Village Montessori Training Center

Village Montessori Training Center (VMTC) is now taking adult learners applications for our Infant and Toddler training program. This is a professional training program designed to prepare adults for the task of helping children from conception to three years of age to develop the fullness of their individual human potential. The course provides an opportunity to study, in depth, Montessori pedagogy and practices along with current psychological approaches to child development.

The course will teach students how to create appropriate environments and nurture optimal development for this age group, this program is designed for everyone who cares for infants and toddlers including:

• Parents
• Students majoring in Psychology or early childhood
• Family day care providers
• Centre directors
• Child care providers

Classes will be held at the only state approved Montessori environment for infants and toddlers located at Village Montessori. Students will have direct exposure to an infant and toddler community where they will be able to observe a year-round, all-day Montessori environment in action.  By observing interactions between children and adults, between children and their environment and between children, adult learners observe the wonders of child development and the self creation of the human being.

Academic phase

1. Montessori philosophy and Human Development
   • Montessori philosophy with a focus from prenatal stage to age three (3).
   • Understanding of stages of human growth and development with an emphasison prenatal to age three(3)
   • Personal growth
   • Knowledge of developmental and behavioural norms and potential recommendations toward early intervention services.
2. Environmental Management and Leadership
   • Observation, documentation and analytical skills necessary for planning and recording the progress of children
   • Effective interaction with the whole child and how to supportdevelopment in a culturally sensitive manner
   • Leadership skills and an understanding of professional standards
   • Understanding of administrative functions
3. Curriculum and Environments
   • Design and integration of environments that meet the child’s need for exploration and independence
     1. Sensory and motor experiences
     2. Development of Movement and Developmen t of Language
     3. Positive social experiences
     4. Self-care
     5. Routines and procedures
     6. Peace education
4. Community involvement and Partnership with Families
   • Supportive partnerships with culturally diverse families
   • Awareness of community resources to support children and families
   • Knowledge of professional standards and associations.

Practicum phase

After successfully completing the academic coursework, students enter the practicum phase in which they do a nine-month internship in a Montessori Infant or Toddler environment. This is a paid position in most schools.  The student teacher works under the supervision of a certified Infant and Toddler Montessori teacher -- or in a self-directed environment with the guidance of a VMTC consultant – for a minimumof three hours per day, five days per week.

During the practicum phase, a representative from VMTCwill visit the student for three on-site consultations.   Additional fees apply for consultations outside the U.S.or beyond a 100 mile radius of the nearest field consultant as well as for additional consultations deemed necessary.

Schedule

This course is designed to take place in one summer with the option to take it over the course of two summers:

• 1 summer – 5 weeks
•  summers -- 2½ weeks each