The classic introduction to Montessori, the AMI Orientation (formerly Assistants Certificate) is studied part time and online. You will gain an overview of the developmental characteristics and needs of children aged 3–6 years and learn about:
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An introduction to the Montessori approach to childhood development and education. Gain an overview of how children grow and develop with more detailed focus on the development of children aged 3-6 years and the unique nature of their mind at this age.
Discover the needs and characteristics of children at this stage of development including concepts such as the importance of order and freedom and limits as well as the development of movement and its significance, the development of language and independence, social development and self-regulation.
You will be introduced to the Montessori approach, will learn how to make resources for 3-6-year-olds and how to prepare learning environments such as classrooms or homes for children of this age.
You will explore how an adult can best support optimal development for this age group in any environment and as needed, to identify and remove obstacles to optimal development. The course also covers how to work with the Montessori teacher in the Children’s House.
Learn about the importance of Observation as a basis for providing developmental support for children in any environment. Discover how the characteristics of children aged 3-6 years can be observed and knowledge gained from this used to support them at this particular stage of development. You will complete 9 hours of observation of children.
Online Course
Monday 13th April – Thursday 21st May 2026.
Live online sessions take place from 6:00 – 8.30pm (UK time) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (and Wednesday 6th May), plus 4 – 6 hours of directed study per week.
9 hours of observation of 3–6-year-old children in AMI 3-6 environments, or as determined by the trainer. It is recommended that individuals planning to participate in the Assistants Course Adjunct complete all observation hours in AMI 3-6 Montessori environments.
Blended Course
Monday 16th February – Thursday 19th March 2026.
In-person week at our London training centre takes place from 9:30am to 4:30pm on Monday 16th February 2026 to Friday 20th February.
Six live online sessions take place from 6:00 – 8.30pm (UK time) on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the 3rd, 5th, 10th, 12th, 17th and 19th March.
There is also 4 – 6 hours of directed study per week.
9 hours of observation of 3–6-year-old children in AMI 3-6 environments, or as determined by the trainer. It is recommended that individuals planning to participate in the Assistants Course Adjunct complete all observation hours in AMI 3-6 Montessori environments.
Our students come from all over the world and our fees are the same for everyone. Please note that the live course sessions are listed in UK time.
The online course is studied online and therefore would not require a Visa for any student.
The blended course would not require a student visa but we may require a standard visitor visa for the week in London.
Online option: live online sessions with additional study in your own time.
Blended option: 5 days in-person at our London training centre and live online sessions with additional study in your own time.
Online – This is a part time online course with live online sessions with the trainer plus directed study in your own time.
Blended – This is a part time online course with live online sessions with the trainer and a in-person component, plus directed study in your own time.
Course hours can vary – please check the dates listing for the course you apply for.
This will ideally takes place in an AMI environment or in another environment as determined by the trainer. The student will organise this themselves.
The AMI Orientation Certificate is an introductory course providing an overview of Montessori at this stage of development and is also suitable preparation to work as a Montessori classroom assistant. The AMI Diploma is in-depth Montessori teacher training and qualifies you to work as Montessori teacher or educator for children at the relevant age.
We advertise jobs at the Maria Montessori School on our Work for Us webpage where you can also find links to AMI and Montessori Society job listings. We share details of school vacancies and other external vacancies with our students.
You need a good level of English to succeed on our courses. All applicants need to demonstrate their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. If the highest qualification you hold was not studied in English, you may need to provide an English language qualification/test even if you do not require a student visa.
Applicants are asked to complete our online application form.
We may contact you for further information about how we can support your learning.
Successful applicants will be offered a place on the course and your place will be confirmed once you have paid the course fee.
