National Center for Montessori and Aging (NCMA)

Bridging Generations through Montessori

FREE Montessori Dementia Care Training Program!

Join us for an enriching experience aimed at enhancing the quality of life for both professional and family caregivers. Thanks to the generous support of the Maryland Department of Aging, we are thrilled to offer a FREE 8-hour training program to Maryland residents through June 2024.

Our program equips caregivers with essential knowledge and skills to effectively engage, communicate, and interact with persons living with dementia. Participants will also learn valuable self-care techniques to prevent burnout and deliver higher quality care.

The training consists of 2 hours of pre-work watched online, followed by two 3-hour online sessions. For those seeking a more immersive experience, we offer limited Saturday on-site programs at NCMA, complete with a tour of our Dementia Learning Lab and lunch.

Additionally, for larger organizations like Home Care Agencies, Assisted Living, and Senior Living Communities, we provide internal programs tailored for 10+ participants. These sessions can be structured as 1-hour sessions to complement staff work schedules, with invitations extended to all staff, clients, residents, and family members.

Upon completion, participants are eligible to receive 8 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from Loyola University of Maryland. Additionally, this continuing education session content was pre-approved by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

For more information or to register, please email Kelly at kwang@crossway-community.org, or simply register online now.

National Center for Montessori and Aging (NCMA)

The NCMA is a program of Crossway Community and an integral part of our Montessori Forest School and intergenerational community of 40 diverse residences. We specialize in certification programs for professional and family caregivers that incorporate Montessori principles proven to enhance the quality of life. We offer an interactive experience in our innovative Dementia Learning Lab that demonstrates Montessori design principles that promote independence, autonomy and psychosocial well-being.

NCMA COURSES

Our courses are evidence-based and apply Montessori care principles across the lifespan. We draw upon the latest science in neurobiology, including the groundbreaking work of Dr. Richard Davidson of the University of Wisconsin on the neural bases for well-being. We also integrate the interpersonal biology approaches of Dr. Daniel Siegel of the UCLA School of Medicine and the Mindful Awareness Research Center. This approach complements the psychosocial principles of the Pioneer Network and Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center to advance relationship-based, person-centered care for quality of life.

Crossway Communities receives grant to support our National Center for Montessori and Aging (NCMA)

Crossway Communities' 'National Center for Montessori and Aging (NCMA)' is proud to be the recipient of a grant to support caregivers and family members caring for a person living with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias. The funding will be used to pay for eight Dementia Care trainings that results in an 8-hour dementia certification for Maryland residents on how to apply Montessori care principles.

Crossway is one of six non-profits to receive a grant from the Maryland Department of Aging. These grants are part of a larger initiative in Maryland to enhance quality, access, and coordination of dementia care and support to caregivers through strategies outlined in the Maryland State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: 2022-2026.


NCMA CERTIFICATION

Our courses certify the competency to apply Montessori principles when caring for an older person. 

  1. Montessori Home Care Certification: 4-hour program on the essentials of caring for a person aging in place at home. Designed for both professional and family caregivers, this course provides practical skills that enhance communication, dignity, compliance with care requirements, and quality of life.  

  2. Montessori Dementia Certification: 8-hour program that provides the knowledge and skills to meet the physical, mental, and psychosocial needs of a person living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Qualifies for 8 CEUs from Loyola University and NCRTC.


WHY MONTESSORI?

Relationship based, person-center care is the foundation of quality of life. Montessori care techniques advance effective, efficient, safe, supportive and timely caregiving. Learn to:

  1. Observe, engage, and communicate verbally and nonverbally with compassion, dignity and respect.

  2. Conduct meaningful individualized social interventions and activities that enrich life.

  3. Prepare the living environment to support independence, autonomy and psychosocial well-being.

Support the National Center for Montessori and Aging (NCMA)