AGE RANGE
Birth to 3 years
Work with infants and toddlers provides an unparalleled view of the marvel of early human development. MECR students learn to design, prepare, and interact appropriately in environments especially designed to make the most of the child’s tremendous potential in these early years. Emphasis is placed on the role of the adult as an assistant to the child and the family in the development of positive adult-child relationships.
ACADEMIC DATES
June 9– July 17, 2025 — 8:00 – 4:00 M-Th (no classes June 19, July 4)
PRACTICUM DATES
August 2025 – May 2026
SEMINARS
Three weekends (Friday through Sunday): November, February and May
APPLICATION FEE
$250 non-refundable ($150 before May 1)
TUITION
$8,750 – includes online Early Childhood Overview Course (a prerequisite), digital course handouts, seminars, AMS & MACTE student fees.
Self-directed interns will receive additional Field Consultant visits at an additional cost of $800.
*Credit Card payments are accepted for all fees, but for Credit Card charges above $700 there will be an added processing fee of 3%.
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Instructors
Valene Rodriguez (Infant and Toddler Course and Practicum Coordinator), Michelle Baker Rogers, Mary Broeckling, Sheela Dharmarajan, Kymm Garcia, Tiffany Garvin, Tatenda Muchiriri, Valene Rodriguez, Lisa Russell
CURRICULUM
Child Development, Montessori Philosophy, Pedagogy and Environmental Design, Observation, Personal Growth, Child, Family & Community, Program Leadership, Student Teaching Practicum
PREREQUISITE
A BA or BS degree is required to be eligible for an AMS Infant and Toddler teaching credential. Those without a BA or BS will earn an Associate AMS Infant and Toddler credential.
The online Early Childhood Overview Course is required for students who do not hold an AMS, AMI or MACTE recognized Montessori Early Childhood Credential.
BACHELOR / GRADUATE SCHOOL CREDIT
Visit these links for more information:
Bachelor’s credit: Van Loan School at Endicott College
Bachelor’s credit: St. Catherine Univeristy
Graduate credit: St. Catherine University
Graduate credit: TIES at Union Institute & University
Summer Academic Phase (6 weeks)
Classes cover Montessori philosophy, theories of child development, environmental design, classroom management, administration, and issues relating to child, family and community. The program includes lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and observation sessions. Students prepare detailed resource manuals in each curriculum area and design materials for the child’s environment. Instructors are supportive and bring a diversity of experience and expertise to their classes.
Student Teaching Practicum (9 months)
The practicum is a key component of the student’s preparation. Generally, the student is paid a stipend as an assistant or lead caregiver. There are three practicum models:
1. Infant Concentration (Birth to 18 months)
2. Toddler Concentration (18 months to 3 years)
3. Infant and Toddler (Birth to 3 years)
Practicum Arrangements
MECR assists in finding practicum positions. Final arrangements are the responsibility of the student and the participating school/center and must be approved by MECR. AMS affiliated centers are preferred.
A MECR field consultant maintains monthly contact with the student teacher, including at least three onsite visits to observe the student working in the classroom. At least 3 visits and 2 consultations are required for self-directed practicum students.