HMEI Early Childhood Education Course Calendar

2025-2026 Academic Year

Period I – Online Orientation (self-paced) May 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025

Online Orientation Welcome Session Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 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 2, 2025 – Friday, July 25, 2025
HMEI closed July 4, 2025
Classes: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Period III – Student Teaching Practicum (9 months)

September 2025 to June 2026
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 3, 10, 17 February 4, 11, 18, 25

October 15, 22, 29 March 25

December 3, 10 April 1, 8, 15
January 7, 14 May 6, 13

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

        Thursday, November 6, 2025 – Sunday, November 9, 2025
        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 22, 2026 – Sunday, January 25, 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.
•Spring Semester (3.5 days)
        Thursday, April 23, 2026 – Sunday, April 26, 2026
        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.