The associate teacher program combines a nine-month apprenticeship with a full year of graduate study. The academic portion of the program typically spans 15 months, beginning the summer before associates begin their classroom placements. The early childhood program requires 39 credits of coursework; the elementary program requires 36 credits. All students complete 18 credits of their work on campus at Lesley. The rest of their courses are taught at Belmont Day School. Coursework includes classes in all academic subjects, as well as developmental psychology, special needs, multicultural education, and foundations and theories of teaching.