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.

Build a strong foundation

    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.

    • Registration is done on an individual basis, one event at a time. However, you can add multiple registrations to your cart and pay for all when you check out.

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

    • All events are virtual unless noted. If it is a virtual event, you will receive a link to attend in the confirmation email.

    • All participants must abide by MNW’s Code of Conduct.

    • To receive a refund you must cancel your registration 48 hours prior to the start of the event. Please email info@montessori-nw.org to cancel and request a refund. After 48 hours, refunds are not provided. Please consider sending a friend.

    • Participants must meet the 90% minimum attendance requirement to earn a certificate.

    • Attendance is defined as having a Zoom screen name that matches the name in the registration, and having a visual and verbal presence for the full duration of the session(s); this includes, but is not limited to actively participating in discussions, chats, and small groups with the camera turned on.

    • MNW workshop recordings are not provided to registrants after the event.

    • Montessori Northwest will only issue Certificates of Attendance to participants who attend 90% or more of live sessions.

    • Certificates are typically available within 7 business days from the end of the workshop.

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

    • Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

VIEW WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

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

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

AMI 0-3 ORIENTATION COURSE

REGISTER
REGISTER

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2610

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!

Participants completing all course requirements will earn an AMI Orientation Course Certificate.
Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO (Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

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

AMI 3-6 ORIENTATION COURSE

REGISTER
REGISTER

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2611

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.

Participants completing all course requirements will earn an AMI Orientation Course Certificate.
Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO (Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

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

AMI 6-12 ORIENTATION COURSE

REGISTER
REGISTER

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2711

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.

Participants completing all course requirements will earn an AMI Orientation Course Certificate.
Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO (Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

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

AMI 0-3 ORIENTATION COURSE

REGISTER
REGISTER

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2711

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!

Participants completing all course requirements will earn an AMI Orientation Course Certificate.
Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO (Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.