Infant and Toddler 2025 Teacher Preparation Course
Overview
Seton Montessori Institute’s Infant and Toddler Course prepares self-aware adults for work with children from before birth through three 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
Spring Option: March 1, 2025; Summer Option: May 1, 2025
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
Orientation and Independent Study Class:
Asynchronous online class completed before the Montessori Philosophy and Practices online class begins.
Montessori Philosophy and Practices Online Class:
Candidates choose from spring or summer options:
Spring 2025 Option: April 5, 2025 – June 4, 2025
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)
Summer On Campus Academics: July 6* – July 25, 2025
@ Benedictine University in Lisle, IL
Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CT (*Sunday, half day)
Continued Academic Seminars:
On campus: October 10 – 13, 2025
@ Seton’s Lab School in Clarendon Hills, IL
Online: November 8 – 9, 2025
On campus: March 28 – 31, 2026**
@ Seton’s Lab School in Clarendon Hills, IL (**March dates subject to change)
Additional Online Coursework:
Program Leadership & Practicum Meeting
Group 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.
2025 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 1:
One payment of $5,400 due prior to academics
(March 28, 2025, for spring start or June 2, 2025, for summer start)
Plan 2:
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 Infant and Toddler 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)