Montessori from the Start (0-3)
About This Programme
Westwood Training & Consultancy, in partnership with the Crossfields Institute Quality Mark, is proud to present a specialist professional development programme designed to strengthen Montessori practice for children from birth to three years.
This course has been created by experienced Montessori early years specialists in direct response to the growing need for high‑quality, Montessori‑aligned support for educators working with our youngest children.
As more settings welcome babies and toddlers into their communities, practitioners are seeking clear, practical guidance on how to translate Montessori principles into environments that truly honour the developmental needs of children under three.
This programme offers that guidance. It provides a grounded, contemporary interpretation of Montessori’s insights into infancy, supporting practitioners to create enriching environments, offer age‑appropriate care, and design meaningful experiences that nurture each child’s earliest explorations.
Programme Overview
Running over six months, this course takes the form of a dynamic blended learning journey. Learners will engage with a rich combination of independent study and hands‑on, practical workshops that bring Montessori theory to life.
Online Learning Platform
Learners will have access to a dedicated online space containing:
- Video tutorials led by Montessori specialists
- Curated reading resources
- Useful links to deepen understanding
- Reflective and practical assessment prompts
- Space for ongoing personal study and consolidation
This platform can be accessed flexibly, allowing learners to revisit content, reflect at their own pace, and build confidence in key concepts.
Practical Workshops
Interwoven throughout the programme are a series of deeply practical, experiential workshops. These sessions focus on:
- Designing and offering developmentally appropriate activities for children under three
- Understanding the role of the adult in supporting movement, language, independence, and emotional security
- Deconstructing familiar Montessori materials to uncover the foundational skills they offer in baby and toddler rooms
- Translating Montessori principles into everyday practice with clarity, creativity, and sensitivity
These workshops create a collaborative space where practitioners can explore, experiment, and refine their approach with expert guidance.
Our Aim
This programme supports educators to:
- Build environments that respect the natural rhythms and competencies of infants and toddlers
- Develop a deep understanding of Montessori principles for the 0–3 age group
- Strengthen their observational skills and responsive caregiving
- Offer activities and experiences that lay the groundwork for lifelong learning
- Confidently articulate the “why” behind their practice
Above all, the course empowers practitioners to create baby and toddler communities rooted in respect, connection, and developmental integrity.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
If you’re committed to giving babies and toddlers the strongest possible beginning, Montessori From the Start (0–3) is your next step. This programme is designed for early years practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of infant development, create calmer and more responsive environments, and build the specialised skills that support independence from the very beginning. Step into a qualification that strengthens your practice, enriches your setting, and transforms the way you see the earliest years of life.