Reflect, Observe, Adjust: Preparing the Montessori Early Childhood Environment to Support all Learners

Reflect, Observe, Adjust: Preparing the Montessori Early Childhood Environment to Support all Learners

3 CPDs, Estimated to take 2 hours to complete

In the Montessori Early Childhood environment, a child who struggles to choose work, sustain engagement, falls apart during transitions, or abandons materials before they've barely begun may need a different lens to understand the "why" behind their behavior. This course brings a sensory integration lens to Montessori's prepared environment, exploring how sensory processing shapes regulation, learning, and participation for all children. You'll examine your own sensory preferences and triggers and how they influence the environment you're creating. You'll leave with practical, evidence-based strategies designed with universal approaches in mind so that every child can engage and thrive. 

The class will take approximately two hours to complete with no homework assignments. Each of the lessons includes a short introduction, content for the participant to review, a game or activity related to the content, and a required discussion post. Each lesson is estimated to take approximately one hour to complete. You will have 180 days (approximately six months) from the date of purchase to complete the class and download the certificate that grants three hours of professional development. For the best user experience, we recommend using a computer, but content can also be accessed on mobile devices. Certificates will only be awarded for full completion of the class.

Learner Outcomes

  • Explain how sensory processing influences regulation, learning, and behavior.
  • Identify how the demands of the prepared environment may support or disrupt a child's ability to self-regulate and engage.
  • Design a sensory-informed classroom environment that proactively supports regulation and participation.

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Key:

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Introduction Discussion [5 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue. This discussion offers an opportunity to introduce yourself, share where you are from, and what brings you to this class. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
You must register to access.
Lesson 1: Regulation and Sensory Differences in Montessori Early Childhood Classrooms [1 hour]
Lesson 1: Regulation and Sensory Differences in Montessori Early Childhood Classrooms [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package. This lesson explores regulation as the foundation for learning and participation, how sensory processing and bottom-up brain development shape children’s engagement, and how behavior serves as communication.
You must register to access.
Lesson 1 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue. In the Lesson 1 Discussion, you will explain what regulation is and why it is essential for learning. You will then turn your attention to one child in your classroom, consider what their behavior and nervous system might be communicating, and share one small change you could try this week. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
You must register to access.
Lesson 2: The Prepared Adult - Designing Inclusive Classrooms for Every Nervous System [1 hour]
Lesson 2: The Prepared Adult - Designing Inclusive Classrooms for Every Nervous System [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package. This lesson invites you to reflect on how your sensory profile shapes your classroom, observe your environment for sensory supports and barriers, and plan simple changes that make the classroom environment more regulating for all learners.
You must register to access.
Lesson 2 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue. The Lesson 2 Discussion invites you to connect what you've learned about yourself with what you've observed in your classroom. You will reflect on your own sensory experience, share what you noticed in your environment, and commit to one small change that makes the space more supportive for children. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
You must register to access.
Survey & Certificate [5 minutes]
Reflect, Observe, Adjust: Preparing the Montessori Early Childhood Environment to Support All Learners Survey [5 minutes]
5 Questions
5 Questions Completion of this survey is required before receiving a certificate of completion. Please take a moment to answer a few quick questions to help us improve our short class offerings.
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Certificate of Professional Development
3.00 CPD credits  |  Certificate available
3.00 CPD credits  |  Certificate available A certificate for 3 professional development hours will release within 30 minutes of completion of all components of the class.
You must register to access.
Resources
Additional Resources
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource. This downloadable pdf offers resources from each lesson of this self-guided class. We hope you’ll explore these resources and continue learning about ways to prepare the Montessori Early Childhood Environment to support all learners.
You must register to access.
Tia Gamelin

Tia Gamelin

OTR/L, ADHD-CCSP

Tia Gamelin is a pediatric occupational therapist who has been in practice since 1997, working with children and families across the United States and abroad. Board certified by the NBCOT and a certified clinical specialist in ADHD, she specializes in sensory processing disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum condition, and twice-exceptional learners, and has practiced across a broad range of settings, from inpatient and outpatient care to early intervention, private practice, DODEA and public schools, independent schools, and Montessori environments.

Tia brings advanced clinical training to her work, including certification in Sensory Integration and Praxis Testing (SIPT), the SOS Feeding Approach, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training, and Handwriting Without Tears, as well as Level 3 Kinesiotaping and PaddleFit coaching credentials.

Her work is rooted in relationship-based practice and a deep respect for each child's unique developmental journey. A sought-after presenter, she has spoken at state, national, and international conferences, including NAEYC's National Conference (2023) and the International Montessori Event (2025 and 2026), and has served as a guest lecturer for organizations including the South Carolina Down Syndrome Association, the Ohio Early Childhood Advisory Council, and the National Institute for Learning Disabilities. A three-time presenter at the Special Olympics South Carolina Leadership Conference, she received the Champion Award for her advocacy on behalf of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and was the head coach and founder of the Special Olympics Stand Up Paddleboard Team in Columbia, South Carolina, the second team of its kind in the nation.

Beyond her clinical work, Tia has mentored OT students internationally, including at The American School in Taipei, Taiwan, and has coached a number of occupational therapists who have gone on to launch their own practices. She is a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University, a member of AOTA, and a former board member of COAEYC.

Tia lives in Littleton, Colorado with her husband Jay, their four children, Abel, Roman, Jude, and Eden Rose, and her therapy-dog-in-training, Scout. When she is not in the clinic or on stage, you will likely find her hiking, paddleboarding, or on a yoga mat.

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