Montessori Training Centre of BC

A Place of Education for adults on the nature of childhood

AMI Primary Montessori Teacher Training

“Education, therefore, of little ones is important, especially from three to six years of age, because this is the embryonic period for the formation of character and of society, just as the period from birth to three is that for forming the mind, and the prenatal period that for forming the body.”
(The Absorbent Mind, p. 221/2)

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Diploma Granted

The Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia (MTCBC) works in affiliation with the Association Montessori Internationale. The courses offered must meet rigorous standards, in both content and teaching staff. The Diploma awarded by the MTCBC is in great demand by Montessori Schools both nationally and internationally. Individuals must enquire what local requirements set out by government regulatory bodies must also be met when applying for teaching positions.

Primary Course students are trained to work with children aged 2 ½ to 6, prepare beautiful and responsive environments, work in Montessori and early childhood education communities in schools and day care settings, homes and any environments where children ages three to six are found!

British Columbia Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Early Childhood Educator Certificate (ECE)

Upon completion of the program, graduates qualify for an Early Childhood Education Diploma and the British Columbia Early Childhood Educator Certificate. Applications for a certificate are sent to the Early Childhood Educator Registry, Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Masters of Ed. Opportunity at Vancouver Island University

Upon completion of an AMI Primary or Elementary diploma, one may apply to the Masters of Educational Leadership program (Montessori Option) at Vancouver Island University. This unique program is the first of its kind in Canada. Join a welcoming cohort of Montessori colleagues and professionals to dive deeper into leadership philosophies and styles through a Montessori lens. Find further details here.

Primary Director of Training

Anne Laws Anne graduated from Queen’s University with a B.A. and a B.Ed. and then, went on to complete her AMI Primary diploma in Toronto in 1984. After working in the classroom for several years, she completed a M. Ed. in Early Childhood Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto (1989). Anne has worked as a guide and as a Principal in Montessori schools in Toronto and Ottawa. She began the Training of Trainers’ Programme at the Montessori Training Centre of BC, becoming an Auxiliary Trainer in 2003. She has worked for many years as a trained AMI Primary Consultant, National Examiner and Lecturer. Anne served as a founding member of AMI’s Affiliated Society in Canada and as Editor of its member newsletter. She worked several years as Executive Director of Canada’s current affiliated society, AMI (Canada). She continues in the role of coordinator of AMI’s School Recognition Program in Canada. She joined the Montessori Training Centre of BC in September 2019 to complete the final phase of the Training of Trainers’ Programme at the primary level and is now an AMI Primary Trainer .

Primary Course Assistant

Holly White is honoured and grateful to work, learn, play, and raise her daughter alongside her husband on the beautiful traditional and unceded territory of the Stz’uminus First Nation lands. Holly graduated from the MTCBC over two decades ago and is AMI-trained from ages 0 – 6. She has spent her career in service to families and schools as a guide, parent mentor, collaborator, and consultant, both nationally and internationally. Holly is a lifelong learner, and received her Master of Arts in Leadership degree from Royal Roads University. Holly’s aspirations include inspiring, empowering, and connecting with those around her but ultimately just doing her part to be a good human. Holly enjoys yoga, exploring new destinations with her family, and eating her way around the globe. Holly is in the Training of Trainers Programme with the Montessori Institute of North Texas, training to be an AMI Primary Trainer.

Primary Course Overview

The AMI Montessori Primary Teacher Training course trains the adult to prepare a beautiful and orderly environment for children 2 1/2 to 6 years of age according to the principles and practices of Dr. Maria Montessori and the Association Montessori Internationale. Upon completion of all academic and practicum requirements, graduates are qualified to receive the BC Early Childhood Educator Certificate.

Theory lectures on the Montessori philosophy and psychology of early child development
Reading/study of Dr. Maria Montessori’s books including directed reading seminars
Presentation lectures on the purpose and use of the variety of Montessori activities
Supervised practice with the Montessori materials
Observation in the community and in Montessori classes, including the MTCBC Montessori Children’s Community, MCC
Teaching practice in local Montessori schools
Observation and Practicum in a non-Montessori day care setting
Written work – the student compiles a reference album for each of the four areas of the prepared environment with an essay style introduction for each album; an essay on each theory topic is written based on lecture notes and reading assignments
Material making assignments – students make activities for the classroom to keep for their own use

Program Calendar 2024-2025

APRIL 23, 2024 TO JULY 18, 2025

Online Lectures: Online sessions will run on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, from 330 pm to 630 pm Pacific Time, starting April 23rd

Onsite Sessions in Vancouver, B.C.: 830 am to 430 pm Pacific Time at the MTCBC Training Centre

-May 1 to 17, 2024

-October 19 to November 1, 2024

-March 15 to 28, 2025

-June 23 to July 1, 2025

Early Childhood Education lectures, observation and Practicum: Summer 2024

Written exams: May 2025

Oral Exams & Graduation: July 2025

Montessori Observation and Practice Teaching: to be completed during the academic year.

These dates may be subject to change if necessary. Any change will be announced in advance.

Admission Requirements

Preferably, applicants hold a Bachelors Degree, a Community College Diploma or their Early Childhood Education Certification. Applicants with Mature Student Status are also considered. Please refer to the Application documents in Downloads for further details.