Early Childhood Practicum Options

Practicum Information

The two-year academic instruction begins with a six-week intensive summer session followed by weekend academic seminars scheduled over the two-year program cycle. The student teaching occurs during two school years with each year composed of nine consecutive months, five days a week and a minimum of four hours per day. This recommended model provides adult learners with extended classroom experience and support.

One-Year Academic Course Cycle and Practicum Adult Learners who qualify have the option to complete all academic and practicum assignments in the first year of the program cycle. The practicum will be completed in a consecutive nine-month period for five days a week and a minimum of four hours per day. The required assignments will be completed as assigned in the one-year practicum period. Adult Learners who find they cannot fulfill the assignments as scheduled will be automatically enrolled in the second year. Assignments cannot be accepted late from adult learners completing the one-year cycle. The agreement for the one-year program cycle must be signed by August 15th prior to the beginning of the practicum.

Practicum Options

Supervised Internship

The school will provide a supervising teacher or a mentor for self-directed interns and a classroom with the full complement of Montessori materials.

Supervision of adult learners is provided by the supervising teacher, mentor-teacher and a field consultant. For a self-directed practicum additional support may be required that is documented on the AMS credential recommendation form is required.

Self-Directed Internship

Experienced adult learners may qualify for the self-directed practicum with one or more of the following:

  1. Prior experience as an assistant in a Montessori environment

  2. Two or more years of previous teaching experience at the Early Childhood age level.

  3. A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US college or university or its equivalent.

For a self-directed internship, the practicum director, mentor teacher or field consultant will cover the supervising teacher’s responsibilities.