Admission for EC Candidates - Associate Credential

The American Montessori Society grants the AMS Associate Early Childhood Credential when the course graduate has a high school diploma or GED, but not a Bachelor's degree.

Country, state and local employment requirements vary widely and change periodically. In addition, employment requirements vary in different types of schools (e.g. private, public / charter, faith based, publicly funded). In some locations or schools, an Associate Credential may not qualify for full teaching responsibility.

Even if it is currently possible to qualify for a full teaching responsibility without a Bachelor's degree, employment regulations may change in the future. The applicant is responsible for checking specific jurisdictions and schools for particular employment requirements.

Applicants for this AMS Early Childhood course who do not have a U.S. Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college/university or its equivalent are required to sign a statement (provided during interview process) verifying that they have received the above information before they are considered for acceptance into this course.

Candidates for an AMS Associate Early Childhood credential must complete all requirements for the course in which they are enrolled. Upon completion, they should represent themselves only as holding an AMS Associate Early Childhood credential.

The American Montessori Society strongly encourages holders of the Associate Credential to obtain a Bachelor's degree within 7 years of credentialing.

AMS hopes you consider your credential as the beginning of your journey of lifelong learning.