Adult learners at WSMS-TEP study developmental needs and milestones, practice keen observation, and learn how to demonstrate respect the child’s evolving need for independence. Safety and health measures are reinforced in order to provide critical understanding for new teachers as they create safe spaces for children. The role of collaborative relationships with caregivers is the foundation upon which trusting relationships develop.
The Academic Phase consists of 245+ hours of coursework in Montessori theory and practice. Classes are held at West Side Montessori School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Classes are also held at both of our additional locations for Infant Toddler coursework at the Magnolia School in Whitehouse Station, NJ, or iHommy International Day Care in Beijing, China.
The Infant Toddler Program practicum year runs concurrent with the academic coursework. In the practicum, students apply the knowledge they gain from the academic coursework in a supervised student teaching placement. Students are responsible for finding their own placement, though we will offer suggestions of schools that we have found to be successful student teaching sites. The student teacher must work for a minimum of a half-day classroom schedule from September to June in an approved Montessori school under the supervision of an approved supervising teacher. No portion of the practicum may precede the start of academic coursework.
Location and Format Options
The Infant Toddler Program begins in September of every school year. The academic and practicum phases may be concurrent, with anticipated graduation in June of that school year. Adult learners may choose to defer the practicum phase to the following school year, in which case, graduation would occur in June of the year in which the practicum is completed.
West Side Montessori School
New York, NY
Academic classes meet on two Saturdays each month, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., October through June.
Magnolia Montessori School
Whitehouse Station, NJ
Academic classes meet for two weeks at the beginning of August, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From September to March, classes meet one weekend per month (Saturday and Sunday).
iHommy International Daycare
Beijing, China
Academic classes meet in July and August and continue with seminar weekends in fall and spring. Please contact Uniit Carruyo, ucarruyo@wsmsnyc.org, for specific information regarding the application process.
