The training that Montessori teachers are required to receive can vary somewhat between different schools. There are some minimum standards required by the state of California that you can expect from any teacher working in the Montessori setting. The American Montessori Society (AMS) is an accrediting organization and recognized as a trusted leader in Montessori education. Training programs that are accredited by the AMS meet a set of high standards to receive and maintain that accreditation.
Training required by the state of California
In the state of California, a person who wants to work in a preschool setting is required to get at least twelve credit hours in early childhood education. Courses include child development, child, family, and community and six other units in related courses. This requirement is true for all preschool settings, including Montessori. There are several different ways that a teacher or assistant teacher in the Montessori classroom can get the required units in early childhood education. They can come from a traditional college setting or through a Montessori teacher training program.
American Montessori Society affiliated training programs
The American Montessori Society awards credentials to assistant teachers, teachers, and administrators. Throughout the United States, there are many programs affiliated with the AMS and provide training that meets the standards that AMS sets forth. All AMS training programs include over 300 hours of instruction in the academic phase as well as a year-long supervised practicum phase that includes over 540 hours in a real classroom setting. Assistant teachers trained through an AMS affiliated program hold an Associate credential in either the infant and toddler or early childhood level. AMS-affiliated teachers are required to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and can get training in any of the levels. Montessori school administrators can also get training through an AMS affiliated program.
Fountainhead Montessori Adult Education
Fountainhead Montessori School offers a training program that offers training in early childhood education and provides a Montessori early childhood teacher credential. Through FMAE, graduates can earn their Montessori associates certificate, which qualifies them to teach in a licensed center in California. You can find a detailed description of the program offered through Fountainhead Montessori on the FMAE website.
You can learn more details about the training of the teachers and assistants in the Montessori school you are considering by contacting the school directly. If you are interested in learning more about the teachers at Fountainhead Montessori, there are answers to many of the most common questions on the FAQ section of the website. Also, you can schedule a time to tour the campus, observe a class, and talk with someone on staff to get answers to your specific questions about teacher training.