Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education

Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education was established in the spring of 1989 and is affiliated with the American Montessori Society. Its goal is to provide quality instruction to individuals who wish to become certified Montessori teachers and to provide that instruction in an atmosphere of inspiration, helpfulness, and sincerity, that reflects the respect that is inherent to the Montessori philosophy.

Affiliation

GCCME is affiliated with the American Montessori Society.

The Montessori Philosophy

The Montessori Method is an approach to education which guides children through the “voyage of discovery.” A vast array of specially designed educational equipment is introduced to the child by Montessori trained teachers in an atmosphere that promotes personal responsibility, freedom of choice, problem-solving skills, self-esteem, love and respect.

Early Childhood Certification, Ages: 2 ½ - 6 years old
Time for completion: 1.5 - 2 years

Infant Toddler Certification
Time for completion: 1.5 - 2 years

Course of Studies

Academic Workshop-Course I

• A series or written assignments based on Montessori philosophy.
• Curriculum instruction
• Classroom management
• Child development
• Observation and evaluation techniques
• Constructing a prepared environment
• Supervised practice
• Working with families

Practicum (Student Teaching)-Course II

• Student teaching under the guidance of an experienced Montessori teacher 
• Monthly meetings & evaluations
• Designing lesson plans
• Making materials for the classroom
• Observation skills
• Understanding school policies and teamwork
• Parent/child/teacher interactions
• Compiling teaching albums of all the Montessori equipment and their presentations
• A research paper or curriculum development project
   

Evaluation-Course III

• Review
• Written and oral exams over philosophy and methodology

Workshops and Practicum

Classes are held at Children, Inc.'s training site at Gateway Community and Technical College's Park Hills Campus.

Time Line for the Course of Study

Infant/Toddler - Students begin their studies by attending a three day, 18 hour orientation in late August. Academic workshops are held from September through May, and meet one evening a week, plus one Saturday each month (minimum of 210 hours of instruction).

Most practicums (minimum of 400 hours) follow the academic workshops.

Following completion of the practicum requirements, students complete the evaluation process and project work. Successful students will then receive their AMS Infant/Toddler certification.
 
Early Childhood - Students begin their studies by attending a two week, 60 hour concentrated summer course. Academic workshops are held from September through May, and meet one evening a week, plus one Saturday each month (minimum of 300 hours of instruction).

Practicums (minimum of 600 hours over a nine month period) may run concurrently with the academic workshops or can begin the following September.

Following completion of the practicum requirements, students complete the evaluation process and project work from June to August. Successful students will then receive their AMS early childhood certification.

Objectives of the Training Course

1. To enable the student to gain an understanding of Montessori philosophy, theory and methodology.
    
2. To enable the student to gain an understanding of pertinent research findings in the field of child development and early childhood education.
    
3. To enable the student to gain the practical skills necessary to implement the Montessori philosophy and methods in the classroom.
    
4. To assist the student in gaining the insights and skills necessary to work effectively and meet the individual needs of the child.
    
5. To assist the student in gaining the skills and attitudes necessary to become part of a professional team and work effectively with administration, coworkers and parents.
    

Enrollment and Tuition Requirements

Individuals desiring to participate in the education program must submit a completed application and $100 fee and pass the screening process. For additional information concerning tuition and fees, contact the program director below.

Admission to the program is open to all students regardless of race, color, age, disability, political beliefs, sex, religion or national origin. 

Click here for the GCCME brochure.