Access Catalysts

A One-of-a-Kind Partnership to Serve Families with the Greatest Need

Our work is carried out by a dedicated team of Access Catalysts.

Access Catalysts serve as mentors, coaches, and advisers. We offer support to individuals, schools, and communities who strive to bring Montessori principals and programs to children and families who have traditionally been left out. Access Montessori’s focus is on the period from birth to age six.  As Maria Montessori stated, “Early childhood is the key to the betterment of society.”

Access Catalysts are available to offer introductory workshops, in-person and follow up support, assist in creating and maintaining programs, and help to build local networks. Our goal is to work with you to implement the best possible Montessori wherever you are, and at whatever stage of your program development.

Our Catalysts have over 500 years of combined Montessori experience, and are committed to cultivating birth-to-six Montessori programs in underserved communities. Recognizing that success requires whole-system support, our team consists of Montessori teacher trainers, senior Montessori practitioners, and administrators at the birth-to-three and the three-to-six levels.

Preparation to serve as an Access Catalyst includes:

• A review of the role and responsibilities of a mentor or coach.
• Time for self-reflection and preparation for serving Montessori adults in a variety of settings and environments.
• A review of fundamental principles of Montessori education and the examination of human development and the human tendencies.
• Presentations, readings, and discussions to prepare the catalysts to work in communities who have previously lacked access to Montessori programming. The issues of cultural bias, children and families who may suffer from trauma, working with and among other social service providers, and children with special needs are explored and discussed.
• Time to develop tools, resources, and connections that will prepare Catalysts to work within any community who invite and request the support of Access.

Learn more about our current Catalysts here.

Access Vision:

To serve as a catalyst for sustainable Montessori education and services to children and families, and to support the development of Montessori birth-to-six programs in communities that have traditionally lacked access to high quality Montessori.

Key Principles of Montessori Education                          Qualities of an Access Catalyst