Applying for your Montessori Early Childhood credential is a huge step towards a uniquely rewarding career: one that is personally fulfilling, in demand, and offers plenty of opportunities for personal growth and professional advancement. Review the prerequisites for admission and enrollment to Eagle Montessori Teaching Academy (EMTA) below. Should you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us.

A high school diploma or its equivalent is required, and post-secondary college experience is preferred.  We strongly encourage applicants to spend time observing in a Montessori Early Childhood classroom or to research the Montessori method of education prior to enrolling in the program to develop an understanding of the purpose and goals of Montessori education in Early Childhood. 

Applicants who would like to enroll in the EMTA Early Childhood program must have access to the following materials and have basic computer programs and skills to be admitted into the program:

The following list of documents must be submitted to EMTA:

• Completed application form and $250 non-refundable application fee payable to EMTA
• Current resume
• Personal statement that answers the following questions:
  1. What knowledge do you have about the Montessori approach in educating children?
  2. Why are you seeking to obtain a Montessori Early Childhood Credential?
  3. What personal qualities or talents would you bring to the classroom?
  4. If you are accepted into the program, how will you plan to manage these additional studies to find a healthy balance with other life commitments you may have (family, college, work)?

• Transcripts from your highest degree earned.  This could be a high school, associate degree, undergraduate, or graduate transcript
• Three professional letters of recommendation
• Pre-admissions background check

We invite candidates to apply for admission as soon as the EMTA website is updated for the coming course year.  Applications will be accepted up to 30 days prior to the start of the program.  Applications and deadlines for AMS scholarships can be found on the AMS website.

Upon receipt of the completed application packet, the program director will review the contents and contact the candidate directly to schedule a personal interview.  Out-of-state candidates may request a telephone or Zoom interview.  The following information will be discussed during the interview:

• Admission requirements
• Credential eligibility (Full credential or Associate)
• Program requirements, policies, rules, and regulations
• Alignment of applicant goals and the goals of the EMTA program
• EMTA requirements for obtaining a credential and the financial and personal commitment required for successful completion of the program
• Arrangements for the Practicum school site and supervising teacher (student teaching)

The program director will make the final decision on admission to the EMTA program.  Accepted candidates will receive an enrollment packet that includes an acceptance letter and Student Handbook.  Enrollment is complete when the candidate submits their completed enrollment agreement, including the registration deposit of $500.  The completed enrollment agreement also verifies that the candidate has been provided the Student Handbook and understands the requirements of the program and the credential they will earn.

Prospective candidates applying for the American Montessori Society credential who have a BA/BS degree from foreign colleges or universities that are not accredited within the U.S., must submit an independent evaluation of their diploma to establish if it is equivalent to a degree earned in the U.S.  Candidates may request an independent evaluation of their diploma from the admissions office of an accredited U.S. college or university or from World Education Services at www.wes.org.  The candidate must submit two official copies of the official evaluation to EMTA.