Montessori teacher training for age 3 to 6 (preschool to kindergarten)
This course equips adults with the knowledge and skills to guide children at the Primary level (ages 3–6) using Montessori pedagogy. Participants will learn how to create developmentally appropriate environments that foster executive functioning, literacy, cultural understanding, mathematical skills, and social-emotional growth.
Designed specifically for Montessori programs serving diverse communities, this course addresses the real-world needs of educators, children, families and caregivers. It supports both established Montessori early childhood classrooms and those transitioning toward full Montessori implementation.
UDMTR is an Applicant in Good Standing with the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). Participants in Cohorts A and B will receive a MACTE-approved certificate upon completion of the accreditation process, which is anticipated by summer 2026.
Primary Residents pursue age 3-6 certification (preschool to kindergarten) by completing these primary components of the program:
- 18-month residency in partnering school
- Online Montessori Fundamentals (10 self-paced modules)
- Primary course instruction (400 hours)
- Virtual Surround Modules (one each month)
- Rationales written and Montessori albums prepared with due dates throughout the course
- Written and oral exams
The following represents the program schedule and completion timeline:
2027 Cohort Timeline
Summer 1 (2027)
- June 12, 2027 — Signed MOU (memorandum of understanding) with school (due with 10% deposit)
- June 1-June 30, 2027 — Fundamentals Seminar (online)— Online self-paced prerequisite course (available to residents after course deposit is processed).
- July 1, 2027 — Payment deadline — balance of program tuition due
- June 30, July 1, 6, 7 : Virtual class – Montessori Theory — 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- July 19 to August 6: in-person intensive on Montessori materials and lessons. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Practical Life, Sensorial, Classroom Leadership, Intro to Language, Intro to Math
Academic Year 1 – (School Year 2027-28)
- Nine Friday seminars — Exact dates to be determined; 2027: September through May, 8:30 am - 4:40 pm
- Other program components —
- 20 coaching sessions (1 hour per session of observation and debrief)
- 20 lesson practice sessions
- 30 hours of observation
- 2 field supervision visits, plus assignments; classroom observations and completion of Montessori albums.
Summer 2 – (2028)
- Two weeks, early July, 2028: in person – Location TBD
Fall 2028 — Prepare albums, exam practice
- Final Field Supervision
- 10 Coaching sessions
- 10 Lesson Practice sessions
- Final oral and written exams – by end of December 2028
2026 Cohort Timeline
Summer 1 (2026)
- June 1 to July 6 – Online Montessori Fundamentals (10 self-paced modules)
- July 6-9: Virtual class – Montessori Theory — Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- July 20 to August 7: in-person – Ursuline Academy, 1106 Pennsylvania Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806
- Practical Life, Sensorial, Classroom Leadership, Intro to Language, Intro to Math
Academic Year 1 – (School Year 2026-27)
- Last Friday of every month – September to May
- 9/25, 10/30 – Virtual, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- 11/20, 1/29, 2/26, 3/19, 4/30, 5/28: In Person, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (location to be determined)
- Distance Learning (One self-paced surround course each month – 8 hours each.) Total of 9 courses for 72 hours. One monthly live session on Zoom.
- 20 Coaching sessions / Field Supervision -2 visits
Summer 2 – (2027)
- July 5-23, 2027: in person – Ursuline Academy, 1106 Pennsylvania Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806
Fall/Winter 2027 — Exam practice and final field supervision
- Final field supervision
- Final oral and written exams – by end of December 2027
For more information
For more information about Montessori education, the UD Montessori Teacher Residency or other program details, please contact us via the following webform:
