EARLY CHILDHOOD (2.5-6) CERTIFICATION

2026-27 cohort: Online classes Tuesdays & Thursdays (began July 21, 2026) or In-Residence Saturdays, 8am-4:30pm, in Ormond Beach (began July 25, 2026). Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The MGTEI Early Childhood (2.5–6) Teacher Certification offers a deep and comprehensive understanding of the young child in the first plane of development. Adult learners are equipped to serve as thoughtful, responsive guides during this critical period of growth, supporting the development of the whole child—physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally.

This course integrates Montessori philosophy and best practices with the latest research in early childhood education, developmental psychology, and neuropsychology. Through this blend of theory and practice, adult learners gain the tools to nurture the construction of the physical self and the absorbent mind that characterize the 2.5–6 age range.

Key features of the program include:

Expert-led weekly lectures exploring Montessori principles for the early childhood years
A comprehensive look at the Montessori curriculum, including Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Cultural Subjects, and Peace Education
Meaningful assignments directly connected to classroom experience, providing opportunities for reflection and practical application
Weekly interaction with instructors and peers, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and intellectually engaging learning community

This certification prepares adult learners to create purposeful, developmentally appropriate Montessori environments and to inspire young children during a time of extraordinary curiosity, independence, and growth.

THE ACADEMIC PHASE

Adult learners enrolled in the Early Childhood Full Certification program complete a total of 893 contact hours, encompassing both academic coursework and a supervised practicum.

The academic phase includes 353 academic contact hours, which must be completed prior to beginning the practicum. This includes:
- 16 contact hours of observation coursework plus 20 hours of documented observation
- 80 hours of in-residence Practicum Weekend Seminars (10 Saturdays in Ormond Beach, FL)
The practicum phase consists of a 10–12 month internship, totaling 540 hours of hands-on teaching experience in a Montessori Early Childhood (2.5–6) environment.

This balanced structure ensures that adult learners are well-prepared with a solid theoretical foundation and meaningful practical experience before entering the classroom as Montessori educators.

THE PRACTICUM PHASE

The intern-teaching phase must take place in a Montessori classroom serving children ages 2.5 to 6 years. In certain cases, alternative age groupings may be permitted at the discretion of the Program Director, provided they align with program guidelines.

To ensure a high-quality practicum experience, the following conditions must be met:

The classroom must be fully equipped with Montessori materials and prepared in accordance with Montessori principles appropriate for the Early Childhood level.
The Supervising Teacher must be a certified, experienced Montessori educator who meets all criteria for supervision.
Montessori best practices must be consistently implemented throughout the practicum period.

The ideal practicum setting allows the adult learner to serve as an assistant teacher/intern, working under the guidance of the Supervising Teacher to support the holistic development of children ages 2.5 to 6. This structure provides meaningful, hands-on experience in an authentic Montessori environment.

Enroll Today!