Early Childhood Course Descriptions
The course descriptions, student-faculty contact hours and type of instruction are as follows:
Child Development & Philosophy Introduction (30 hours) A 3 to 5 quarter credit college course in Child Development, taken in the last five years is required of all students. A grade of B or higher is required. If a student does not have this prerequisite, it can be met by taking any Child Development course as described prior to the start of the classes. Those whose Child Development course was taken more than five years ago may meet this requirement by completing reading assignments and take home exams on books specified by the course director. This requirement should ideally be completed before the course begins. Students who enroll too late to do so will have their certification withheld until the requirement is met.
Montessori Philosophy (30 hours) Provides an overview of the basic philosophical ideas of Montessori, including relationships of Montessori's ideas to those of other educational philosophers. Discusses Montessori’s views of the development of the physical, social, intellectual, moral and spiritual aspects of the child. Peace education as an integral component of Montessori education is examined. This class also includes historical perspectives on Montessori and the Montessori method. (Lecture, discussion, practice.)
Practical Life (40 hours) Offers an exploration of the application of Montessori philosophy to every-day activities in the child's life with emphasis on appropriate materials. Also includes design of the Montessori classroom environment. (Lecture, discussion, demonstrations, material design, practice.)
Sensorial Exercises (40 hours) Shows how the child's senses and pre-academic skills are developed through specific materials developed by Montessori. (Lecture, discussion, demonstrations, material design, practice.)
Math Curriculum (44 hours) Demonstrates the materials and approach for developing the "mathematical mind" as well as pre-math and arithmetic skills, exploration of the decimal system and place value. (Lecture, discussion, demonstrations, material design, practice.)
Language Curriculum (44 hours) Explores the approach and materials developed for facilitating young children's development in language skills, including writing and reading. (Lecture, discussion, demonstrations, material design, practice.)
Observation (45 hours) Offers techniques and guided practice in classroom management, including overview, observation of children, record keeping. Includes 29 hours of field observation (Lecture, discussion, demonstrations, field observations, videotape.)
Classroom Management/Administration/ Parent Relations (26 hours) Provides a discussion of the many activities required for effective leadership of a classroom and a school, including: conflict resolution, discipline, planning, staffing, health and safety issues, parent relations and parent education programs, record keeping and communication through parent conferences, and relations with government agencies. An overview of the practicum experience is included in this area.
History and Geography (18 hours) Demonstrates Montessori's concept of "Cosmic Education", including philosophy and hands-on use of materials, with material making. This includes discussion and presentation of materials for anti-bias, multicultural, multi-ethnic curriculum and activities for the classroom. (Lecture, discusion, demonstrations, material design, practice.)
Life & Physical Science (26 hours) Further elaboration on the concept of "Cosmic Education" is offered through presentation of materials and activities for the children in these science areas. (Lecture, discussion, demonstrations, practice.)
Music and Movement (16 hours) Gives an introduction to the Montessori music curriculum, as well as suggested activities from other early childhood educators for music and movement. (Lecture, discussion, demonstrations.)
Art (16 hours) Provides exploration of numerous art media and techniques, including classroom set-up and general techniques, as well as the Montessori philosophy of art. (Lecture, discussion, demonstrations, practice.)