Teacher Education: Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education Three-Six Years
The goal of the NCME-NE Teacher Education Program is to provide quality instruction to those individuals aspiring to become Montessori teachers and, further, to provide instruction in an atmosphere of inspiration, helpfulness, sincerity, and respect for the individual.
This Course has been planned to develop sequentially from one stage of understanding to the next. Prior to enrollment, students begin with an initial orientation and an independent study.
Course I: Independent Study
A series of lessons based on readings from assigned from Montessori texts. This course prepares the learner for the Academic Workshop, Course II.
Course II: Academic Workshop
The Academic Workshop includes lectures, presentation of the Montessori Materials, Supervised Practice, Presentation of Classroom Management and Observation Techniques, Overview of School Leadership and Administration, Discussion of Album Requirements, Action Research and Curriculum Development.
Child Development/Psychology
Coursework includes: Theories of development, stages of development, areas of development: physical, cognitive, emotional, social; current research.
Montessori Principles and Philosophy
Coursework includes: History of Dr. Montessori's Life and Work, philosophy specific to the Montessori Method and Movement, role of the teacher/ directress, pedagogy, prepared environment, didactic materials.
Observation
Coursework includes lecture (3 hours) and documented observation (42 hours).
Practical Life
Coursework includes: Care of Person, Care of Environment, Grace and Courtesy, and Control of Movement
Sensorial
Coursework includes: Visual, Tactile, Auditory, Olfactory, Gustatory, and Stereognostic Work
Stereognostic Work
Coursework includes: Visual, Tactile, Auditory, Olfactory, Gustatory, and Stereognostic Work
Language
Coursework includes: Development of Speech, Pre-writing and Pre-reading Mechanics, The Function of Words, Grammar, Reading and Writing Programs, and Assessment Tools
Mathematics
Coursework includes: Introduction to Number, The Four Operations in the Decimal System, Passage to Abstraction, Fractions and Higher Math
Cultural Subjects
Coursework includes History, Geography, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Simple Machines, Astronomy, Geology, Social Studies, Art, Music and Movement.
Classroom Leadership/Management, Parent Education, School Administration
Coursework includes: Professionalism, ethical behavior, introspection, classroom management, environmental design, community resource and referral, administrative issues, parental involvement and education, childrearing practices, financial and budgetary issues, childcare policy and legislation, health and safety in childcare.
Course III: Practicum
The Practicum consists of a full-time classroom experience of at least 540 hours (over a nine-month period) in a Montessori early childhood setting that provides the Intern with supervisory support in the classroom and periodic observation and evaluation. The purpose of the internship is to provide the student with the opportunity for gradual, personal and practical experience as a Montessori Teacher. This course includes the Action Research/Curriculum Development Project and the Practicum Seminars.
Course IV: Evaluation
Final review and examinations are a requirement of the NCME-NE Teacher Education Courses. During Course IV, students complete their examinations and present their final projects. Upon successful completion, students are awarded an American Montessori Society (AMS) Early Childhood Credential or an American Montessori Society (AMS) Associate Early Childhood Credential.*