Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Course

Overview

Seton Montessori Institute’s Early Childhood Course prepares self-aware adults for work with children from two-and-a-half through six years of age. Seton’s programs are faithful to Montessori’s global vision and design while cultivating a spirit of scientific inquiry. Our mission is the formation of Montessori educators who will inspire and guide children in their total development as citizens of tomorrow’s world.

Application and Interview process

Submit an application. This includes:

  • Completed Application for Admission form

  • $100 non-refundable application fee

  • Official transcript (or evaluation report for foreign educational credential) in the sealed issuing envelope

  • Three reference forms or letters of recommendation (can be emailed to Institute@SetonMontessori.org)

After the complete application and materials are reviewed, institute faculty will contact the applicant to schedule an interview. Non-native English speakers must have a solid command of the English language (the equivalent of a TOEFL score of 72 or higher).

Educational Qualifications

Those applying for a full credential must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Candidates who do not yet hold a Bachelor’s degree can apply for the Associate level credential but should check with their local state officials and practicum site administration to verify requirements for lead teachers. For complete information on qualifications and credentials, see the current student catalog.

Application Deadlines

Based on Montessori Philosophy and Practices Online Class selection:

Spring Option: March 1; Summer Option: May 1; Fall Option: September 1

Note: A $200 late enrollment fee applies to all applications processed after the published deadline.

International Students: Seton Montessori Institute processes student (F-1) visas through the United States Customs and Immigration Services system for international applicants who have already been accepted into one of our courses.

For non-US citizens, we typically begin the visa application process 3-6 months before the visa start date. 

Academics

Phase One: Orientation and Independent Study Class

Enrolled students complete this asynchronous online class prior to the Montessori Philosophy and Practices online class begins. This 20-30 hour self-directed class includes two classroom observations. Full completion is required to move forward in the course.

Phase Two: Montessori Philosophy and Practices Online Class

This live online class must be completed before participating in Summer In-Residence Academics.
Candidates choose from the below options:

  • Spring 2025 Option: April 5, 2025 – June 4, 2025 [REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED]

Saturday 8:30 – 10:30 am CT & Wednesday 6:30 – 8:30 pm CT

  • Summer 2025 Option: June 9 – 19, 2025

Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CT (ends on a Thursday)

  • Fall 2025 Option: October 18, 2025 – March 14, 2026

Saturday 8:30 – 10:30 am CT

Phase Three: Summer In-Residence Academics

In-Residence Academics will begin the summer after completing the Montessori Philosophy and Practices Online Class.

  • Summer 2025: July 6* – July 25, 2025 @ Benedictine University in Lisle, IL

  • Summer 2026: July 2026 (exact dates TBD) @ Benedictine University in Lisle, IL

Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CT (*Sunday, half day)

Phase Four: Continued Academic Seminars

For students who attended 2025 Summer In-Residence Academics:

Online: October 10 – 13, 2025

In-Residence: November 6 – 11, 2025 @ Seton’s Lab School in Clarendon Hills, IL

In-Residence: March 21 – 25, 2026** @ Seton’s Lab School in Clarendon Hills, IL (**March dates subject to change)

For students who attended 2026 Summer In-Residence Academics:

Online: October 2026 (exact dates TBD)

In-Residence: November 2026 (exact dates TBD) @ Seton’s Lab School in Clarendon Hills, IL

In-Residence: March/April 2027 (exact dates TBD) @ Seton’s Lab School in Clarendon Hills, IL

Phase Five: Additional Online Coursework

Program Leadership & Practicum Seminar

Meets every other Thursday 6:30 – 8:30 pm CT from September through May

Practicum

A standard student teaching practicum consists of a minimum of nine consecutive months and 540 classroom hours working under a qualified supervising teacher at a Montessori school selected by the student-teacher and approved by the Practicum Coordinator. The environment needs to provide a full complement of appropriate Montessori materials and serve the age range of the certification. Practicum may not precede the completion of required academics.

A self-directed practicum is sometimes arranged when a qualified supervising teacher is unavailable. Approval is based on a review of the needs of the situation, giving consideration to the candidate’s prior qualifications, a written request from the head of school, and the design of an alternate program of support for the candidate. Self-directed practicum approval is limited and requires a ten-session coaching component. Coaching components are charged separately. 

International Students: International applicants requiring a student visa can be authorized to complete a practicum, provided they plan to relocate to the Chicago area (within 150 miles of our home campus in Clarendon Hills) upon acceptance. While you do not need to reside in this region when applying, you must complete your practicum using Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization at a school within that radius. We’re happy to assist with connecting you to schools in the area and anticipate having several intern positions available at our Lab School campuses for those interested.

Tuition Information

Tuition: $7,900 + fees

  • MACTE fee: $220*

  • AMS Adult Learner fee: $270*

  • Self-directed practicum coaching fee: $1,000 (when applicable)

MACTE and AMS Adult Learner Fees are set by each organization and are subject to change.

Payment Schedule:

Application Fee - $100 (due with application submission)

Initial Payment - $2,990 (due at enrollment)

Balance of Tuition (choose one)

Plan One:

One payment of $5,400 due prior to academics

(March 28, 2025, for spring start or June 2, 2025, for summer start)

Plan Two:

Three installments of $1,800 due:

  • March 28, 2025, for spring start; June 2, 2025, for summer start

  • July 1, 2025

  • October 1, 2025

International Students: Upon acceptance into the program, international students must pay 50% of the tuition before we can apply for a student (F-1) visa.

Refund Policy:

The $100 application fee is non-refundable. Written notification of withdrawal must be submitted to receive a refund of prepaid tuition. See the full refund policy in the Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Course Catalog.

Additional Financial Notes:

  • Tuition payments received more than five business days after the payment due date will result in a $25 late payment fee. Checks returned for any reason will result in a $25 returned check fee.

  • Practicum visits to sites in the continental United States over 150 miles from Seton Montessori Institute require a travel expense fee of $300 per visit per student. This is non-refundable and due prior to the visit.

  • Checks or money orders are accepted for all payments. Cash and credit cards are not accepted.

Accreditation and Affiliation

Seton Montessori Institute is affiliated with American Montessori Society (AMS), accredited by Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), which is recognized by the US Department of Education, and approved to operate by the Private Business and Vocational Schools Division of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE).

(2025 cohort course requirements must be completed by August 31, 2027)