Explore Montessori Teaching with Confidence — Before You Commit to a Full Credential

A flexible, self-paced Early Childhood foundation course for aspiring educators, assistant teachers, and career-changers who are curious about Montessori but not ready to invest in a full MACTE-accredited credential.

Build clarity & confidence, and when you’re ready, continue into the full credential with a $1,000 credit!

Montessori teacher with students looking at map

Curious About Montessori… But Not Ready to Commit?

You’re not alone. Many adults feel drawn to Montessori teaching but hesitate because:

  • “I’m not sure if Montessori is right for me.”
  • “I can’t commit to a full credential yet.”
  • “I need flexibility…I’m working or parenting.”
  • “I want to learn the foundations first.”

Traditional credential programs assume you’re already certain. This course is for the people who aren’t there yet,  and shouldn’t have to be.

That’s why we created the Self-Guided Early Childhood Course

Your Low-Risk, High-Support First Step Into Montessori

The Self-Guided Early Childhood Course gives you:

  • A structured 8-module foundation in real Montessori practice
  • Weekly live Zoom support from expert trainers
  • Complete flexibility (designed for 6 months; access for 2 years)
  • A Certificate of Completion
  • A $1,000 discount toward the CGMS MACTE-accredited Early Childhood Credential!

Not a credential or a shortcut … A guided exploration that helps you decide your next step.

What’s inside the course?

8 Core Modules Covering the Heart of Montessori Early Childhood

  • Montessori Philosophy
  • Observation & Child Development
  • Practical Life
  • Sensorial
  • Language
  • Math
  • Cosmic Education
  • Prepared Environment & Teacher Role

Each module includes videos, readings, quizzes, and optional assignments to deepen your understanding.

Screenshot of self-guided course
woman taking self guided course

Who This Is Perfect For

  • Assistants who want to understand the why behind classroom practice
  • Career-changers exploring Montessori before committing
  • Parents interested in becoming educators
  • Professionals seeking flexible, structured Montessori training
  • Anyone who wants a supported, low-pressure on-ramp into the Montessori world

Still unsure? Talk to an expert to find out if this is really right for you!

Why Choose CGMS Over Other Options?

Most programs offer you two extremes: full credential or fully independent study. Our self-guided course sits in the sweet spot:

Feature

CGMS Self-Guided

Typical Online Diploma Programs

Live Support

Weekly Zoom sessions

None

Commitment Level

Low-risk, exploratory

High commitment

Pathway to MACTE Credential

Yes ($1,000 credit)

No

Pace

Self-paced up to 2 years

Varies

Ideal For

Explorers & assistants

Committed diploma seekers

Still deciding? Talk to our experts.

Who This Is Not For

To protect the learner experience:

  • This is not a MACTE-accredited credential
  • This is not a full teacher certification
  • This is not a practicum or supervised lead-teacher training

If you already know you want a full credential, start with our MACTE program instead.

Pathway

Start Your Montessori Journey Today Without the Pressure of a Full Credential