Montessori Orientations & Assistants Courses

AMI Montessori Orientation Course

AMI Montessori Orientation Courses provide a clear and accessible introduction to Montessori child and adolescent development and the core principles of Montessori education at specific age levels:

Birth–6 (0–6)
Childhood (6–12)
Adolescence (12–18)

Offered through the Montessori Training Center Northeast (MTCNE), AMI Orientation Courses are designed for Montessori educators seeking to deepen their understanding, educators new to Montessori, parents, caregivers, school staff, school leaders, and community members who want a strong foundation in Montessori developmental theory and practice—whether for home, school, or community settings.

Each course includes Montessori theory, practical application, required readings, guided discussion, and observation to deepen understanding of development and strengthen an adult’s ability to support children and adolescents with intention.

MTCNE endeavors to offer multiple AMI Orientation Courses throughout the year across all age groupings. Courses may be delivered in:

Face-to-face (in-person)
Blended formats (online + in-person)
Fully online formats

Why Take an AMI Montessori Orientation Course?

AMI Montessori Orientation Courses help participants:

Gain general knowledge of the Montessori approach to development and education
Understand the developmental needs and characteristics of a specific age level
Explore how adults can best support growth in any environment and identify and remove obstacles to optimal development
Strengthen understanding of the Montessori framework:
- 0–6: the Absorbent Mind and foundational formation of the personality
- 6–12: the reasoning mind, imagination, moral development, and social collaboration
- 12–18: the adolescent as a developing social being seeking identity, independence, contribution, and meaningful work
Understand the importance of scientific observation as the foundation for responsive support and effective educational practice

Interested in Upcoming Courses?

MTCNE posts Orientation & Assistant Adjunct Course dates and registration information as courses are scheduled.

If you would like to be notified when a course opens for enrollment, please contact us.

Course Structure by Age Level

Orientation: 0–6 and 6–12

These AMI Montessori Orientation Courses include:

60 instructional hours
9 additional hours of observation

Successful participation in all course requirements leads to the award of the internationally recognized AMI Orientation Course Certificate of Completion for the relevant age level.

This AMI Orientation Course offers an engaging introduction to the principles and practices of Montessori education for children from birth to six years of age. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of Dr. Maria Montessori’s approach, including key theoretical concepts and practical applications, with a focus on the developmental needs of infants and young children and the environments that best support them.

Ideal for those considering future AMI 0–3 or 3–6 Diploma Programs, this course provides a strong starting point for deeper Montessori study. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the AMI 0–6 Orientation Course Certificate. Students who complete the 0–6 Orientation Course at MTCNE are also eligible for a tuition discount toward a diploma program.

Certificate Requirements

90% attendance and course engagement
100% completion of observation hours
Submission of up to three reflection essays (minimum 500 words each)

Our Program Design

Our program is designed for active engagement. Using a flipped classroom model, you will review lectures and course materials during asynchronous learning time before class. This preparation allows you to arrive ready for lively discussions, collaborative activities, and hands-on experiences that deepen your understanding of Montessori principles.

Topics You Will Explore

Orientation Course Overview & Requirements
Biography and Life of Maria Montessori
Discover the story of Dr. Montessori’s life and the development of her educational approach.
Human Tendencies
Examine the universal traits that guide human growth and learning.
Observation
Learn observation skills as a cornerstone of Montessori practice.
The Four Planes of Development
Explore Montessori’s framework of human development from birth to adulthood.
The Absorbent Mind
Understand how young children effortlessly absorb knowledge from their environment.
Sensitive Periods
Study the windows of opportunity for learning, including the importance of order, movement, and independence.
The Prepared Environment
Consider the role of food, clothing, and toileting for children ages 0–3 and how the environment supports development.
The Prepared Adult
Reflect on the qualities and responsibilities of the Montessori educator.
Freedom and the Development of Self-Discipline
Investigate how independence and responsibility grow through freedom within limits.
Introduction to Language
Explore the foundations of language development in early childhood.
The Development of the Will
Learn how children build willpower through purposeful activity.
The Child’s Social Development
Consider how community, cooperation, and social responsibility emerge in childhood.

Orientation: Adolescence (12–18)

The AMI Montessori 12–18 Orientation provides foundational Montessori theory and methodology for working with adolescents.

This Orientation includes:

25 instructional hours
2 additional hours of observation

Lecture topics focus on the developmental needs of the adolescent and the components of an adolescent program, including:

The prepared environment
The role of the adult
The plan of work and study, including purposeful work, community life, and increasing independence

Successful participation in all Orientation Course requirements leads to the award of the internationally recognized AMI Adolescent (12–18) Orientation Course Certificate of Completion.

AMI Assistant Course Adjunct

The AMI Assistants Course Adjunct can be offered to supplement the AMI Orientation Course at the corresponding age level (0–6, 3–6, 6–12, or 12–18). It provides practical experience regarding the Role of an Adult as an Assistant in a Montessori Prepared Environment.

Receipt of the AMI Orientation Course Certificate of Completion at the relevant age level is required to participate in the AMI Assistants Course Adjunct at the corresponding age level.

Successful participation in all Assistants Course Adjunct requirements leads to award of the AMI Assistants Course Certificate of Completion for the relevant age grouping.

The AMI Assistants Adjunct is a 20-hour course and can only be facilitated onsite, face-to-face.

Course Objectives

Participants will:

Explore the Role of the Assistant in a Montessori Prepared Environment for ages 0–6, 3–6, 6–12, or 12–18, under the direction of an individual holding the corresponding AMI Diploma
Develop skills to create a successful partnership with the lead adult in the Montessori Prepared Environment
Explore ways to develop relationships of mutual respect and trust with children or adolescents in the Montessori community
Understand the pedagogical techniques employed in the Montessori Prepared Environment at the relevant age level

Flexible Montessori Orientation and Assistant Course Options

The AMI Orientation Course and AMI Assistants Course Adjunct may be taken individually or as a fully integrated program. MTCNE offers both options at the 0–3, 3–6, 0–6, 6–12, and 12–18 levels to support the diverse needs of individuals and school communities.

Orientation Courses may be delivered in-person, online, or in a blended format, depending on the age level and community needs.
The Assistants Course Adjunct (20 hours) is delivered onsite, face-to-face, in accordance with AMI requirements.

Translation options are available to support multilingual communities.

MTCNE also partners with schools and organizations to provide customized Orientation Courses and Assistants Course Adjuncts designed to meet the specific needs, schedules, and developmental focus of your community.