Infants y Toddlers

The Infants and Toddlers Course explores Montessori methodology and pedagogy in accordance with contemporary theories of child development. Sessions focus on the particularities of the Montessori Philosophy, its principles, and their application to contemporary theories of Child Development and Psychology. 

The Infants and Toddlers Course offered by INE seeks to train guides who work with children from birth to 3 years of age using the Montessori methodology and philosophy. The task of educators of the first three years of life is to assist the stage of childhood in the development of movement, language, order, refinement of the senses, independence and self-esteem. In addition, the course offers strategies necessary to work with families and the community: the cultural and social context in which the child is born and of which he or she will be a member. The course offers post-secondary level training.

Montessori training plan

The 0-3 course offers adult learners the experience of a rich environment prepared to meet this stage of developmental needs. In our program, adult learners learn skills such as: guiding children in the development of their independence, exploration through the senses, development of social, emotional and motor skills, and their contact with nature and their environment. During the academic phase, the adult learner will have the opportunity to work and study the Montessori Philosophy and methodology.

The components of this Montessori training course are: 

* For adult learners who do not have a Montessori certification from Early Childhood.

This course consists of:

The academic phase consists of 212 hours and adult learners meet the following requirements:

• Albums: The adult learner develops 4 albums.

• Observations on environments 

• Practical exam 

• Essays 

• Readings 

Adult apprentices must complete an internship phase of at least 540 hours over a 9-month period. This phase of the training process will allow the adult apprentice to implement the knowledge acquired in the academic phase. 

The internship has two (2) modalities:

• Self-directed: The intern is the primary caregiver for the environment. Usually recommended for teachers with prior experience.

• Supervised: The intern practices within a prepared environment of a certified guide with at least two (2) years of experience in the environment.

Admission requirements:

Admission process (See breakdown of important dates)

• Admission requirements for Infants and Walkers candidates: BA degree from an accredited institution, college or university*.

• Complete admission application 

• Write a two (2) page essay on computer, as indicated on the course application form

• Submit 1 English transcript from the last degree conferred

• Participate in the interview of candidates for Montessori training courses

• Participate in the orientation of admitted to Montessori training courses

• Comply with payment plans (See payment breakdown)

*If a candidate without a high school diploma would like to complete the Infants and Toddlers and Early Childhood course only, they may receive an AMS Associate Credential after completing all academic and financial requirements of the course.

After completing the academic and practical phase, INE will recommend the student for certification with AMS. To do so, the program requires that the student:

• Complete the requirements to receive a Montessori credential:

  • Attendance

  • Academic and internship tasks, according to the Adult Learner's Manual 

  • Internship Approval

Montessori Credential

Adult learners from INE will receive an AMS (American Montessori Society) Montessori Guide certification at the Infants and Toddlers level upon completion of all requirements. As of 2012, the Puerto Rico Department of Education recognizes this as a valid Montessori credential and grants a "Montessori Teacher Credential" - an authorized credential for teaching in PR public schools.