Prerequisite

Minimum of a High School Diploma. A 4 year college degree is recommended. The student may be working toward a BS or BA. Prospective students should be proficient and fluent in the English language in both verbal and written skills.
The sequence of training in the AMTE Program

Section : Written Assignments (250 Clock Hours)
Readings covering principles and philosophy of Dr. Montessori and other child development theorists. Assignments to include, written papers, observation and research.

Section II: Academic Classes at the Training Site (300 Clock Hours)
  • Lectures on: Montessori Principles and Philosophy, Child Development, Classroom Management
  • Curriculum presentations with Montessori Materials in the following areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Cultural Subjects: Zoology, Botany, Geography, Physical Science, History, Art, Music/Movement
  • Supervised Practice with Montessori materials
  • Observation
  • Material Making

Section III: Practicum in a Montessori School (700 Clock Hours)
This apprenticeship period provides the student the opportunity to fully experience what is involved in being a Montessori teacher in the classroom from a practical viewpoint. The practicum is completed under a qualified Supervising Teacher over 9 months at least 4 hours per day.

Also during this Section, the student:
  • makes ten observations in different Montessori classrooms
  • prepares a research project or a curriculum development project
  • completes nine Albums in these areas (Philosophy, Child Development, Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, Zoology/Botany, Geography/History, Physical Science, Music/Art/Movement)
  • writes monthly self evaluation reports
  • creates a work job for the environment each month
  • is evaluated by the Supervising Teacher 4 times
  • is observed and evaluated by the TEP Intern Supervisor 3 times
  • a self-directed internship requires six visits from the field supervisor

Section IV: Evaluation

The Student must have completed Section I, II and III before taking Section IV. The students are evaluated to determine competency in understanding of the Montessori philosophy and principles and use of the Montessori materials.

Evaluation consists of:
  1. Review and demonstrations.
  2. Oral examination on use of Montessori materials and philosophy.
  3. Written examinations on Montessori principles, philosophy and materials.
  4. Presentation of year's research project or curriculum development project and albums.
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student is awarded an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Education credential (Ages 2 1/2 - 6). Students without a college degree will be awarded an Associate Early Childhood credential upon satisfactory completion of all requirements.
Total Clock Hours 1274.


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