Montessori Assistant Toolkit: Infancy and Toddlerhood Edition
Laura LeClair and Tammy Oesting
Training for Montessori Support Professionals (Ages 0-3)
Early Childhood Edition (ages 3-6) is also available.
Course Contents
The Principles of Optimal Learning module examines the elements that make up a highly effective learning environment. After completing the lessons, participants will be able to contribute to the effective running of the classroom.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Movement and Learning
▪️ Control and Order
▪️ Interest and Context
▪️ Motivation and Learning
▪️ Collaboration and Learning
▪️ Interactions and Learning
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This module introduces participants to Dr. Maria Montessori and her education philosophy. A sweeping overview of the history of pedagogical thought is also given to provide context for Dr. Montessori’s system, and its place within that history. After completing the lessons, participants will have a greater understanding of the Montessori method, and its unique unique and effective approach to teaching children.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Evolution of Pedagogy
▪️ Dr. Montessori: Her Life and Work
▪️ Philosophical Tenets
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This workshop provides an overview of child development theories and relates them to Dr. Montessori’s educational method. Her familiarity with the theoretical material that came before her was augmented by her own insights from her observations of children. After completing the lessons, participants will have a better understanding of the foundations of the Montessori Method and be able to contribute to the effective running of the classroom.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Developmental Theorists
▪️ Brain Research
▪️ Research to Practice
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This module introduces the keystone skill of observation. Observing children as they interact with the learning environment and other people provides the necessary information to abide by the Montessori maxim “follow the child.”
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ The Keystone Concept
▪️ Scientists in the Field
▪️ The C.O.R.E. of Observation
▪️ Observation Practices
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This module covers best practices for adult/child interactions in the classroom.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Discover the Child
▪️ Root Causes of Behavior
▪️ The Guides
▪️ Child Guidance
▪️ Nurture Independence
▪️ Montessori Decalogue
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This module examines the classroom environment, including both physical and social elements, and its importance in the Montessori method. Covering topics such as the significance of arrangement, the emotional tone of the class, and aesthetic principles for order and beauty, it highlights the steps necessary to create an optimal learning environment.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Role of the Environment
▪️ Order in the Environment
▪️ Beauty and Movement
▪️ The Cognitive Environment
▪️ The Social, Emotional, and Spiritual Environment
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This module provides a variety of tips to help adults succeed in a Montessori environment. It covers topics such as professionalism, communicating with parents, professional development, and taking time for self-care. It is geared to anyone that is working in a learning environment that needs coaching in best practices for job success and would be especially beneficial to those new in their position.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Professionalism
▪️ Communication
▪️ Nurturing Your Spirit
▪️ Professional Development
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
A certificate of completion for 15 hours is provided. Learn more about certificates here.
This course is eligible for a CEU upgrade from Loyola University- Aspire for an additional fee.
Course Content
- MAT ITE Lesson 1.0: Principles of Optimal Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 1.1 - Principles of Optimal Learning - Blueprint for Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 1.2 - Principles of Optimal Learning - Movement and Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 1.3 - Principles of Optimal Learning - Control and Order
- MAT ITE Topic 1.4 - Principles of Optimal Learning - Interest and Context
- MAT ITE Topic 1.5 - Principles of Optimal Learning - Motivation and Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 1.6 - Principles of Optimal Learning - Collaboration and Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 1.7 - Principles of Optimal Learning - Interactions and Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 1.8 - Principles of Optimal Learning - Power Tools for Learning
- MAT ITE Lesson 1.0: Principles of Optimal Learning - In the Field
- MAT ITE Lesson 1.0: Principles of Optimal Learning Quiz
- MAT ITE Lesson 2.0: Montessori Philosophy
- MAT ITE Topic 2.1 - Montessori Philosophy - Blueprint for Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 2.2 - Montessori Philosophy - Evolution of a Pedagogy
- MAT ITE Topic 2.3 - Montessori Philosophy - Dr. Montessori: Her Life and Work
- MAT ITE Topic 2.4 - Montessori Philosophy - Philosophical Tenets
- MAT ITE Topic 2.5 - Montessori Philosophy - Power Tools for Learning
- MAT ITE Lesson 2.0: Montessori Philosophy - In the Field
- MAT ITE Lesson 2.0: Montessori Philosophy Quiz
- MAT ITE Lesson 3.0: Child Development
- MAT ITE Topic 3.1 - Child Development - Blueprint for Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 3.2 - Child Development - Developmental Theorists
- MAT ITE Topic 3.3 - Child Development - Brain Research
- MAT ITE Topic 3.4 - Child Development - Research to Practice
- MAT ITE Topic 3.5 - Child Development - Power Tools for Learning
- MAT ITE Lesson 3.0: Child Development - In the Field
- MAT ITE Lesson 3.0: Child Development Quiz
- MAT ITE Lesson 4.0: Observation: The Keystone Skill
- MAT ITE Topic 4.1 - Observation - Blueprint for Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 4.2 - Observation - The Keystone Concept
- MAT ITE Topic 4.3 - Observation - Scientists in the Field
- MAT ITE Topic 4.4 - Observation - The C.O.R.E of Observation
- MAT ITE Topic 4.5 - Observation - Observation Practices
- MAT ITE Topic 4.6 - Observation - Power Tools for Learning
- MAT ITE Lesson 4.0: Observation: The Keystone Skill - In the Field
- MAT ITE Lesson 4.0: Observation: The Keystone Skill Quiz
- MAT ITE Lesson 5.0: The Prepared Environment
- MAT ITE Topic 5.1 - The Prepared Environment - Blueprint for Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 5.2 - The Prepared Environment - Role of the Environment
- MAT ITE Topic 5.3 - The Prepared Environment - Order in the Environment
- MAT ITE Topic 5.4 - The Prepared Environment - Beauty and Movement
- MAT ITE Topic 5.5 - The Prepared Environment - The Cognitive Environment
- MAT ITE Topic 5.6 - The Prepared Environment - Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Environment
- MAT ITE Topic 5.7 - The Prepared Environment - Power Tools for Learning
- MAT ITE Lesson 5.0: The Prepared Environment - In the Field
- MAT ITE Lesson 5.0: The Prepared Environment Quiz
- MAT ITE Lesson 6.0: The Wonder of the Child
- MAT ITE Topic 6.1 - The Wonder of the Child - Blueprint for Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 6.2 - The Wonder of the Child - Discover the Child
- MAT ITE Topic 6.3 - The Wonder of the Child - Root Causes of Behavior
- MAT ITE Topic 6.4 - The Wonder of the Child - The Guides
- MAT ITE Topic 6.5 - The Wonder of the Child - Child Guidance
- MAT ITE Topic 6.6 - The Wonder of the Child - Nurture Independence
- MAT ITE Topic 6.7 - The Wonder of the Child - Montessori Decalogue
- MAT ITE Topic 6.8 - The Wonder of the Child - Power Tools for Learning
- MAT ITE Lesson 6.0: The Wonder of the Child - In the Field
- MAT ITE Lesson 6.0: The Wonder of the Child Quiz
- MAT ITE Lesson 7.0: The Prepared Adult
- MAT ITE Topic 7.1 - The Prepared Adult - Blueprint for Learning
- MAT ITE Topic 7.2 - The Prepared Adult - Professionalism
- MAT ITE Topic 7.3 - The Prepared Adult - Communication
- MAT ITE Topic 7.4 - The Prepared Adult - Nurturing Your Spirit
- MAT ITE Topic 7.5 - The Prepared Adult - Professional Development
- MAT ITE Topic 7.6 - The Prepared Adult - Power Tools for Learning
- MAT ITE Lesson 7.0: The Prepared Adult - In the Field
- MAT ITE Lesson 7.0: The Prepared Adult Quiz
Laura LeClair
Laura LeClair has spent over two decades in classrooms, guiding children from Birth through Kindergarten. She has a passion for tending to classrooms and the adults that bring them to life, with a special interest in creating successful, inclusive environments for children of all abilities. In addition to her instructional work, Laura is an Educational Consultant and Postpartum Doula, mentoring educators and families through her organization, Aurora Family Support.
Laura holds credentials at the 0-3 and 3-6 levels from the American Montessori Society, and received her M.Ed. in Interdisciplinary Studies of Preschool Education & Development from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also studies the science of compassion and contemplative practice. She sees this work as key in the spiritual preparation of the adult, as educators and families develop their capacity for personal transformation and liberatory well-being.
Laura serves as an instructor, field consultant, and practicum advisor for the Institute for Guided Studies and the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. With her home base in Western Massachusetts, Laura knits, hikes, cooks, and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, dear ones, and animal companions
Tammy Oesting
Tammy is cofounder and a trainer for ClassrooMechanics, and cofounder of Principles to Practice (with Trillium Montessori), both Montessori professional development companies. Tammy holds AMS-credentials for Early Childhood and Elementary I – II and has extensive experience as an instructor, field consultant, and workshop presenter. Her focus is on optimizing classroom performance by making professional development relevant, accessible, and effective.
▪️ Assistant Toolkit User Manual (PDF): Dozens of exercises and resources to help you make the most of the course.
▪️ Power Tools (PDF): Handy quick reference guides with actionable tips for the classroom
▪️ Supporting Classroom Assistants (workshop): A bonus 50 min workshop to share with your lead teacher. Designed to provide the leader of a Montessori learning environment with the insights and skills needed to guide a support the work of their classroom assistants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course for?
This course is specially designed for support personnel in a Montessori classroom setting. It is not a substitute for lead teacher training. Homeschoolers may find some aspects of this course helpful, but it is primarily for professionals. The Infancy-Toddlerhood edition is best for adults in a classroom setting for 0-3 year olds.
Anyone interested in gaining an improved understanding of Montessori pedagogy and practice is welcome to participate.
When does the course start and finish?
This is a self-paced course. Once you sign up, you can watch the videos and complete the suggested activities at your own pace. We recommend that you allow yourself at least one week per module
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for at least one year.
Is this a live workshop?
No. This course consists of pre-recorded video lectures and recommended exercises. You may view the videos as many times as desired at your convenience for at least one year.
How much access do I have to the instructor? Can I ask her questions?
This course is not priced for private access to the instructor. However, Tammy Oesting will be available inside the private Facebook Group to answer questions and provide general support.
Is this a MACTE accredited course?
No. This is an on-demand online course and does not include the timed and in-person components required for MACTE accreditation.
Will I receive a Certificate of Attendance?
You can get a certificate of attendance for 15 Hours by request. You will need to answer questions about the course and fill out a request form. You will receive a PDF certificate via emailRead more about certificates of attendance HERE. IMPORTANT: Some licensing agencies do not accept credits for online courses that are done on-demand. If you are counting on the credits being accepted, please consult with your licensing agency before purchasing.
How does the school registration work?
The school registration allows one buyer to purchase on behalf of multiple participants. Once you have checked out, we will send you access links to pass on to the other participants (We have to do this part manually, so please allow 48 hours). You do not need to send us the names or emails of your group. The access links will enable each participant to set up their own login to view the course. If you are planning to view the course videos as a group, please be sure to purchase the school registration that corresponds to the number of viewers.
I do not see a pricing option for the number of participants I would like to register. What should I do?
Please contact [email protected] and let us know how many people you would like to register for this course. We will send you a custom invoice.
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