HMEI Early Childhood Education Course Calendar

2026-2027 Academic Year

Period I – Online Orientation (self-paced) May 4, 2026 – May 31, 2026

Online Orientation Welcome Session Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST

The requirements of this segment of the program will be provided to adult learners upon acceptance. Adult learners may proceed through the material at their own pace, but all requirements must be fulfilled prior to the start of Period II. Completion times estimated between 15 - 20 hours.

Period II – In Residence Summer Academics (8 weeks)

Monday, June 1, 2026 – Friday, July 24, 2026
HMEI closed July 3, 2026
Classes: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Period III – Student Teaching Practicum (9 months)

September 2026 to June 2027
Minimum 3 hours/day, 5 mornings/week, for the duration of the 9-month academic year. 

Practicum Phase Course Work:  
Online Course Work:
             Classes will meet on Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm CT on the following dates via Zoom:

September 2, 9, 16 February 10, 17, 24

October 14, 21, 28 March 3, 24, 31

December 2, 9 April 7, 14
January 13,20 May 5, 12

Practicum Phase In-Residence Seminars:
•Fall Semester (3.5 days)

        Thursday, November 5, 2026 – Sunday, November 8, 2026
        Thursday, Friday, and Saturday classes are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
        Sunday class is 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
•Winter Semester (3.5 days)

        Thursday, January 28, 2027 – Sunday, January 31, 2027
        Thursday, Friday, and Saturday classes are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
        Sunday class is 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
•Spring Semester (3.5 days)
        Thursday, April 22, 2027 – Sunday, April 25, 2027
        Thursday, Friday, Saturday classes are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
        Sunday class is 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

NOTE: Fluency in English is necessary for the successful completion of the HMEI Early Childhood Program. All classes will be conducted in English; all coursework and homework assignments must be submitted in English.

The Early Childhood course at HMEI is designed to be completed in approximately 12 months (June - May), including a 9-month student teaching practicum (September - May).  All adult learners who extend their studies at HMEI are required to finish the program within 36 months of their start date.

Transfer of Credit
HMEI is unable to confer credit for Montessori training, education or experience that was acquired at other institutions. All credit hours for this Early Childhood Course must be earned at HMEI.