occur during the practicum year.