Montessori Teacher Training

0-3 Assistants to Infancy AMI Diploma Course

Longest Standing 0-3 Ami Montessori Training Center in the United States

Celebrating over 35 years of excellence in high-quality Assistants to Infancy Montessori education.

Designed for Working Educators

A schedule thoughtfully designed to support educators balancing work and training.

Blended Learning Format

A flexible mix of online and in-person sessions, with summer in-person training at our beautiful Denver, Colorado, campus.

Degree & Certification Pathways

Bachelor’s Degree through the University of Hartford

Master’s Degree via Loyola University (Baltimore)

Colorado Teacher Certification through the University of Colorado Denver.

Hands-On Support

Two 0-3 Montessori Trainers to support your in-person summer time at TMI

Dedicated material-making space with expert guidance.

MACTE Accredited 0-3 Diploma

MACTE ensures Montessori training meets high standards, preparing educators to uphold authentic Montessori principles

International Student Friendly

SEVIS-certified for student visas.

Since 1947, Montessori Assistants to Infancy (A to I) Training has been shaping the way we understand and care for infants and very young children. Rooted in scientific observation and continually supported by modern research, TMI’s A to I course embraces gentle birth practices, self-hypnosis for childbirth, the power of touch and communication, and the joy of language and music in the child’s environment.

 At the heart of the training is a belief in freedom within a prepared environment—one that encourages movement, exploration, and discovery. Specially designed clothing, furnishings, and toys are created with deep attention to detail, responding to the unique needs of infants.

In 1980, Dr. Silvana Montanaro launched the first AMI-accredited A to I Training in Rome, bringing it to the United States in 1982. TMI was launched, by Judi Orion, just 6 years later in 1988. 

The A to I course prepares adult learners to support expecting parents, assist the infant at birth, create beautiful and responsive environments, and to work as lead teachers in infant and toddler communities in schools, daycares, and hospitals.

TMI’s A to I Course: A 23-Month Journey of Learning, Practice, and Discovery

Flexible Format: Monthly online classes plus two immersive 5-week, in-person intensives each summer.

Hands-On Learning: Students create personalized reference manuals, developmental timelines, and even handmade materials—uncovering hidden creative talents along the way!

Wellness-Focused: In-person sessions include progressive relaxation techniques to support learning and well-being.

TMI proudly holds accreditation for its 0-3 Montessori teacher education certification from the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).

International Students Welcome!

The Montessori Institute is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program certified school and can provide a Form I-20 to support your student visa to study in the United States.

Click here to access the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and to apply for a student visa through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Want to learn more?

Join us for an Information Session

March 27, 2025 at 6:00pm (mountain Time)

Register in advance for this meeting After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

New A to I Course Starting in September 2025

Schedule for 2025-2027 Course:

The schedule includes required Zoom sessions on Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM (Mountain Time) during the school year, where everyone joins together live. Outside of these sessions, you'll have work to complete on your own.

In summer 2026 and summer 2027, the immersive 5-week, in-person intensive will give you valuable time to connect face-to-face with Erin and your classmates.

Note: Exams and graduation dates are subject to change

Online Sessions plus The First In-Person summer Session:

The first three sessions begin with an overview of Montessori theory and practice, following the child’s natural development and focusing on the period from conception to age three. Obstetrics, hygiene, and nutrition cover the anatomy and physiology of reproduction, fetal development, birth, health issues, and puerperium (the first eight weeks after birth). We consider the preparation of supportive and beautiful environments and their adaptation to the child’s changing needs. Emphasis is on the home and family environment during this first summer of training, but is easily applied to group settings. The first summer ends with a practice written examination and a conference.

During the interim, students complete 250 hours of observation of children from birth to three at home and in group settings. Each student completes two weeks of student teaching with children in either a Nido or Infant Community. During student teaching, the student is visited for support and evaluation by a course staff member.

Online Sessions plus The Second In-Person summer Session:

The final three sessions add a study of child personality development and of environments for children in a Nido and an Infant Community (out-of-home settings), including appropriate materials and activities.

Comprehensive written and oral examinations are given at the end of the second summer session, offering an opportunity to consolidate and share what was learned.

Recommended Reading:

Eliot, Lise, PhD.
What’s Going on in There?

Erikson, Erik
Childhood and Society

Kaplan, Louise
Oneness and Separateness

Stern, Daniel
The Interpersonal World of the Infant

Resources for Books:

Websites:
www.nienhuis.com
www.montessori-namta.org
www.amiusa.org

The Montessori Institute has a library with all of the required and recommended reading. You may check these books out on an overnight basis when you are in Denver for the summer.