Conflict to Collaboration
Developing Supportive and Mutually Respectful Relationships with Montessori Parents
Class Begins September 8
Early Registration Ends August 21
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Live Online
8
Sessions
16
Course Hours
âś“
Certificate of Completion
COURSE OVERVIEW
Building Trust with Parents
One of the most frequent comments from participants in the PDMC Practitioner's Pathway is, "This work isn't just about managing children's behavior—it's about relationships."
That idea is at the heart of this course. Conflict to Collaboration is designed to help Montessori educators and school leaders use the familiar principles of PDMC to build strong, collaborative partnerships with parents while maintaining professional boundaries and reducing stress.
Children thrive when teachers, school leaders, and parents work together with clarity, consistency, and mutual respect.
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Many teachers experience stress from parent-related challenges: demands that feel unrealistic, disrespectful or emotionally charged communication, the time required to maintain frequent updates, and a lack of trust in their professional judgment. These challenges can drain energy, undermine confidence, and interfere with our first duty to serve the child. This course helps address these stressors directly by providing practical tools for developing collaborative and supportive relationships, setting kind but firm limits, maintaining professional boundaries, and fostering parent partnerships built on trust and respect.
Most parent–school conflicts can be prevented—or turned into opportunities—through intentional communication, proactive communication, and confident, respectful limit-setting. Â
REGISTER BY AUGUST 21 – $375COURSE OUTCOMES
- âś“ Recognize the purpose behind children's behavior and respond with greater clarity and confidence.
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Address difficult or emotionally charged interactions calmly, preventing escalation and reducing anxiety for teachers. - âś“
Set kind and firm limits with parents that protect teacher time, reduce stress, and build trust. - âś“
Communicate concerns about children effectively while maintaining parent support and professional credibility. - âś“
Avoid common communication mistakes that can unintentionally erode trust or inflame tension. - âś“
Turn challenging situations into opportunities to strengthen parent relationships and collaboration. - âś“
Conduct productive parent meetings confidently, ensuring clarity, trust, and shared understanding. - âś“ Develop school-wide strategies that create consistent practices, improve parent partnerships, and reduce teacher stress.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This course is ideal for:
- âś“Montessori Guides
- âś“Montessori Assistants
- âś“Specialists
- âś“Heads of School
- âś“School Leadership Teams
- âś“Educational Coordinators
- âś“Instructional Coaches
- âś“Interventionists
- Whether you are new to parent communication challenges or seeking more effective approaches, this course provides practical tools that can be implemented immediately.
Training Schedule and Pricing
| Session | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | September 8 | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Session 2 | September 15 | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Session 3 | September 17 | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Session 4 | September 22 | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Session 5 | Asynchronous | Complete at Your Convenience |
| Session 6 | September 29 | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Session 7 | October 6 | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Session 8 | October 13 | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Early Registration
$375
Until August 21
Regular Registration
$425
After August 21
SPECIAL PRICING
Group Discounts
Bring your team and save! Schools registering multiple participants are eligible for discounted pricing.
| Participants | Discount |
|---|---|
| 3–5 | 10% Off |
| 6–10 | 15% Off |
| 11–20 | 20% Off |
| 21+ | 25% Off |
Planning to Register a Large Team?
For groups of 21 or more participants, please contact us to discuss customized pricing and private cohort options.
TESTIMONIALS
What Educators Are Saying
Hear how practitioners are transforming their parent relationships through the PDMC Conflict to Collaboration course!
Polly Christensen
Head of School, St. Francis Montessori School
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"The overall approach in Positive Discipline and Conflict to Collaboration is beautifully human. Anxiety, tension, and fear are replaced by forethought, understanding, and wisdom, as well as compassion. Learning this approach helps adults reach their highest potential by focusing on the other person as a highly respected individual.
I am truly grateful for the practical experience and tools that bring beautiful communication among children and adults."
Lizabeth King, Elementary Guide, School in the Hills
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"The information from this course was immediately useful. After meeting individually with families and redesigning my Back-to-School event, 19 of our 22 families participated—compared to just five parents the previous year. Thank you!"
FACILITATED BY
Chip DeLorenzo
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For more than 30 years, Chip DeLorenzo has worked as a Montessori educator, helping students, teachers, school leaders, and parents build respectful, cooperative, and thriving communities. As co-author of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom with Jane Nelsen, Chip is recognized internationally for integrating Positive Discipline principles with authentic Montessori practice.
Chip has presented workshops, conferences, and PDMC training programs for thousands of Montessori educators around the world. His practical, experience-based approach provides teachers with strategies they can apply immediately while remaining faithful to Dr. Montessori's vision of child development.
Chip served for more than 20 years as a Montessori teacher and Head of School at Damariscotta Montessori School. He has also worked extensively with Montessori adolescents, giving him a broad perspective across every stage of a child's educational journey.
Whether educators are new to Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom or looking to deepen their practice, Chip's thoughtful, practical approach helps schools foster classrooms built on mutual respect, responsibility, and joyful learning.
Montessori educator since 1995
Co-author of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom
Former Montessori teacher (21 years) and Head of School (20 years)
International presenter and school consultant
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete the Practitioner's Class first?
Is this course appropriate for school leaders?
Can schools attend as a team?
What makes this course different from general communication training?
Ready to Strengthen Parent Partnerships?
Discover practical strategies that help educators navigate difficult conversations, establish healthy boundaries, and create positive relationships that support children and families.
