The AMS Early Childhood Reading Certificate Program is designed for Early Childhood Montessori teachers who are interested in applying the most recent research-based strategies for exploring reading in their Montessori environments. This class will help you to develop an understanding of the essential components of reading and reading continuums that will enhance Montessori teachers’ ability to follow children’s development as readers. Matching children to their developmental stage on the continuum leads to an exploration of literacy strategies that support individual children. You will leave with a toolkit that enables you to extend the Montessori curriculum and enhance the reading development of young children.
Join a cohort of learners for a six-week program with 6 modules of self-guided study and live experiences held via Zoom. There will be assignments that are designed to be reflective and to enhance your understanding of the science of reading, both in theory and in action.
For: Early Childhood (3 – 6) Montessori credentialed teachers, school leaders, and interventionists
Format: A blend of live (synchronous) experiences held via Zoom and on-demand (asynchronous) content
Time Commitment: 36 – 40 hours total (please see timelines below)
CPD Hours: 36 - A certificate of AMS Professional Development Hours will be emailed upon completion. An opportunity to purchase a CEU certificate for 3.6 CEUs will also be made available upon completion of the class at a cost of $28.
Cost: $800 non-members | $650 AMS members
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded an AMS Early Childhood Reading Certificate attesting to your mastery of the program.
Group Discounts Available
AMS is excited to offer a variety of discounted group packages for this course. Group registrations must first contact us to be discounted.
5+ registrants: 5% discount
10+ registrants: 10% discount
20+ registrants: 15% discount
30+ registrants: 20% discount
Program Modules & Outcomes
Essential Components of Reading
Define the essential components of reading
Continuum of Reading
Use the oral language and reading continuums to inform instruction
Assessment Tools
Explain the purpose of commonly used classroom-based assessment tools
Phonemic & Phonological Awareness
Use science-based strategies to support phonemic and phonological awareness
Phonics
Use science-based strategies to support phonics
Comprehension & Fluency
Use science-based strategies to support comprehension and fluency
Cohort 4 (Fall 2023) Timeline
Registration deadline: September 24, 2023 or until full
Program begins: October 2
Program ends: November 12
Live sessions are held on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM (ET)
Fall Cohort is full, registration is closed.
Cohort 5 (Winter 2024) Timeline
Registration deadline: January 22, 2024 or until full
Tori Virlee, PsyD, is the early childhood language instructor at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies and the school psychologist at the Montessori School of Denver. She holds a bachelor's degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences and a doctorate in school psychology. Tori is an experienced early childhood teacher, literacy specialist, and interventionist. She has presented at local, regional, and national conferences and schools to bring the science of reading to fellow educators. This work has been further informed through training in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and as an Orton-Gillingham Therapist. Tori’s work is focused on supporting teachers, young children, and their families to promote language, literacy, and mental health.
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