Early Childhood Reading Certificate Program

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 develop an understanding of the essential components of reading and reading continuums that will enhance your 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.

Registration is open! See below for dates.

What to Expect

Join a cohort of learners for a seven-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. Recordings of the live sessions are made available to participants.
• 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.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded an AMS Early Childhood Reading Certificate attesting to your mastery of the program.

Program Modules & Outcomes

Upcoming Cohorts

Cohort 13 (October 2026)

• Registration closes: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, or when class fills
• Modules open: October 5, 2026
• Modules end: November 15, 2026
• All assignments due by: November 22, 2026
• Live Zoom sessions are held Mondays at 7:00 – 8:15 PM (ET) on: October 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, and 16.m

REGISTER

Cohort 14 (January 2027)

• Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 12, 2027
• Modules open: January 19, 2027
• Modules close: March 14, 2027
• All assignments due by: March 21, 2027
• Live Zoom sessions are held Mondays at 7:00 – 8:15 PM (ET) on: January 25, February 1, 8, 22, March 1, 8, and 15. (Break week Feb 15.)

REGISTER

Pricing and Discounts

Cost and Scholarships

• Members: $690
• Non-Members: $850

Not a member? Join AMS today and get $160 instant savings on this course and others like it. See all benefits.

The AMS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Scholarship Program provides financial support for eligible applicants. Learn more.

Group Discount

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

Meet the Facilitator

Dr. Tori Virlee

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 as well as 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