The AMI Assistants to Infancy program offers a comprehensive study of Montessori theory and practice to work with children aged birth to three in home and classroom environments. Learners thoroughly explore Montessori philosophy, human development, Montessori infant and toddler activities/materials, and expectations for Montessori professional communities.

Through their classwork, learners study how to guide healthy growth and development during these vital early years. The child at this age requires a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment to develop trust in themselves and their world. By offering age-appropriate activities and gentle feedback, the Montessori guide helps to build the child’s confidence in their emerging abilities, develop coordination and language skills, and gain independence in daily tasks and activities.

The Assistants to Infancy program focuses particularly on sensory-motor and language development. Other topics examined include school and classroom design, creation of toys and activities, parent support and consultation, and affiliated fields, such as obstetrics. For individuals trained in other levels of Montessori education, the information offered in the Assistants to Infancy program will support and augment their previous training. Most significantly, this program is practical; it will enhance any study of early childhood education and will benefit any future parent.

• Learner Handbook

Learners produce six comprehensive teaching manuals to support their work with children and families, in the areas of Theory, Medical, Foundations of Personality Development, Home Environment, Aids to Psycho-Sensory Development, and Communities. These teaching manuals form a large component of the learner's work throughout the program and are based on demonstrations and lectures given by the trainer.

Learners learn how to create beautiful and useful materials for work with young children. Practical advice, including sewing and construction techniques, is provided for learners who need additional assistance.

Observation is at the core of the Montessori guide’s work. During 250 hours of observation of children aged birth to three, learners take detailed notes about what they see, and interpret these observations through the lens of Montessori theory and practice. Some of these hours of supervised observation will be completed during the summer class session, and learners will make their own arrangements for the remaining hours of observation during the intervening academic year.

In addition to the creation of teaching manuals, learners also learn important professional skills such as working with and supporting parents; assessing the different stages of movement, language, and personality development; and deciding how and when to present activities and materials.

Comprehensive written and oral examinations verify that each learner has met the standards of the Association Montessori Internationale.

0-3 Books & Supplies List

Learners will purchase all books independently. You will be provided a booklist prior to the program if you are required to purchase any books.

Learners will receive specific guidance about exact requirements, but all learners will need these items to start:

• Computer, all-in-one printer, and internet access

• Ample note-taking supplies (ie: large multi-subject notebooks and writing utensils)

• Printer paper

• Towel or yoga mat for daily Respiratory Autogenic Training

Costs vary depending on the supplier and thriftiness of the learners. For learners on a budget, there are alternatives to office supply stores, such as Goodwill. In Portland, SCRAP is a great place to search for recycled office and material-making supplies.

The creation of Montessori materials and activities is a large component of the program. Supplies can include fabric, thread, and craft paper. We also suggest a set of color pencils. Watercolor pencils are often preferred. These can be purchased from various locations and again can be found at various price points.

Learners can expect to spend between $800 and $1500 on office and material supplies throughout the program as well as $99 for an AMI Membership.

Located at the confluence of the Willamette and mighty Columbia Rivers, in a valley formed between the Coast Range and the spectacular Cascade Mountains, Portland strikes a balance between the best of urban living and easy accessibility to the glorious natural world. For more information about Portland, check out The Official City Guide.

Montessori Northwest is located at 610 SW Alder St., Suite 721, Portland, OR 97205, a block from Pioneer Square, which is considered the city’s “Living Room”.

MNW does not provide housing or housing assistance for learners.

Please refer to the websites below for leads on rooms for rent, studios, and apartments for rent. Rents may vary greatly.

Helpful Housing Resources:

• Portland State University Summer Intern Housing

• Airbnb

• PortlandVRBO Portland

• Craigslist Portland

• Apartments Portland

• Trulia Portland

• Hosteling International – Northwest/Portland

• College Housing Northwest

• American Campus

• Furnished Finder

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about neighborhoods, etc. Check out this interactive Portland Neighborhood Map.

Portland ranks highly among the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world and also has one of the nation’s top-rated public transportation systems. So, whether you want to walk, bike, or bus, learners will be able to get to easily access our downtown campus. Learners will have access to a secured bike room.

• Portland Walking & Bike Map |Public Transportation - TriMet

Prefer to drive? There are several parking ramps close by our downtown campus. Learners are responsible for paying for parking.

Learner life at MNW incorporates the use of technology. This means regularly receiving important information by email, accessing documents digitally, downloading, and uploading files from a hard drive or cloud to Google Shared Drives and Populi (our learning management system), and using Zoom. Adequate internet access and speed, and audio/video capacity are all necessary to engage in online classes and discussion groups. The majority of the work a learner completes involves word processing and preparing illustrations by hand, then scanning and uploading them for review.

Learners will need a laptop computer when attending the in-person blocks of the program. A desktop or laptop computer can be used during the distance blocks. Consistent high-speed internet access is also necessary to participate in the program. While in class for the in-person blocks, learners will be able to connect to MNW’s network.

2026-2027 AMI 0-3 Diploma Program

Director of Training: Elise Arevalo

Location:Online and at Montessori Northwest 610 SW Alder St., Suite 700, Portland OR 97205

Dates: May 12, 2026 - July 30, 2027‍ ‍View Calendar

Tuition & Fees: Application Fee: $150 (non-refundable); Tuition: $13,250 + additional fees for certain payment options - View Sample Enrollment Agreement; Learners are also required to become an AMI member ($99)

Schedule:

• Online Block #1: May 12 - June 2, 2026, Tuesdays, 4:00 - 7:00 pm (PT)

• On-site Block #1: June 8 - July 10, 2026, Weekdays, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (PT)

• Online Block #2: September 15 - December 15, 2026, Tuesdays, 4:00 - 7:00 pm (PT)

• Online Block #3: January 12 - May 25, 2027, Tuesdays, 4:00 - 7:00 pm (PT)
  + Saturday, May 29 & June 5, 2027 (time TBD)

• On-site Block #2: July 12 - July 30, 2027, Weekdays, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (PT)