What are the prerequisites for the Infant-Toddler and Early Childhood American Montessori Society (AMS) credential

programs?

Adult learners must have already earned, at minimum, a high school diploma or its equivalent. Preference is given to those with a Bachelors degree, and the American Montessori Society advises that those without a Bachelors degree make plans for furthering their educational qualifications within a window of seven years. The applicant comes for an initial interview prior to acceptance in the program and must provide three written references, an original high school diploma or college transcripts; or, in the case of a degree earned outside of the United States, an official transcript evaluation report.
What are the prerequisites for the Elementary AMS credential programs?

The candidate for a full credential (either for Elementary I or Elementary I-II) must hold as a minimum: A Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university (or its equivalent from a university outside of the United States), as verified by an official transcript analysis report. An Elementary I or Elementary I-II credential may be awarded to adult learners who hold a Bachelors degree or higher from a non-U.S. college/university, and whose degree does not equate to a Bachelors degree from a regional accredited U.S. college/university. The degree and country in which the degree was awarded are then indicated on the credential. A Montessori Early Childhood credential issued by an AMS or other MACTE accredited course. Or alternatively, successful completion of a prerequisite Overview Course offered twice each year at Seton.

How long does it take to complete the AMS credential programs?

Adult learners in the Infant-Toddler and Early Childhood courses are given up to three years to meet all requirements. A program that includes the complete cycle of course components for either of these course levels can be completed within approximately a twelve month period of time. Adult learners needing to extend their coursework for a fourth year are assessed a late completion fee. The full Elementary I-II course requires a minimum of eighteen months to complete, but actual completion times may vary depending on the personal program and practicum design of the individual adult learner. A four-year window of time is allowed for completion of the Elementary I-II course. Adult learners who elect to work for only the Elementary I credential are able to complete course requirements in the Fall following their second summer of academics. Candidates for the Elementary I credential are allowed a three-year window of time for course completion.
My degree and/or experience is not in education. May I still apply?

Yes. Everything you need to begin as a Montessori educator will be given to you as part of the program.
What is the difference between the Infant-Toddler and Early Childhood spring and summer teacher certification programs?

The adult learner receives the same scope and breadth of course material and attends the same clock hours of coursework whether they participate in the spring or the summer cohorts for their respective course level. By starting in spring, the registrant opts for a Beginning Academics
5728 Virginia Avenue Clarendon Hills, Illinois 60514 Tel. 630-654-0151 / Fax 630-654-0182 www.SetonMontessori.org

schedule that spreads seminar days over a longer span of time, starting with an initial series of spring weekends, and continuing with summer academics that take place on consecutive weekdays. The summer registrant, by contrast, condenses the same course content into one continuous session of consecutive weekday seminars, approximately six weeks in length. With either choice, the seminar days are full, eight-hour days, and both cohorts follow the same scheduling approach for their advanced academics.
Id like to take your course but it may not fit my budget. What can I do?

There are a variety of ways you can seek help with your tuition. In addition to the American Montessori Society and Elgin Community College scholarships, many schools will sponsor students for our program. This can be done in the form of a loan or scholarship. In exchange for this assistance, schools normally ask a student to sign an agreement to work for the school for a specific period following certification.
Is there financial aid or scholarships available from Seton Montessori Institute?

Each year Seton Montessori Institute awards a very limited number of partial scholarships to applicants who wish to complete their student teaching experience in one of our Lab schools. Seton Montessori School and Montessori Childrens House of North Barrington are Lab schools of Seton Montessori Institute.
What are some of the advantages to choosing Seton Montessori Institute instead of another teacher preparation course?

As one of the oldest AMS courses in North America, we have had extensive experience with preparing Montessori educators for a wide variety of settings in public and private education. From the outset, our faculty has been international in its outlook, faithful to Maria Montessoris insights, and committed to keeping up-to-date with the latest research. Each member of our highly qualified faculty team presents in the areas of their strongest skill and experience, the topics about which they are most passionate. Our program offers two lab schools that provide adult learners with resources for learning and observation. In addition, we offer flexibility of scheduling and a staff thats ready to assist in any area. We serve students across the U. S. and abroad, visiting them at their practicum sites throughout their enrollment in the program.
Do you offer student visas for foreign students?

We can help foreign students to apply for student (F1) visas, provided they meet federal eligibility requirements. Although we cannot guarantee they will be approved, we have been very successful in the past.
If I miss the application deadline can I still apply?

Yes. However, a $200 late application fee will apply. It is to the students benefit to apply early to the program in order to begin their preparation to be a student as well as complete beginning reading assignments and independent study work. These assignments are designed to provide the student with a framework before jumping into academics.

5728 Virginia Avenue Clarendon Hills, Illinois 60514

Tel. 630-654-0151 / Fax 630-654-0182 www.SetonMontessori.org