Our Work

Introductory Montessori Courses

Upcoming Courses:

Please sign up for our newsletter to receive information about our upcoming Introduction to Montessori course schedule. For information on scheduling an Introduction to Montessori Education course in your community, please contact Access Montessori.

A Short Course on the Essential Elements of Montessori Education

This course is open to all people interested in learning more about Montessori education principles and practice. It is recommended for Montessori teachers, administrators, educators, parents, and anyone who works with children and families — child care, home daycare, public school staff and teachers.

The Course will help adults learn more about children from birth to maturity and discover ways in which they can support their development. The focus is on Montessori theory and essential principles and practices that can guide the work of anyone who works in service of children and human development. Each course is developed in partnership with the partnering school or community so that it is designed to meet their specific needs and interests.

For information on scheduling an Introduction to Montessori Education course in your community, please contact Access Montessori.

The course objectives are:

  • Provide an awareness of the history and development of the Montessori movement
  • Develop an overview of the implementation of Montessori principles and practices
  • Gain an understanding of the social implications of Montessori education
  • Inspire and invite participants to continue to learn and expand their understanding of Montessori pedagogy

Course Overview:

Lectures, seminars, and guided reading, on the fundamental theories and practice of Montessori Education including:

  • Maria Montessori – Her Life and Work
  • The History of Montessori in the United States
  • Core Montessori Principles
    • Stages of Human Development
    • Human Tendencies
    • Freedom, Discipline and Independence
    • Curriculum Area across the planes of development
    • Education as aid to life
  • Preparing Supportive Indoor and Outdoor Learning Environments
  • The Preparation and Role of Adults in Service of Human Development
  • Observation – the Cornerstone of Montessori’s Scientific Pedagogy
  • Building a Montessori Community
    • Engaging Parents
    • Building Partnerships
    • The Social Community – classroom, school, “village”
    • Montessori in the Public Sector
  • Education and Peace – The Vision of Montessori Education
  • The Montessori Movement – Finding your place

Quotes from Introductory Course participants:

“I feel better prepared to facilitate parent education and collaborate with our school staff in an effort to deepen the roots of our community.”

(Seattle, WA – July 2015)


“I wanted a thorough introduction to what Montessori is, how it actually works, what it looks like in the classroom, and why it works. I feel that this course answered all of those questions and got me excited to dig deeper.”

(Seattle, WA – July 2015)

“After these sessions I always have a renewed passion for the work. That alone is the biggest take away.”

(Bozeman, MT)