Criminal background checks must be completed before the end of the summer phase of the course. It generally requires three days to two weeks to obtain the results of a fingerprint check. Candidates can not begin an internship without a “passed” background check.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to contact the appropriate agency or company and to pay all fees connected with this procedure.

If you already are, or will be sponsored by a school that is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, they should be able to send you to Accurate Biometrics at no charge to you. Please check with your sponsor at your school.

If you reside or are working in another state, please check with that state for details.

A candidate may not be placed in any school if the background check determines that he or she has been convicted of criminal behavior that, by law, automatically prohibits him or her from entering an internship and, therefore being ineligible for completing the requirements for AMS Montessori certification.

What type of Background Check do I need?

The background check to request is a National Fingerprint Based Background Check

Where to go for a Background Check

Illinois: Accurate Biometrics is a company that performs background checks for DCFS licensed schools. Contact them toll free at 866-361-9944. Email: info@accuratebiometrics.com.  Additionally, you may contact any company in Illinois that is approved by the state.  Here is a link to the Illinois information page.

Other nearby states:

Indiana: Here is a link to the Indiana information page.

Minnesota: Here is a link to the Minnesota information page.

Wisconsin: Here is a link to the Wisconsin information page.

 Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center accepts criminal background check reports from Accurate Biometrics and other accredited sources when supplied directly from that agency to MMTTC. If you are unsure whether an agency report is acceptable, please contact MMTTC.

1. Submit a short essay stating your reasons for taking the Montessori training, what previous Montessori experience or training you may have had, and your experience in working with young children.
2. Submit an official transcript from your college or university. If your degree is from a foreign university, you must have your credits evaluated. Please visit the following website for a list of AMS approved organizations that evaluated transcripts: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®)
3. Submit three letters of recommendation, two professional and one personal letter.
4. Submit a current resume.
5. Submit the registration fee. You will not be registered without submitting this fee.
6. All students enrolled in the Montessori program working toward certification as a Montessori Director/ress in Early Childhood and Elementary I/II must attend all summer classes and required Institutes scheduled during the cycle. All lectures, lecture demonstrations and all lab sessions are considered part of the AMS course hour requirements for certification. Attendance is mandatory. Any absences or missed class time must be made up before student will be recommended for certification.
7. Email accessability is expected for all MMTTC students.

MMTTC is a NOT-FOR-PROFIT educational institution.

MMTTC adheres to a policy of truth in advertising and at no time does MMTTC or its staff knowingly disseminate false advertising.

MMTTC accepts students of any race, sex, color, national, ethnic and religious origin and guarantees all rights, privileges, and activities generally accorded or made available to its students.

MMTTC guarantees the confidentiality and access of student records in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

MMTTC may not be able to accommodate late registrants due to its limitation in enrollment capacity.

MMTTC does not guarantee employment, salary and occupational advancement.

In the event of an emergency with respect to facility, instructors, etc., MMTTC will do all it can to resolve the problem, however, MMTTC reserves the right to postpone a class or classes until a later time to ensure proper quality and thoroughness. MMTTC will guarantee no increase in tuition cost, but will not be responsible for any additionally incurred transportation or housing costs.

Attention Foreign Students

MMTTC will continue to aid foreign students in securing student visas (F-1), however, due to recent revisions of immigration laws, we find that securing an F-1 visa has become more difficult. We suggest that you allow ample time for the application to be processed.

Please Note Attendance Policy

All students enrolled in the Montessori program working toward certification as a Montessori Director/ress in Early Childhood, Elementary I and Elementary II must attend all summer classes and institutes scheduled during the year. All lectures, lecture demonstrations and all lab sessions are considered part of the AMS course hour requirements for certification. Attendance is mandatory. A student will be excused only in case of illness, death or birth in the immediate family. Any absences or missed class time must be made up before a student will be recommended for certification. I have received and read the MMTTC disclaimer and policies explaining the requirements, costs, times, dates and the attendance policy of the teacher training program.