Training

0-3 Assistants to Infancy Montessori Teacher Training - AMI Diploma Course

• world renowned AMI Montessori training center with a 30-year tradition of high quality 0-3 training

• Blended (online and in-person) schedule. In person will be during the summer at The Training Center located in beautiful Denver, Colorado

• MASTER’S DEGREE OPTION via Loyola University

• supportive environment that includes mentors and onsite material making room with experts

• MACTE Accredited for 0-3 Diploma Course

• Student and Exchange Visitor Program certified school for 0-3 diploma course

The Montessori Assistants to Infancy Training began in 1947 in Rome, Italy. The training was based on many hours of  scientific observation of infants and very young children. The course included components which continue to be supported by contemporary research, such as the use of self-hypnosis for childbirth, gentle birth practices, the awareness of infants, the importance of touch and communication, as well as the importance of language, music and joy in the environment. The training has always emphasized the importance of freedom in an environment prepared with interesting objects that encourage movement and exploration. Special clothing, furnishings and toys made with careful attention to detail are designed in response to the observed needs of the infant. 

In 1980, Dr. Silvana Montanaro, offered the first Assistants to Infancy (A to I) Training accredited by AMI in Rome. In 1982, she brought this course to the United States.

A to I students are prepared to work with expecting parents, to assist with the infant at birth, to prepare beautiful and responsive environments, and to work as lead teachers in infant and toddler communities in schools, daycare settings and hospitals.

TMI A to I courses are 16 months long that includes two springtime online evening modules, two in-person summer modules on site and assignments in the intervening academic year. Students prepare their own reference manuals (albums) and timelines of child development. Some handmade materials are required (you may be surprised by your hidden abilities). Progressive relaxation sessions are offered during the in-person modules.

TMI holds accredited status for its 0-3 Montessori teacher education certification course level 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? Here is a video of the January 13, 2024 Information session.

Enrollment for the 2024 - 2025 course is closed. Enrollment for the 2025 - 2026 Course begins September 15, 2024

Schedule for 24-25 Course:

The schedule outlines the required synchronous (everyone together on Zoom) sessions where attendance is required. There will be asynchronous (work outside of the Zoom sessions) required for each online module as well.

April - Early May, 2024: Online Evening Module 1

Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm MST (attendance is required)

April 3: First synchronous session: Orientation

April 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, May 1

May 3: Final synchronous Session for this Module

June 2024 Module 2:

June 5 and 19th: Synchronous session from 5:30 - 7:30 pm MST (attendance is required)

July, 2024 In-Person Module 3:

In person is Monday through Fridays from 8:00 - 5:00 at The Montessori Institute in Denver (attendance is required).

July 8: First day

August 1: Final Day

September - March, 2024 - 2025 Interim:

Includes observation hours and practice teaching requirements plus asynchronous online learning modules and bimonthly synchronous online Wednesday evening meetings held from 5:30 - 7:30 MST (attendance is required).

September 4 and 18

October 9 and 23

November 6

December 4 and 18

January 8 and 22

February 5 and 19

March 5 and 19

April- Early May 2025 Online Evening Module 4:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm MST (attendance is required)

April 2: First session

April 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30, May 2, 5, 7,

May 9: Final session for this module.

June 2025 Module 5:

June 4 and 18th: Synchronous session from 5:30 - 7:30 pm MST (attendance is required)

July - Early August 2025 In-Person Module 6:

In person is Monday through Fridays from 8:00 - 5:00 at The Montessori Institute in Denver (attendance is required.)

July 1: First day

July 15 and 17: Written Exams

July 28-August 1: Oral Exams

August 1: Graduation

in-person Location

The Montessori Institute

700 Knox Ct., Denver, CO 80204

Online Module one and Two plus summer in person module:

The first three modules’ work begins 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 the 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, either in Denver or at one’s own location. Travel and lodging expenses are the student’s responsibility.

Online Module four and five plus second summer in-person module

The final three modules add a study of child neuropsychiatry 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.