Primary (3-6 years) Diploma Program

The AMI Montessori Diploma Course for Children’s House (3–6) at MTCNE is an in-depth and internationally recognized training program that prepares adults to guide young children during one of the most formative periods of their development. Rooted in the pedagogy of Dr. Maria Montessori and accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), this course equips educators to support the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of children ages 3 to 6.

What You’ll Learn: A Transformational Learning Experience

This comprehensive program offers a deep exploration of Montessori theory and practice through a dynamic blend of lectures, hands-on work with materials, classroom observations, and supervised teaching practice. Students engage in rigorous academic study alongside immersive, practical experiences, gaining the knowledge and skills to foster independence, concentration, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning in the child.

Course Highlights

400+ hours of classroom instruction
140+ hours of supervised practice with Montessori materials
170+ hours of classroom observation and practicum experiences
In-depth study of Montessori theory, child development, and educational philosophy
Intensive engagement with materials in Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, and Mathematics
Integration of cultural subjects, including geography, science, music, and art
Robust academic preparation through extensive reading, discussion, and written coursework

Program Content

Core components of the course include:

Montessori philosophy and the psychology of the 3–6-year-old child
Exercises of Practical Life to promote independence, responsibility, and social development
Sensorial education to refine perception and support cognitive growth
Spoken and written language development, including literacy, grammar, and reading analysis
Formation of the mathematical mind, covering number, geometry, and operations
Observation techniques to guide the child effectively and support individualized learning
Classroom leadership, parent collaboration, and foundational principles of school operations
View the AMI Montessori Diploma Children’s House (3-6) Course Brochure to learn more about the curriculum

Steps to AMI Certification

To be eligible to sit for the written and oral examinations, which are required for certification, students must successfully complete all components of the training program as established by the Training Center. These requirements include:

Maintaining a minimum of 90% attendance in all theory lectures, material demonstrations, discussions, reviews, and assigned reading seminars.
Attending 100% of supervised practice sessions, with a minimum of 140 hours completed.

To receive the AMI Diploma, students must:

Achieve a passing mark on Written Papers A & B and the oral examinations.
Complete, compile, and submit original and acceptable albums in all required subject areas.
Fulfill all course requirements, including preparation of materials, completion of assigned observations and observation reports, and participation in teaching practice as scheduled.

Why Train at MTCNE

As the only AMI-affiliated training center in the Northeastern United States, MTCNE is dedicated to preparing high-quality Montessori practitioners through rigorous and authentic training grounded in Dr. Maria Montessori’s original principles.

We have a longstanding commitment to supporting Montessori for all families and at every stage of development, ensuring our graduates are equipped to serve diverse communities with skill, integrity, and compassion.

Through our pedagogical partnership with the University of Hartford, students benefit from the rigor of an established academic institution while engaging in immersive, practice-based Montessori training. This collaboration strengthens both the scholarly foundation and professional pathways available to our students.

Graduates of the Primary program join a global network of educators dedicated to excellence and to advancing peace through education by centering the rights of the child.

Who Should Apply

This course is ideal for aspiring Montessori educators, early childhood professionals, classroom assistants interested professional growth, and caregivers who are committed to supporting children ages 3–6 during this formative stage of development. It is also well-suited for individuals passionate about fostering independence, empathy, and a love of learning in young children. Applicants should be prepared for, and committed to, an in-depth course of study at the post-secondary level—requiring sustained engagement, academic rigor, and personal dedication.