Infant & Toddler Practicum Options
Practicum Information
The function of the internship is to provide a supervised teaching and learning experience for the adult learner. It is a period of observation, internalization and further study to bring together the theory and practice of Montessori education.
The internship/student teaching experience follows the summer academic phase of the training program and will be in a VCMS approved Montessori classroom and supported by a Montessori certified supervising teacher. The practicum is scheduled for five days a week for a minimum of four hours per day for nine consecutive months. The year-long practicum provides additional support and mentorship as the adult learner integrates the academic knowledge with practical classroom experience. Academic seminars continue the presentation of curriculum knowledge and methods, and the practicum seminars are a shared learning process to integrate academics and practice. Sessions for curriculum review, guided practice with materials and enrichment offerings round out the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies Infant and Toddler certification program.
Practicum Model 1: Infant Concentration (Birth to 18 Months)
The Model 1 practicum provides a period of concentration for the adult learner whose primary interest is the care and development of infants. This model requires the adult learner to participate in all facets of infant care and development, as well as parent education and administrative procedures, for a minimum of 540 hours completed over a nine-month period in a Montessori infant environment.
Practicum Model 2: Toddler Concentration (18 Months to 3 Years
The Model 2 practicum provides a period of concentration for the adult learner whose primary interest is the care and development of toddlers. The adult learner is required to work for a minimum of 540 hours over a nine-month period in a Montessori toddler environment.
Practicum Model 3: Infant and Toddler (Birth to 3 Years)
The Model 3 practicum provides a period of concentration for the adult learner whose primary interest is the care and development of Infants and toddlers. The adult learner is required to work for a minimum of 540 hours over a nine-month period in an environment that includes both infants and toddlers.
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:
Prior experience as an assistant in a Montessori environment
Two or more years of previous teaching experience at the Early Childhood age level.
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.