“EARLY CHILDHOOD [2½ THROUGH 6] PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Montessori Academy Training Institute’s Montessori Early Childhood Program is designed to prepare graduates to enter the dynamic field of Montessori education as skilled teachers of children aged 2½-6 years old. The program developed at MATI is based upon the principle that developing a skilled educator requires engaging the head, the hands, and the heart. The Program involves both academic preparation and experiential learning through hands-on practice. An extensive field practicum allows students to acquire valuable working experience. Montessori principles of learning are imbedded in the curriculum delivery. Students are encouraged to explore, question and experiment in their quest to understand the philosophical foundations of the Montessori Method. Small class size and low professor/student [maximum of 1:10] ratio helps foster a supportive environment in which critical thinking, creativity, and reflection are encouraged. The academic cycle begins on June 7, 2021 and ends along with the practicum phase on June 1, 2022. Academic Phase [319 hours] Montessori Philosophy [6.2.5.8] [43 hours includes an additional Peace Education seminar of 8 hours] Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy and educational theories are examined in depth. A timeline of Dr. Montessori’s life and work is carefully studied. Child Development / Psychology [6.2.5.10] [35 hours] Early childhood is emphasized with a focus on cognitive, moral, personal, social and physical development. Mathematics [6.2.5.4] [35 hours] The Mathematics course introduces the child to the logical progression from the concrete to the abstract emphasizing from numeration through the decimal system. Language [6.2.5.3] [35 hours] Facilitating language development is an integral part of Montessori teacher  training. The language curriculum provides a scientific and well-planned order that ensures the child’s success in reading, writing and self-expression. Practical Life [6.2.5.1] [35 hours] The Practical Life curriculum emphasizes exercises that establish the order, coordination, concentration and independence necessary to the child’s motor and intellectual development. Purposeful activities and peaceful interactions initiated through Practical life work provide the child’s foundation in the critical area of self-esteem and citizenship. Sensorial [6.2.5.2] [35 hours] Students focus on refining and educating the senses of the 2½ through 6- year-old child and promoting the joy of discovery through sensory experience. Cultural Subjects [Total 32 hours] [Physical & Life Science 6.2.5.5 (8 hours), Social Studies 6.2.5.6 (Geography/History 8 hours), Art 6.2.5.11 (8 hours), Music & Movement 6.2.5.11 (8 hours)]. Observation [6.2.5.9] [Total 41 hours academic content, 8hrs; classroom observations, 16hrs; case study, 17hrs] Classroom Leadership / Administration [6.2.5.7] [workshop 12 hours] An instructional course to aid in the process of opening and administering a Montessori school. Practicum Seminar [6.2.5.14] [seminar, 16 hours] The seminar will help the student discuss any concern/questions that he/she may have about their on-going practicum phase. The adult learner will have support available from training instructors and director. Parent Involvement/Education [6.2.5.13] [seminar included within the Practicum Seminar] Practicum Phase 6.2.5.13 [Minimum 540 hours] Students begin their internship/practicum after the academic phase is completed. Practicum placements are no less than four hours a day, five days per week. Students have the opportunity to integrate the academic knowledge acquired during the summer academic phase with practical applications as they implement the Montessori Method to support the development of a group of 2½-6 age children. Students spend an academic year under the direction of an AMS certified supervising teacher, in an approved Montessori school of their choice. A MATI field consultant will visit three times during the academic year to observe the student in the classroom and to provide feedback. Planning and implementing Montessori curriculum with children under the guidance of the supervising directress Preparing indoor and outdoor environments Observing, recording, planning, assessing and maintaining records Interacting with parents, staff and children Designing activities and equipment Behavior guidance in individual and group situations”