Early Childhood Credential

Program Overview: Embark on your journey towards earning a Montessori credential for children aged 6-9 with our Elementary Online Blended Course, enriched with the option to pursue a Master of Education degree. Delve into the Montessori philosophy and gain practical insights into fostering holistic development in young learners.

Master of Education Option: Enhance your professional qualifications by complementing your Montessori credential with a Master of Education degree. Our program integrates foundational Montessori principles with advanced educational theory and practice, preparing you to excel as a leader in the field of education.

Course Highlights:

• Early Childhood Overview (EDME 508): Explore the Montessori philosophy as it pertains to 3-6-year-old children, laying the groundwork for understanding the foundational principles of Montessori education.
• Philosophy / Observation of the Lower Elementary Child (EDME 509): Study Dr. Montessori's pedagogical concepts for children aged 6-9, focusing on their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs.
• Montessori Global Leadership (EDME 560): Equip yourself with research-based practices for engaging diverse cultural communities and advocating for high-quality Montessori education.
• Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction (EDME 578/579): Develop a deep understanding of Montessori Mathematics methods tailored for children aged 5-9, integrating state and national academic standards.
• Integrated Cultural Studies (EDME 584/585): Explore History, Geography, Biology, and Physical Science through integrated Montessori cultural studies, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the world.
• Practicum Experience (EDME 680/681): Apply your learning in real-world classroom settings, interacting with students and families while honing your teaching skills under the guidance of experienced educators.

Credentialing Requirements: Successful completion of designated courses, totaling 33 credits and 412.5 hours, fulfills the requirements for the American Montessori Society (AMS) Elementary I credential. Additionally, the practicum phase provides 75 hours of practical experience, contributing to the AMS credentialing requirements.

Academic Requirements for Completion of Credentialing Requirements
The successful completion (B- or above) of the following courses are required in order to enter into the practicum
phase. 502.5 hours from this coursework are applied to the required hours for the American Montessori Society
(AMS) Elementary I credential.

Required Courses for the AMS Elementary I Credential
EDME 508 - Early Childhood Overview- 3 credits
EDME 509 - Philosophy / Observation of the Lower Elementary Child -3 credits
EDME 560 - Montessori Global Leadership- 2 credits
EDME 563 - Human Development- 3 credits
EDME 578 - Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction I- 2 credits
EDME 579 - Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction II- 2 credits
EDME 580 - Geometry Curriculum & Instruction I - 1 credit
EDME 581 - Geometry Curriculum & Instruction II - 1 credit
EDME 582 - Language Curriculum & Instruction I - 2 credits
EDME 583 - Language Curriculum & Instruction II - 2 credits
EDME 584 - Integrated Cultural Studies I- 2 credits
EDME 585 - Integrated Cultural Studies II- 2 credits
EDME 586 - Creative Development I - 2 credits
EDME 587 - Creative Development II - 2 credits
EDME 600 - Montessori Classroom Methods - 2 credits
EDME 601 - Curriculum Strategies - 2 credits
Total Hours: 33 Credits - 412.50 Hours

Eligibility for the AMS Elementary I credential depends upon completing the above coursework and Practicum
Phase. 1,080 hours from the Practicum Phase is applied toward the required hours for the American Montessori
Society (AMS) Elementary I credential.

Practicum Phase
EDME 680 - Practicum I- 3 credits
EDME 681 - Practicum II- 3 credits
Total Hours: 6 Credits 75 Hours
Master of Education Course:
EDFD 500: History and Philosophy of Education- 3 credits
EDFD 505: Organization of Education Systems- 3 credits
EDFD 507: Education Research / Paper 3 credits
EDSP 505: Methods in Early Childhood Special Education- 3 credits
Total Hours: 12 Credits - 150 Hours

Total Program Hours: 51 Credits - 637.5 Hours

Total Credits: Upon completion of the program, you will have earned a total of 51 credits and 637.5 hours, providing you with a robust foundation in Montessori education and educational theory, along with the option to pursue a Master of Education degree.

Join Us: Embark on a transformative educational journey and become a skilled Montessori educator equipped to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners. Enroll today and unlock your potential as a leader in the field of education.