The MEIPN Infant and Toddler course presents Montessori philosophy and pedagogy; child development; environmental design for both infants and toddlers; child, family, and community; program leadership; observation; and personal growth and development. The academic phase offers the student the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to prepare an environment that nurtures the physical, spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive, and communicative development of the child from birth to three years old. Respect and caring for the individual, support of family, and differences in culture and developmental pace are emphasized. Self-awareness and anti-bias training are part of the preparation to become a teacher of young children. Other aspects of the adult role, including parent education and auxiliary staff training, are addressed. The nine-to-twelve-month practicum provides the student teacher with an opportunity to practice and refine the learning experiences in the academic phase.