Montessori Dementia Program

The Montessori Dementia Program, the first of its kind at a Canadian Montessori College presents a new way to think about and provide support for persons living with Dementia and their caregivers, using proven Montessori philosophy and methodology for the care of adults. Montessori Teachers College is the only Montessori training institute in Canada to offer this program.

The Montessori Dementia Program has been designed for Personal Support Workers (PSW’s), Health Care Providers, volunteers and family members who are support individuals living with dementia.

The Montessori Dementia Program is usually a 3-day course, taught by experienced Montessori and Dementia trainers. Currently our Montessori Dementia certificate course is ON-LINE and takes approximately 12 to 15 hours. This course can be taken at your own pace.

Participants will learn from Montessori specialists about the key principles guiding the Montessori philosophy; Observation, Independence according to one’s ability, The Prepared Environment, Activites of Daily Living, and purposeful engagement aimed to help maintain the independence and cognitive abilities of a person living with Dementia.

Participants will also learn from Dementia specialists about the different types of Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The trainer will discuss the typical symptoms that are expected as Dementia progresses and will address how to best defuse responsive behaviours that accompany each stage of Dementia.

Participants will learn how the Montessori philosophy and practices can be adapted to improve the quality of life of people living with Dementia. The Montessori approach focuses on enhancing the well-being of people living with Dementia and their sense of belonging within their community. Montessori based activities that provide opportunities for purposeful engagement will be presented, and participants will have the opportunity to work with the materials as well as prepare their own.

Learning Objectives

To provide an alternative way to offer care and support to individuals living with Dementia that improves quality of life.
To provide skills that will assist the caregiver to create a more purposeful, dignified and independent life for those living with Dementia by encouraging them to be as independent as possible.
To provide proven Montessori methodologies and systems, that can be used to help individuals living with Dementia retain their procedural memories for as long as possible.
To communicate effectively with individuals living with Dementia.
To understand the importance of socialization and community engagement for ongoing health and well-being, including resources.
To understand the responses that can emerge when a person living with Dementia becomes agitated.

Learning Outcomes

A knowledge of the different types of Dementia.
How the Montessori method impacts the daily life of a person living with Dementia.
How observation skills are developed to better understand the person living with Dementia.
The creation of Montessori based systems for Dementia care that improves the quality of life for both the individual living with Dementia and the caregiver.
Provide opportunities and options for activities of daily living including recreation and social interactions.
How to modify approach as the disease progresses.
Develop skills that will enable the caregiver to anticipate and acknowledge responsive behaviours.
Understand an approach that enables an extended period of independence for the person living with Dementia.

Program Career Opportunities

After completing your Infant Toddler Montessori Online Diploma Program, you can apply to the following positions:

Infant Toddler Montessori Teacher, Early Childcare Teacher, Infant Toddler classroom teacher, Daycare school adviser, Early years administrator, Infant Toddler Montessori co-teacher / assistant
Ability to open your own Infant Toddler home school (link to opening up your home school/ opening up your own Montessori school)
School Administrator

Accreditations

Admission Process:

Course Admission Requirements

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Course Start Dates

Program Fees

Non-Refundable Application Fee $50
Infant Toddler Montessori Diploma $6,000

(includes textbooks, MACTE exam fees, registration fees, tuition fees)

Admission Process

We have made the admissions process as follows:

Step 1: Submit

Application Form (link)
Application Fee

Step 2:

Upon submission of items in Step 1, submit the following

Resume
Transcripts from your most recent education
Vulnerable Sector Check (must be current i.e. within past 3 months)

Following receipt of all documentation above, you will be contacted via e-mail to set an interview date and time.

After a full review of your documentation and interview, you will be notified with respect to your admission into the program.