Montessori teacher training for age 3 to 6 (preschool to kindergarten)

Starts July 2025

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 public Montessori programs, 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
• Written and oral exams

The following represents the program schedule and completion timeline:

Summer 1 (2025) 

• June 1 to July 7 – Online Montessori Fundamentals (10 self-paced modules)
• July 7-10: Virtual class – Montessori Theory — Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• July 21 to August 8: 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 2025-26)

• Last Friday of every month – September to May
  • 9/26, 10/31 – Virtual, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • 11/21, 1/30, 2/27, 3/27, 4/24, 5/22:  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. 
• 20 Coaching sessions / Field Supervision -2 visits

Summer 2 – (2026)

• June 17, 18, 2026: in person – Art/Music — First State Montessori Academy, 1000 N French St, Wilmington
• July 6-20, 2026: in person – Ursuline Academy, 1106 Pennsylvania Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806

Fall 2026 — Prepare albums, exam practice

• Final Field Supervision
• Rationales, Albums due October 15, 2026
• Final oral and written exams – by end of November 2026

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: