UCSB CD/ECE Credit Program
University of California Santa Barbara Extension offers 3 units of post-graduate, professional-level credit for each of the following Montessori teacher-preparation workshops. The approved course numbers are as follows:
USCB CD/ECE Credit Program
Open for Credit 2025:
CD X321.55A-002 Developing Intelligence: Montessori Sensorial & Practical Life
Early Childhood Education (Ages 2/12 to 6)
This E.C.E. course explores the conditions and activities that optimize the development of intelligence, independence, concentration, and ability.​
Designed to support parents, teachers, and anyone interested in helping children (ages 2 ½ to 6) to develop and refine sensory perception, motor development and a broad range of skills. The development of these abilities leads to greater competence, confidence, self-initiative, self-discipline, prosocial behavior, and happiness in a prepared environment. Practical life activities demonstrate how the child derives an understanding of his environment, how it works, and the importance in helping children develop volition, manual dexterity, and other abilities. Sensorial materials and lessons provide a foundation for the study of mathematics and geometry. Learning Objectives: A. Knowledge of how to teach a lesson to young children. B. Knowledge of how to introduce terminology to young children. C. Ability to present and properly use the Montessori teaching materials used in developing and refining sensory perception. D. Ability to present and utilize materials for the development and refinement of movement and independence. E. Knowledge of how to set up a classroom environment and start the year. F. Knowledge of how the prepared environment provides carefully designed motives (materials/activities) to engage the mind and hand, strengthen volition, support sustained focus and independent work. This course qualifies as 3 CD/ECE units applicable toward CA CD Permit and DSS Child Care Licensing requirements. This option is available in addition to course fees. Cost: $150 ($50 per unit) payable to UCSB Extension, along with a $25 processing fee to MWEI.
CD X321.74-002 Early Numeracy and Literacy: Montessori Beginning Math and Reading
Early Childhood Education (Ages 3 to 6)
This C.D./E.C.E. course in early numeracy and literacy provides teachers and parents with strategies to develop insights, knowledge, and skills for working with children, ages three to six.
Topics for building a strong foundation in numeracy and math concepts include: number concepts 1-10, the decimal system, place value, operations using concrete material, and linear counting. The reading schema provides a natural developmental sequence to master phonemic awareness and launch reading with joy while exploring visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic instructional strategies and materials. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: A. Outline the scope and developmental sequence of the beginning math and language curriculum for ages 3-6. B. Describe and/or demonstrate an appropriate lesson for any given objective in the Montessori beginning math and language curriculum. C. Describe and demonstrate a three-period lesson with both the math and language curriculum. D. Demonstrate the effective presentation and use of the Montessori math and language materials. E. Describe the purpose of a given learning material and lesson along with specific points of emphasis. F. Observe, recognize, and explain the child’s readiness for a lesson and readiness to move forward in the sequence. G. Produce quality math and reading materials suitable to use with young children. H. Explain the developmental characteristics of the child age 3-6 and the essential program provisions and learning experiences necessary. I. Describe the essential aspects of the prepared environment optimized for learning and development. J. Describe how to engage the child in the learning process and how to bring about careful work habits. K. Describe ways to instill appreciation for math, reading and writing. This course qualifies as 3 CD/ECE units applicable toward CA CD Permit and DSS Child Care Licensing requirements. This option is available in addition to course fees. Cost: $150 ($50 per unit) payable to UCSB Extension, along with a $25 processing fee to MWEI.
CD X321.75-002 Montessori Primary Math and Language
Early Childhood Education (Ages 4 to 7)
This C.D./E.C.E. course is designed to provide parents and teachers with strategies that help children (ages four to seven) develop their interest, knowledge, and skills in language arts and mathematics.
The importance of discovery and construction of math concepts is emphasized. The math sequence includes: individual exercises in operations, multiplication and division tables, factors and multiples, operations moving to the representational level, and fractions. An exploration of primary grammar includes activities and games with the noun, adjective, verb, and non-phonetic work with parts of speech. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: A. Outline the scope and developmental sequence of the math and language curriculum for ages 4-7. B. Describe and/or demonstrate an appropriate lesson for any given objective in the Montessori math and language curriculum. C. Describe and demonstrate a three-period lesson with both the math and language curriculum. D. Demonstrate the effective presentation and use of the Montessori math and language materials. E. Describe the purpose of a given learning material and lesson along with specific points of emphasis. F. Observe, recognize, and explain the child’s readiness for a lesson and readiness to move forward in the sequence. G. Produce quality math and reading materials suitable to use with young children. H. Explain the developmental characteristics of the child age 4-7 and the essential program provisions and learning experiences necessary. I. Describe the essential aspects of the prepared environment optimized for learning and development. J. Describe how to engage the child in the learning process and how to bring about careful work habits. K. Describe ways to instill appreciation for math, reading and writing. This course qualifies as 3 CD/ECE units applicable toward CA CD Permit and DSS Child Care Licensing requirements. This option is available in addition to course fees. Cost: $150 ($50 per unit) payable to UCSB Extension, along with a $25 processing fee to MWEI.
CD X321.86-002 Multiple Subjects: Science and Cultural Subjects
Early Childhood Education (Ages 3 – 8)
This Child Development course is designed as an introduction to an investigative research-based approach to curriculum development covering multiple subjects for pre-school and early elementary teachers.
Participants explore and create curriculum activities introducing science, cultural study, nature study, history, geography, research, music, art, and handwork. Social awareness and strategies for building supportive relationships and building community are emphasized for children to experience a classroom setting as a mini democratic society to support future citizenship. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to: A. Demonstrate activities for investigative learning in multiple subjects B. Implement a three-period lesson C. Engage students in discussion, investigative study and research D. Identify strategies for building social awareness and community This course qualifies as 3 CD/ECE units applicable toward CA CD Permit and DSS Child Care Licensing requirements. This option is available in addition to course fees. Cost: $150 ($50 per unit) payable to UCSB Extension, along with a $25 processing fee to MWEI.
CD X321.33 Understanding Children-Child Growth and Development
(Independent Home Study)
The “Understanding Children - Child Growth and Development” course is designed to provide information on child development—how children develop naturally and the ways we can provide for optimal learning
This course qualifies for an optional 6 CD/ECE units of Child Growth and Development applicable toward DSS Child Care Licensing requirements. LEARNING OUTCOMES: for parents and teachers of children ages 2 1/2 to 7 to: A. Know the tool of observation to assess needs and to provide the appropriate conditions for growth B. Describe the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori and other developmental theorists C. Discuss the purpose of education D. Describe the planes of development, the child’s absorbent mind, and sensitive periods E. Know the importance of a developmentally appropriate prepared environment at home and/or at school This course qualifies as 3 CD/ECE units applicable toward CA CD Permit and DSS Child Care Licensing requirements. This option is available in addition to course fees. Cost: $150 ($50 per unit) payable to UCSB Extension, along with a $25 processing fee to MWEI.