Infant-Toddler Catechist Formation explores the very youngest child's spirituality from the discovery of the child's nature and religious potential as revealed by the Holy Spirit, Maria Montessori, Gianna Gobbi, Silvana Montanaro, and Sofia Cavalletti.
The research and development of Infant-Toddler Catechesis are in a seminal phase. The Infant-Toddler atrium is currently part of international experimentation. The Infant-Toddler Catechist Formation offers an opportunity for you to be part of this wonderful exploration.
Level I catechist formation is for adults seeking to serve children three to six years old. This training is at least 90 hours. This is the foundational training for all succeeding levels of catechist formation.
All the key themes and presentations that are essential to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd are introduced at this level so an adult needs to begin here. In this course, the catechist will seek to understand the developmental needs and religious capacities of the three to six-year-old child.
Level II catechist formation is for adults seeking to serve children six to nine years old (or first through third grade). This training is at least 96 hours and continues the themes first introduced in Level I catechist formation.
Level II expands upon themes according to the developmental needs and capacities of this age child. New themes are also introduced at this level, especially around the History of the Kingdom of God, Moral Parables, and the sacrament of Holy Eucharist.
Sacramental preparation is a key component of this catechist formation.
Level III catechist formation is for those seeking to serve children nine to twelve years old (or fourth through sixth grades). This training is about 110-120 hours and builds upon the previous two levels of training.
Level III continues to broaden the scope of scriptural and liturgical themes according to the child’s ability and developmental needs.
The catechist studies a broader look at God’s Plan in the History of the Kingdom of God and the Judeo-Christian roots of Christianity. In-depth Old Testament scripture studies of the prophets, Abraham, and Moses are also large components of this level. Level III continues to dive deep into the prayers of the Mass that builds on earlier formation courses.