Early Childhood

Montessori Teacher Courses for Early Childhood: 2.5 through 6 years old

Thank you for your interest in the elementary teacher education program at the Houston Montessori Center! Our elementary program began in 1974 and has been serving elementary educators ever since. We currently offer EI, EII, and EI-II certifications. Saadia Ahmed is the elementary coordinator and is passionate about the elementary levels. She is supported by the Elementary faculty who each have decades of experience, both in the Montessori classroom with elementary students and as teacher educators.

The instruction at the Houston Montessori Center provides thorough and high-quality education in the Montessori method for adults, who will then work in Montessori elementary classrooms. All programs are designed to teach adult learners the competencies required by the Montessori Accreditation Commission for Teacher Education (MACTE). The academic phase includes lectures, demonstrations, dialogue, materials practice, small group projects, presentations, seminars, and curriculum development over a minimum period of one year. When you receive a credential issued by the American Montessori Society (AMS), you will be able to meet the competencies in knowledge, pedagogy, and teaching with equity.

Our Early Childhood adult learners come from all over the US, and some from counties in Europe, Asia, South and Central America. When you enter the HMC Early Childhood program you become part of a cohort, people who will be working with you for the duration of your program. This cohort creates a network for support, providing valuable interactions and on-going opportunities for collaboration and encouragement among peers that last far beyond your time in the program. Should you ever seek a refresher after receiving your credential, you are always welcome to return to HMC free of charge.

We hope you will consider the long-standing reputation of HMC’s Early Childhood program when you look at pursuing a Montessori Early Childhood credential. We would love to have you join our HMC family.

The Course

Our academic phase occurs in two summers and mid-year seminars.

Course components include:

Child Development/Psychology/Montessori Philosophy/Theory
Observation
Practical Life/Everyday Living
Sensorial
Language
Mathematics
Cultural Studies
Art, Music, and Movement
Classroom Leadership

Location Information:

Integrated Onsite and Online Early Childhood Course

All onsite classes will be located at the primary Houston Montessori Center address unless otherwise noted:

Houston Montessori Center
7807 Long Point Road #100
Houston, TX 77055

Sunday, June 14 and Saturday, June 20
Woods High School
1300 Wirt Road
Houston, TX 77055

July 13 all-day Peace Retreat
Holy Name Retreat Center
430 Bunker Hill Road
Houston, TX 77024

Schedule:

Summer One (2021)

The Early Childhood overview is an AMS perquisite.
Choose your option:

Option 1: You have the necessary Early Childhood credential from a MACTE accredited program; you are exempt.
Option 2: Take our Early Childhood online course.

ONSITE:

Early Childhood Course
June 21 - July 17, 2021
Mon – Fri, 8am – 6pm / Sat 8am – noon

Seminar 2
January 26-29, 2022
Wed – Sat 8am -5pm

Summer Two
June 6 – 10, 2022
Mon – Fri 8am -5pm

ONLINE:

Canvas Infant & Toddler overview
Acceptance – June 18, 2021

Cosmic Vision/Philosophy
Sat. June 19, 1pm – 5pm

Canvas self-paced philosophy course
Fall

Canvas and Zoom seminar 1
October 6-9, 2021

Canvas Nonverbal Communication and Emotional Resilience course and Zoom calls
Monthly

Canvas self-paced curriculum course
Spring

Practicum

The practicum phase occurs during the school year. Each adult learner must secure their own practicum site that meets the criteria of the practicum agreement.

At a Montessori School that meets AMS and HMC standards
9 months with a minimum of 3 hours a day 5 days a week
Guidance by a supervising teacher and field consultant or field consultant and mentor if self-directed
Complete at least 60% of the academic phase before starting the practicum