1605.1 Certification Pre-K-3rd is applicable to Montessori Primary Education; however, there are a number of specific standards for this field that differentiate it from the early childhood certification. The certification program for teachers of Montessori preschool shall include the following:

1. (a) Three hundred (300) hours in Montessori theory and practices; practical, life, sensorial, language and language extensions, mathematics, geography, history, biology, art, handicrafts and music;
2. (b) One hundred (100) hours of supervised practice with the materials is also required;
3. (c) One hundred twenty (120) hours of practice teaching in two (2) different Association Montessori Internationale classroom sites; and
4. (d) An Association Montessori Internationale approved primary diploma.

1605.2 Certification in Grades 1- 6 is applicable to Montessori Elementary Education; however, there are a number of specific standards for this field that differentiate it from the early childhood and elementary licenses. The licensure program for teachers of Montessori Elementary classes shall include the following:

1. (a) Three hundred (300) hours in Montessori theory and practices: language, mathematics, geometry, history, geography, biology, art, and music;
2. (b) One hundred forty (140) hours of supervised practice with the materials is also required;
3. (c) One hundred twenty (120) hours of practice teaching in two (2) different Association Montessori Internationale classroom sites; and
4. (d) An Association Montessori Internationale approved elementary diploma.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 28 DCR 3201 (July 17, 1981); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 33 DCR 6542 (October 24, 1986); by Final Rulemaking published at 40 DCR 6893, 6898 (October 1, 1993); and by 45 DCR 2328 (April 17, 1998).