Training for Montessori Support Professionals (Ages 0-3)

Early Childhood (ages 3-6) and Elementary (ages 6-12) Editions are also available.

We will explore the key elements of creating highly effective learning environments. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and biology, the lesson explains how the Montessori Method applies these principles to optimize children’s learning outcomes.

By the end of Lesson 1, you will:

▪️ Understand the foundational principles of optimal learning.

▪️ Learn how movement, control, interest, motivation, and collaboration enhance learning.

▪️ Identify ways to apply these principles in the Montessori classroom.

We will introduce you to the foundations of Montessori philosophy, highlighting the core principles that guide Montessori education. This lesson offers a historical perspective on Dr. Maria Montessori’s approach and explains how her educational philosophy is applied in infant and toddler settings to foster development, independence, and natural learning.

By the end of Lesson 2, you will:

▪️ Understand the key principles of Montessori philosophy and their application to infant-toddler environments.

▪️ Learn about Dr. Maria Montessori’s contributions to education and how her philosophy supports child-led, hands-on learning.

▪️ Be able to reflect on the Montessori philosophy and discuss how it applies to the children in their care.

We will focus on understanding the stages of child development, particularly the critical phases observed in infants and toddlers. This lesson covers key theories of child development, including Dr. Maria Montessori’s planes of development, and explains how these stages influence behavior and learning in the early years.

By the end of Lesson 3, you will:

▪️ Gain insight into the stages of child development, including Montessori’s planes of development.

▪️ Understand how developmental stages affect the behavior and learning of infants and toddlers.

▪️ Be able to observe and support children’s growth according to their developmental needs.

We will highlight the importance of observation as a fundamental skill in Montessori education. Observation allows educators to understand the needs and interests of infants and toddlers, enabling them to provide individualized support. This lesson focuses on developing effective observation techniques and using observation to follow the child.

By the end of Lesson 4, you will:

▪️ Understand the role of observation in Montessori education, particularly for infants and toddlers.

▪️ Learn different observation techniques and how to apply them in the classroom.

▪️ Be able to use observation as a tool for understanding and supporting children’s developmental needs.

We will emphasize the significance of the prepared environment in supporting the development of infants and toddlers. A well-prepared environment fosters independence, curiosity, and exploration, allowing children to engage deeply with their surroundings. This lesson focuses on how to design a physical space that is safe, orderly, and adapted to the developmental needs of young children.

By the end of Lesson 5, you will:

▪️ Understand the key components of a Montessori-prepared environment for infants and toddlers.

▪️ Learn how the prepared environment supports independence and developmental growth.

▪️ Be able to reflect on and apply strategies to create and maintain an effective prepared environment for young children.

We will explore the natural curiosity and potential of infants and toddlers. Montessori education emphasizes seeing the child as an eager learner with an innate desire to explore the world. This lesson focuses on recognizing and nurturing this sense of wonder while supporting each child’s unique development.

By the end of Lesson 6, you will:

▪️ Understand the concept of “the wonder of the child” and how it applies to infant and toddler development.

▪️ Learn how to create an environment that encourages curiosity, exploration, and self-discovery.

▪️ Be able to recognize and celebrate each child’s unique developmental path and potential.

We will focus on the role of the adult in the Montessori environment. The prepared adult is central to fostering a supportive, calm, and nurturing space for infants and toddlers. This lesson emphasizes self-awareness, patience, and the ability to observe without directing, allowing children to develop independence and confidence.

By the end of Lesson 7, you will:

▪️ Understand the qualities of a prepared adult in a Montessori setting.

▪️ Learn how to model calm, focused behavior and guide children by observing their needs without interference.

▪️ Be able to reflect on their role as a prepared adult and implement strategies for personal and professional growth.

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 Maryland- Aspire for an additional fee.

▪️ 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.

▪️ Administrator Guide (PDF): Designed to help administrators support you throughout the course, the guide includes lesson overviews, a suggested schedule, and practical support tips. No login is required to access the guide.

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.

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 email. Read 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.

This course is eligible for a CEU upgrade from Loyola University- Aspire for an additional fee.

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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