AMI Orientation Courses

Are you curious about AMI Montessori education, or looking to step into the classroom as an assistant? Our AMI Orientation Courses are the perfect place to start! These courses are offered throughout the year and are tailored to three specific age levels: 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12. Led by AMI Trainers who specialize in each developmental stage, AMI Orientation Courses dive into Montessori theory, practical tools, and child development at each age level. They're ideal for classroom assistants, school staff, caregivers, or anyone eager to understand how children grow, learn, and thrive in a Montessori environment.

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  • HOW TO REGISTER

    1. Click the REGISTER button.

    2. Complete the Event Registration Form.

    3. Click Continue at the bottom of the form.

    4. Enter any discount codes when checking out.

    5. Complete your purchase.

    ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION NOTES

    • Registration is done on an individual basis, one event at a time.

    • Unless otherwise noted, registration is open until 9am on the day of the event.

    • You will receive a confirmation email once your registration form and payment have been processed.

    • All events are virtual unless noted. You will receive all event information in the confirmation email.

  • WORKSHOP POLICIES

    • All participants should review our Continuing Education Policies.

    • AMI Orientation Courses are not recorded.

    • To receive a refund you must cancel your registration 48 hours prior to the start of the event. Refunds are not provided when cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the event start. Please consider sending a friend in your place.

    • Email ce@montessori-nw.org to cancel or request a change in registration. For changes, please provide the name and email address of the person attending in your place.

    AMI Orientation Course Certificates

    • Learners must meet AMI’s 90% minimum attendance policy.

    • AMI Orientation Course certificates are emailed directly to learners from AMI, typically within 7 business days of course completion.

    • Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO (Set I).

    • Attendees from Washington are eligible for STARS credit.

AMI 0-3 ORIENTATION COURSE‍ ‍| starts September 28, 2026
AMI 3-6 ORIENTATION COURSE‍ ‍| starts October 1, 2026
AMI 6-12ORIENTATION COURSE‍ ‍| starts March 2, 2027
AMI 0-3 ORIENTATION COURSE‍ ‍| starts March 8, 2027

VIEW WORKSHOPS & EVENTS PAGE

September 28 - November 4, 2026 | Mondays & Wednesdays | 4:00 - 7:00 pm PT |‍ ‍Elise Arevalo‍ ‍| Online | $950
Registration closes September 24, 2026

AMI 0-3 ORIENTATION COURSE

This AMI Orientation Course is designed to support adults by providing an orientation to the Montessori approach for 0-3 year olds. This course is ideal for 0-3 Montessori classroom assistants, or any other adult who is interested in gaining more knowledge about Montessori. The course will cover an introduction to the theoretical foundations of Montessori education and practical tips to bring the theory into practice.

During the online synchronous sessions, there will be a combination of video, lecture, discussion, and small group work to explore the history of Montessori education, the developmental characteristics of the child from 0-3, prepared environments, the role of the adults, supporting independence, communication, aids for emotional and social development and observation as the main tool to support the optimal development in children. The course will also help participants to understand the importance of creating environments where the uniqueness of each child is appreciated and diversity in all of its forms is embraced.

This 60-hour course consists of a combination of online instructor-led sessions and independent student learning, as well as 9 hours of observation. These activities and assignments will deepen and extend participants’ engagement with the content, and further develop particular skills related to the work of the assistant, such as observation and material making. Distance learning activities will consist of online reading discussions and assignments, writing personal reflections, video assignments, material making, and submission of three essays on topics to be determined by the Trainer.

Additionally, time will be spent on gaining practical skills, such as:

  • How to create opportunities for language in daily interactions

  • Developing skills for observation

  • Building healthy relationships with children

  • Tips for transition times

  • Practical ideas to help children acquire toilet independence

  • How to create an environment with freedom within limits, and much more!

Register - $950

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2610

This AMI Orientation Course is designed to support adults by providing an orientation to the Montessori approach for 3-6 year olds. This course is ideal for 3-6 Montessori classroom assistants, or any other adult who is interested in gaining more knowledge about Montessori. The course will cover an introduction to the theoretical foundations of Montessori education and practical tips to bring the theory into practice.

This 60-hour course includes online instructor lead sessions with independent student work between class meetings, and 9 hours of observation. Each cohort will be offered an overview of Montessori developmental theory including: the history and framework of Montessori education, goals of anti-bias education, young children's cognitive, physical, and language development, preparation of the adult, prepared environments for learning, the importance of observation, supporting independence, and the development of self-discipline and the will. The online class sessions will be a combination of lecture/discussion, small group work, videos. The additional independent work will consist of readings, reflections, classroom observations, videos, and online discussions. ln addition, participants will learn and practice spoken language activities and songs to enjoy with 3 -6 year olds. The depth of information will provide participants with a clear overview of Montessori’s revolutionary concept of education.

October 1 - November 12, 2026 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 3:30 - 6:30 pm PT |‍ ‍Jess Fraley‍ ‍| Online | $950
Registration closes September 29, 2026

AMI 3-6 ORIENTATION COURSE

Register - $950

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2611

March 2 - April 6, 2027 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 4:00-7:00 pm PT |‍ ‍Ellen Lebitz‍ ‍| Online | $950
Registration closes February 26, 2027

AMI 6-12 ORIENTATION COURSE

This AMI Orientation Course is designed to support adults by providing an orientation to the Montessori approach for 6-12 year olds. This course is ideal for 6-12 Montessori classroom assistants, or any other adult who is interested in gaining more knowledge about Montessori. The course will cover an introduction to the theoretical foundations of Montessori education and practical tips to bring the theory into practice.

This 60-hour course consists of a combination of online instructor-led sessions and independent student learning, as well as 9 hours of observation. This course offers an overview of Montessori developmental theory. Topics specific to the 6-12 course include details of the characteristics of elementary-aged children, collaborating with the children in their work, how to observe and how to use observation to support children, freedom, and responsibility, and supporting independence. The weekly independent work will consist of hands-on independent activities, guided observation of children, readings, listening to assigned audio files and podcasts, small group discussions with members of the cohort, and watching assigned videos.

Register - $950

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2711

March 8 - April 12, 2027 | Mondays & Wednesdays | 4:00 - 7:00 pm PT | Elise Arevalo‍ ‍| Online | $950
Registration closes March 4, 2027

AMI 0-3 ORIENTATION COURSE

This AMI Orientation Course is designed to support adults by providing an orientation to the Montessori approach for 0-3 year olds. This course is ideal for 0-3 Montessori classroom assistants, or any other adult who is interested in gaining more knowledge about Montessori. The course will cover an introduction to the theoretical foundations of Montessori education and practical tips to bring the theory into practice.

During the online synchronous sessions, there will be a combination of video, lecture, discussion, and small group work to explore the history of Montessori education, the developmental characteristics of the child from 0-3, prepared environments, the role of the adults, supporting independence, communication, aids for emotional and social development and observation as the main tool to support the optimal development in children. The course will also help participants to understand the importance of creating environments where the uniqueness of each child is appreciated and diversity in all of its forms is embraced.

This 60-hour course consists of a combination of online instructor-led sessions and independent student learning, as well as 9 hours of observation. These activities and assignments will deepen and extend participants’ engagement with the content, and further develop particular skills related to the work of the assistant, such as observation and material making. Distance learning activities will consist of online reading discussions and assignments, writing personal reflections, video assignments, material making, and submission of three essays on topics to be determined by the Trainer.

Additionally, time will be spent on gaining practical skills, such as:

  • How to create opportunities for language in daily interactions

  • Developing skills for observation

  • Building healthy relationships with children

  • Tips for transition times

  • Practical ideas to help children acquire toilet independence

  • How to create an environment with freedom within limits, and much more!

Register - $950

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2710