Montessori training varies drastically by program. Usually, the program will involve some combination of lectures or seminars and in-class training. Whether this is student teaching or simply course observation will vary by program. Montessori trainees are taught about the Montessori philosophy, the different materials that they will use in the classroom and various strategies for teaching the age group they have chosen as their specialty.
The biggest factor in the cost and length of a Montessori training program is the in-class training period. Programs that offer more hands-on training tend to be more expensive, with tuition usually over $5,000; however, the more classroom experience a trainee has, the more likely she is to find work afterward. Similarly, these programs last much longer than courses without classroom training. The former can take up to two years to complete, while courses without classroom training can be completed in as little as a few months if a student elects to do a distance learning program or a program where he can study at his own pace.
The University of California-Irvine (UC-Irvine) offers Montessori training and preparation that earns college credits. This program is licensed by the State of California Community Care Licensing and is recognized by several international Montessori associations. The amount of college credit varies by the number of courses a student takes, but is usually around nine credits per quarter, with only 4.5 during the winter quarter. The amount of transfer credit accepted by a separate institution will depend on that institution’s policies.
The Montessori Teacher Preparation Program for Early Childhood (ages 2-1/2 to 6) is in Castro Valley, California, and is offered in conjunction with California State University. Successful students can get up to 12 hours of academic credit for their Montessori training, which can be applied in the Human Development Department towards a bachelor's degree. Similarly, master’s degree programs may accept credits from accredited Montessori training institutions that are affiliated with the American Montessori Society, as the Montessori training program at Five Canyons is.
Similarly, the Maitland Montessori training program in Florida offers up to 24 hours of undergraduate college credit in Early Childhood education. These credits are recognized by the American Council of Education.
Many other programs offer the possibility of college credit for Montessori training. Even if they do not publicize this information on their websites or in brochures, always ask when considering enrolling in a program; most of the time, reputable training establishments offer students some possibility of receiving academic credit for their work.