Discovering Montessori: An Overview of Montessori Education Online Paraprofessional Preparation Course

Overview

With options to attend online or in person, Discovering Montessori is a course offered by Seton Montessori Institute, which covers the basics of the Montessori approach and is designed to serve the needs of assistants in Montessori classrooms, office staff, board members, new administrators, or those considering opening a Montessori program. Additionally, it can be a great first step for those looking to take a deeper dive into Montessori education without pursuing full teacher certification. Seton’s Paraprofessional Courses have supported participants, increased their understanding of child development and the Montessori philosophy and practices, and strengthened their effectiveness in working with children.

Additional Information

• This course is offered four times a year, entirely online, and will meet via Zoom.

• Once a year, in August, Discovering Montessori + In-Residence is hosted at Seton’s lab school in Clarendon Hills, IL.

Topics of study include an orientation to basic Montessori principles, key concepts, and the implementation of the core ideas of the Montessori approach within a classroom setting.

Discovering Montessori Online: Participants in the online version can choose the focus of their coursework: Infant and Toddler (ages 0 – 3), Early Childhood (ages 2 1/2 – 6 years), or, offered in the fall, Elementary (6 - 12 years).

The course will include 12 hours of live online sessions plus 10 hours of asynchronous work hosted through our Learning Management System, Canvas.

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all students who fully attend the live sessions and complete all assignments. The Certificate of Completion is equivalent to 22 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) on the topic of Montessori education. This certificate is often recognized when working as an assistant in a Montessori classroom.

Students who attend the sessions but do not fully complete the course, including submitting all assignments, will receive a record of continuing professional development (CPD) equivalent to 12 hours on the topic of Montessori education.

Discovering Montessori + In-Residence: More information to come!

For those participants working in Illinois, Seton Montessori Institute is also recognized as a Gateways Registry Authorized Entity that delivers professional development to those serving young children. More information regarding Gateways to Opportunity Registry can be found here – http://ilgateways.com/.

Course Fee

$350 ($10 non-refundable registration fee included); w/ Administrator Add-On: $500

Title II funding is accepted. Email Registrar@SetonMontessori.org for more details.

Discounts

• 10% Discount for five or more registrants with code SETON5DM.

• A separate discount is available for previous attendees. Email Registrar@SetonMontessori.org regarding this discount.

• Buy now, save later! Purchase a five-registration bundle and get a 10% discount. The bundle can be used for registrations anytime within the next two years.

Course Focus Options:

Infant &Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary (fall online offering only), Administrator Add-On (in-residence only)

Discovering Montessori + In-Residence

August 3 - 6; Administrator Add-On: August 3 - 7

Registration deadline is Monday, July 1, 2026

Summer Online Cohort

I&T/EC: July 20 - August 5, 2026

Registration deadline is Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Fall Online Cohort

I&T/EC/EL: September 16 - October 21, 2026

Registration deadline is Monday, September 14, 2026

Spring Online Cohort: Registration Closed

I&T/EC/EL Focus: March 11 - April 15, 2026

Registration deadline is Monday, March 9, 2026