AGE RANGE
2½ to 6 years
The child at this age is refining large and fine motor coordination, practical and social skills, language, concentration, a sense of order, independence, reasoning and awareness. The MECR student learns to prepare the child’s environment, and to use materials that enhance the child’s overall development.
*This course is approved by the State of Colorado for Early Childhood Teacher Qualification
ACADEMIC DATES
June 5 – July 28, 2023 — 8:15 – 4:15 M-F (no classes June 19 and July 4)
PRACTICUM DATES
August 2023 – May 2024
SEMINARS
Four Weekends (Friday through Sunday): October, January, March, May
APPLICATION FEE
$250 non-refundable ($150 before May 1)
TUITION
$8,800 – includes 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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TEACHERS
Yvonne Bader (Early Childhood Course Coordinator and Practicum Coordinator), Laura Baglietto, Tunisha Hairston-Brown, Sheela Dharmarajan, Bekke Howell, Deb Matyjevich, Jessica LeBlanc, Kay Loer, Kim Oyler, Tori Virlee, Vida West.
CURRICULUM
Montessori Philosophy, Child Development, Observation, Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, Cultural areas, Classroom Leadership, Art, Music and Movement, Student Teaching Practicum
BACHELOR / GRADUATE SCHOOL CREDIT
Visit these links for more information:
Bachelor’s credit: Van Loan School at Endicott College
Bachelor’s credit: St. Catherine University
Graduate credit: St. Catherine University
Graduate credit: TIES at Union Institute & University
Summer Academic Phase (8 weeks)
Classes cover Montessori philosophy, theories of child development, observation, and a focus on each of the material areas of the classroom: practical life, sensorial, cultural, math, and language. 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 diverse experience and expertise to their classes.
Student Teaching Practicum (9 months)
The practicum is a key component of the student’s preparation and provides the student with supervised practical classroom experience for a minimum of 720 contact hours. During the practicum, students return to the training center for four seminars.
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 three visits and two consultations are required for self-directed practicum students.