Overview
Montessori Teacher Education Program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and state requirements to teach in a Montessori early childhood (Preschool – Ages 2.5 through 6) and infant & toddler (Ages Birth through 3) setting. Accredited by both American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), it is the only Montessori Teacher Education program in Orange County that provides early childhood education units from the University of California, Irvine, and is accepted by the State of California Community Care Licensing for all early childhood programs.
Who Should Enroll
The program is designed to prepare an individual to work in a Montessori early childhood or infant & toddler environment. This program is not designed for international students and does not meet student visa requirements. Individuals looking to expand their teaching skills or parents interested in providing enrichment for their children have also benefited by taking Studies for Infant & Toddler Caregivers or Montessori Philosophy and Pedagogy.
What are the Prerequisites?
The Montessori program requires some completion of childhood education & experience. You will be requested to provide the following documentations at the required orientation:
- The name of the Practicum/Internship site including the address, phone, and director’s name, director’s contact information, supervising teacher contact information and Montessori diploma, number of children and age range of the children in the class where you plan to do your practicum.
- An official hard copy college transcript (non-electronic) reflecting completion of the courses in Child Development and Child, Family, Community (which is the minimum coursework requirement to work in a school for your practicum). If you have a foreign transcript, it will need to be evaluated and certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Or a certified copy of your high school diploma.
- English Proficiency Requirement: All programs at UCI Division of Continuing Education (classroom and online formats) require professional-level English language proficiency in listening and note-taking, reading comprehension and vocabulary, written expression, and oral presentation.
If you are new to the field of early childhood education, it is best to speak to Cheryll Ruszat at (949) 854-6030 or email crruszat@uci.edu.
Career Insight
Occupational summary for Elementary School Teachers in the U.S.
Source: Lightcast™ 2022
1.3M
Annual Job Openings
(2021)
6%
Projected Growth
(2021-2031)
$100k
Salary for Highly Experienced Professionals
(Median Salary $62k)