REGISTER
Early Childhood Literature in IEFA
This online, self-paced course covers IEFA literature for children ages 2-6. The course can be taken for 30 OPI professional development units or 2 University of Montana semester credits.
You will:
1. Read a number of American Indian-themed picture books suitable for use in the early education classroom.
2. Explore ways to give students concrete experiences to help them relate the text to real life, build vocabulary, and develop a respect for differences.
3. Learn or review the Seven Essential Understandings Regarding American Indians and the Montana Early Learning Standards.
4. Develop a number of lessons to teach in your classroom incorporating American Indian Literature.
5. Complete one final project of your choice.
6. Those seeking graduate credit will also choose one additional project.
Participants will explore resources developed by the Office of Public Instruction alongside primary source
documents and carefully selected literature. Most required materials will be provided in the course Moodle, though participants may need to seek additional resources at school or public libraries, book sellers, or online as part of the course requirements. Previous knowledge of IEFA and the Essential Understandings is helpful but not necessary for participants to successfully complete the course; prerequisite content will be provided for participant’s perusal.
This course is the equivalent to 30 classroom hours (30 OPI professional development units), which is the equivalent of 2 university credits. This is a self-paced course, but do not expect to complete it in one sitting! Course participants must be comfortable working independently and be self-motivated to complete all work within the flexible time frame. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU DON'T REGISTER FOR MORE THAN TWO COURSES AT ONE TIME.
Instructor:
Michele McGuire [email protected]
Registration fee: $289
Credit: 30 OPI Professional Development Units or 2 Semester Credits (semester credit is offered through the University of Montana and is an additional fee of $175; registration forms available in the course Moodle.)
Cost savings:
Two online U of M Undergraduate credits would cost you $683. Two online U of M Graduate credits would cost you $805. MTPLC's courses save you 32% and 42% respectively.
*MTPLC's courses can't be used towards a degree program. They CAN be used for salary schedules and license renewal.
THE COURSE PROCESS:
* Complete this form.
* Within a few days, you will receive an invoice via email.
* Pay the invoice/registration fee (online or by check) in order to begin.
* You will receive a username and password and steps to access the Moodle course.
* The instructor will send an introductory email and you may begin the class.
* If you are taking the course for OPI professional development units, MTPLC will send you them upon completion of the semester.
* If you are taking the course for University credits, you will receive instructions on how to register for and pay the continuing education credit fee after you begin the course.
* Registrants have one year from the term of registration to complete their course.
Ex: If you register in June 2026, you have until May 15, 2027 to complete the course.
Obtaining copies of the books: Check your school /district or local library. Amazon and other online booksellers often have used copies available. The instructor is available to assist with locating copies, if needed.
Register at https://forms.gle/BH4Qt5NmoidFcj5q9
Early Childhood Literature in IEFA
This online, self-paced course covers IEFA literature for children ages 2-6. The course can be taken for 30 OPI professional development units or 2 University of Montana semester credits.
You will:
1. Read a number of American Indian-themed picture books suitable for use in the early education classroom.
2. Explore ways to give students concrete experiences to help them relate the text to real life, build vocabulary, and develop a respect for differences.
3. Learn or review the Seven Essential Understandings Regarding American Indians and the Montana Early Learning Standards.
4. Develop a number of lessons to teach in your classroom incorporating American Indian Literature.
5. Complete one final project of your choice.
6. Those seeking graduate credit will also choose one additional project.
Participants will explore resources developed by the Office of Public Instruction alongside primary source
documents and carefully selected literature. Most required materials will be provided in the course Moodle, though participants may need to seek additional resources at school or public libraries, book sellers, or online as part of the course requirements. Previous knowledge of IEFA and the Essential Understandings is helpful but not necessary for participants to successfully complete the course; prerequisite content will be provided for participant’s perusal.
This course is the equivalent to 30 classroom hours (30 OPI professional development units), which is the equivalent of 2 university credits. This is a self-paced course, but do not expect to complete it in one sitting! Course participants must be comfortable working independently and be self-motivated to complete all work within the flexible time frame. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU DON'T REGISTER FOR MORE THAN TWO COURSES AT ONE TIME.
Instructor:
Michele McGuire [email protected]
Registration fee: $289
Credit: 30 OPI Professional Development Units or 2 Semester Credits (semester credit is offered through the University of Montana and is an additional fee of $175; registration forms available in the course Moodle.)
Cost savings:
Two online U of M Undergraduate credits would cost you $683. Two online U of M Graduate credits would cost you $805. MTPLC's courses save you 32% and 42% respectively.
*MTPLC's courses can't be used towards a degree program. They CAN be used for salary schedules and license renewal.
THE COURSE PROCESS:
* Complete this form.
* Within a few days, you will receive an invoice via email.
* Pay the invoice/registration fee (online or by check) in order to begin.
* You will receive a username and password and steps to access the Moodle course.
* The instructor will send an introductory email and you may begin the class.
* If you are taking the course for OPI professional development units, MTPLC will send you them upon completion of the semester.
* If you are taking the course for University credits, you will receive instructions on how to register for and pay the continuing education credit fee after you begin the course.
* Registrants have one year from the term of registration to complete their course.
Ex: If you register in June 2026, you have until May 15, 2027 to complete the course.
Obtaining copies of the books: Check your school /district or local library. Amazon and other online booksellers often have used copies available. The instructor is available to assist with locating copies, if needed.
Register at https://forms.gle/BH4Qt5NmoidFcj5q9