Infant Toddler Montessori Diploma Program

The Montessori philosophy, which is at the heart of this program, is offered within the framework of contemporary child development for children between the ages of 0 to 3 years.

Developmentally appropriate materials support all learning concepts and are modelled within the prepared environment.

This MACTE accredited Infant Toddler Montessori Diploma Program is geared towards adult learners who are working or plan to work full-time in a Montessori School environment.

Our highly qualified faculty, advanced curriculum and blended (online and in-person) approach offers unparalleled learning opportunities for our adult learners.

Graduates from our programs become problem solvers, innovators and resourceful Montessori educational guides for children.

Our blended program is comprised of the following mandatory components:

• Asynchronous Learning: Approximately 10-15 hours on your own schedule
• Synchronous Learning: Live virtual evening lectures (once a week, 2 hours in length)
• Practicum Internship: 360 hours in a Montessori classroom (0-3 years of age)
• Pure and Formal Observation: 60 hours
• Practical Review: 17 in-person days at our campus

Please see below for details regarding practicum hours, observation hours and practical review day schedules.

Program Courses

• MIT401 Child Development

• MIT402 Infant Home and Community: The Prepared Environment & Developmental Aids

• MIT403 Toddler Home and Community: The Prepared Environment

• MIT404 Toddler Home and Community: Developmental Aids

• MIT405 Toddler Home and Community: Practical Life

• MIT406 Toddler Home and Community: Self-Expression & Professional Development

• MIT407 Early Childhood Overview

• MIT430 Infant Toddler Practicum

• MIT431 Infant Toddler Practical Review

Practical Review

The In-Person Practical Review Days provide an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Montessori materials and to learn from experienced instructors regarding the fundamentals of giving strong and meaningful presentations to a child. 

In-Person Practical Review Days will take place on the tentatively scheduled Saturdays or Sundays outlined below at our Toronto and/or Calgary campuses from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EST and MST).

Pure and Formal Observation

Learners must complete the Observation component, which includes: 

• 30 hours of pure observation

• 10 hours of observation in an Infant environment

• 10 hours of observation in a Toddler environment

• 10 hours of observation in a Casa environment

The above hours are required to complete Observation Reports that are due at various times throughout the program. 

Observation Report #1 is due in MIT401. Please note that learners cannot progress in the course without submitting observation reports in a timely manner.

If employed at a school, learners must make the appropriate arrangements to complete these hours within the due dates.

While completing observation hours, the learner cannot be counted in ratio and must silently observe the room.

If learners are not currently employed at a school, arrangements must be made immediately. Learners are asked to please consult with their student handbook for guidelines on how to make these arrangements.

Practicum Internship

Learners must complete 360 hours in an approved Montessori classroom with children between the ages of 0-3. Of these hours, there must be a minimum of 150 hours in a Toddler Montessori classroom.

The remaining hours can be completed in either an Infant and/or Toddler Montessori classroom. The practicum site(s) must meet the College’s requirements:

• The site must conduct an authentic Montessori program

• The site must have a prepared environment that contains the Montessori materials for the appropriate age level

• The site must maintain an uninterrupted work cycle that is age appropriate

• The site must maintain multi-age groupings to support social development

• The site must provide the college opportunity to complete 3-6 virtual field visits

A list of Montessori materials is available here. During the completion of practicum hours, learners are expected to observe, assist and participate in all aspects of the children’s development and growth in their assigned classroom.

Learners may only submit their Practicum Documentation upon the completion of MIT401 and MIT402.

Hours may only be logged after the submission has been approved and a Field Supervisor has been assigned.  

Please note that some program hours cannot be counted towards the Practicum, including but not limited to: before/after school programs, camps, recess, lunch coverage, breaks, or hours completed outside of the appropriate age level. Hours must be logged on a consistent schedule in a minimum of 2 hour work cycle increments.

Program Aims and Objectives

• To love and respect each individual child’s spirit and purpose

• To have a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy and methodology

• To obtain knowledge and practical Montessori skills

• To apply your experience, skills and knowledge in an Infant Toddler classroom

• To understand and appreciate the art of classroom management in a Montessori prepared classroom

• To apply your knowledge and skills with your own child(ren)

• To be a professional, caring Infant Toddler Montessori teacher (guide/directress/facilitator) in any Infant Toddler class around the world

You will learn how to guide healthy growth and development during the child’s very important early years.

The child between the ages of 0 to 3 requires a safe, engaging, and nurturing prepared environment to develop trust in themselves and their world.

By offering age-appropriate activities and gentle feedback, you as the Montessori guide will help to build the child’s confidence in their evolving and emerging abilities, developing coordination and language skills, and guiding them to gain their independence in daily tasks and activities.

Career Opportunities

After completing your Infant Toddler Montessori Diploma Program, you can apply to the following positions:

• Infant Toddler Montessori Teacher, Early Childcare Teacher, Infant Toddler classroom teacher, Early years administrator, Infant Toddler Montessori co-teacher / assistant

• Ability to open your own Infant Toddler home school

• School Administrator

Montessori Teachers College does not guarantee admission or successful completion of the diploma program offered.

Montessori Teachers College does not guarantee employment to those who successfully complete the diploma program.

Admission to the diploma program does not guarantee the adult learner the right to enter Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) or to receive a visa or other document required under that Act.