This program will  support teacher candidates to obtain their Early Childhood Education Montessori AMS (American Montessori Society) certificate (2.5 - 6 years). In this program, you will learn the Montessori Methods through in-person courses, followed by a nine-month practicum. The program culminates in oral & written exams to obtain the AMS certificate. Note: Adult Learners with a GED or High School diploma will receive an Associate AMS Credential. Adult Learners with a prior bachelor degree will receive a full AMS Credential upon completion. The program will develop socially aware, critically informed and innovative Montessori teachers from around the country who will continue to effectively teach following Montessori philosophy combined with an awareness and skills in anti-bias and anti-racist (ABAR) teaching strategies. 

The defining elements of the Montessori Early Childhood Certificate program are:

• Social Justice: We provide teacher candidates with the knowledge and skills to impact societal change through early childhood education and the Montessori philosophy.

• Personal Transformation: We guide teacher candidates to form a greater understanding of themselves, children, and the world, which includes, but is not limited to, recognizing bias in ourselves, classrooms, schools and other systems.

• Innovative Pedagogy: We equip teacher candidates with the individualized, teaching approach outlined by Dr. Maria Montessori that takes a developmental approach to preparing and early childhood education that is both inclusive and equitable in practice.,  

• Holistic Teacher Education: We recognize the demands of teaching and learning, and believe that to be an effective teacher the mind, body, and spirit must be nurtured and supported.

• Community Engagement: We commit to serving in, learning from, and collaborating with diverse communities who share a common vision of educational equity.

Curriculum

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ECED 2400	Effective Practice in Early Childhood Education	4
ECED 4105	Early Childhood Practical Life and Dramatic Play	2
ECED 4155	Early Childhood Sensorial	2
ECED 4265	Creative Expression in Early Childhood	2
ECED 4275	Early Childhood Science	2
ECED 4365	Early Childhood Mathematics	2
ECED 4375	Early Childhood Language Arts and Reading	2
ECED 4385	Early Childhood Social and Cultural Studies	2
ECED 4705	Early Childhood Education Practicum I	5
ECED 4710	Early Childhood Education Practicum II	5
Total Credits		28

Faculty

Faculty

Lisa Carver
University Supervisor

Teresa Ripple, EdD
University Supervisor, Prof. Emerita

Ellen Harrmann
Adjunct Professor

Khou Moua
Adjunct Professor

Lauren Sitarz
University Supervisor

Sarah Streyle
Assistant Professor

Molly Wheeler
Program Dir., Assistant Professor