AMS & MACTE ACCREDITED · ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA
TEACHER EDUCATION INSTITUTE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Montessori Infant/Toddler (0–3) Certification is designed to provide a profound understanding of the unique and rapid developmental changes that occur during the first three years of life. While all Montessori levels explore child development, the 0-3 program places the child—rather than specific materials—at the center of the curriculum. At this stage, the child is the curriculum, and the guide’s role is to be an informed, respectful, and responsive aid to their growth.
MGTEI’s comprehensive Infant/Toddler program integrates Montessori philosophy and best practices with the latest research in brain development, attachment theory, and early childhood education. Our goal is to prepare adult learners to thoughtfully support the holistic development of infants and toddlers in prepared Montessori environments.
The Infant/Toddler Teacher Certification is built around 12 key components and includes:
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Weekly expert-led lectures that provide a deep exploration of Montessori theory and practice for the youngest learners
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Meaningful assignments that connect directly to classroom experiences and promote the practical application of course concepts
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Engaging weekly discussions and collaborative activities with instructors and peers, fostering a strong, supportive learning community
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Opportunities for reflection, observation, and integration, helping adult learners internalize and implement what they learn in real-world contexts
Whether you're new to Montessori or seeking to specialize in the birth-to-three stage, this certification equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to nurture infants and toddlers with respect, intentionality, and care.
ACADEMIC PHASE
Adult learners enrolled in the Infant/Toddler Full Certification program complete a total of 865 contact hours, encompassing both the academic and practicum phases of training.
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The academic phase includes 325 academic contact hours, which incorporate:
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7 contact hours of observation coursework plus 13 hours of documented observation
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80 hours of in-residence Practicum Weekend Seminars (10 sessions in Ormond Beach, FL)
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The practicum phase consists of a 10–12 month supervised internship, totaling 540 hours of hands-on experience in a Montessori Infant/Toddler environment.
This comprehensive structure ensures that adult learners gain both the theoretical foundation and practical experience necessary to confidently guide children from birth to age three in alignment with Montessori principles.
PRACTICUM PHASE
The practicum (intern-teaching) phase must take place in a Montessori classroom serving children from birth to age 3. In some cases, exceptions for alternative age groupings may be considered at the discretion of the Program Director; however, the classroom must include at least a two-year age span within the 0–3 range.
The internship setting must:
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Be a fully equipped Montessori environment prepared in accordance with Montessori principles for infants and toddlers
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Support the developmental needs of children from birth through age three
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Be supervised by a qualified Montessori teacher who meets all criteria for mentorship and guidance
The classroom must consistently implement Montessori best practices, ensuring a high-quality and authentic experience for both the children and the adult learner.