This course is an introduction and orientation to Dr. Montessori’s educational theory and practice for children 3-6 years of age. It is designed for classroom assistants, teachers, administrators, school support staff, parents, and anyone interested in human development during these exciting and formative years of life.
Through lectures, discussion, observation, and targeted assignments, participants will complete the course with a solid introduction to the Montessori philosophy, as well as practical guidance for working within the primary classroom and with the child.
Participants who fulfil the requirements can earn the AMI 3-6 Orientation Course Certificate. This course is a great starting point for anyone interested in the AMI 3-6 Diploma Course. Those who finish the 3-6 Orientation Course will qualify for reduced tuition on other MINT courses through the Alumni Continuing Education Scholarship Fund.
Assistant’s Adjunct Certificate Course
Orientation Course Format: Online
with Optional In-Person Assistant’s Adjunct in Virginia
Our AMI 3–6 Orientation Course is delivered entirely online, making it accessible to participants across the globe. This course provides a foundational understanding of Montessori principles and the role of the adult in the 3–6 environment — all from the convenience of your home, and in both English and Spanish.
What is the Assistant’s Adjunct Certificate Course?
For those who plan to work directly in a Montessori 3–6 classroom as an assistant, there are key aspects of the role that benefit greatly from in-person, hands-on experience. The Assistant’s Adjunct is a supplementary, in-person component designed specifically for assistants who want to deepen their understanding of practical classroom dynamics.
This adjunct is optional, but highly recommended for those who will be assisting a certified Montessori guide in a 3-6 classroom, also known as The Children’s House (ages 3–6). It covers topics such as:
Practical classroom routines and daily rhythms
Grace and courtesy lessons in action
Environmental preparation and maintenance
Observation techniques in a live setting
Supportive strategies that uphold the child’s independence
In-Person Assistant Adjunct
This course has an optional in-person assistant’s certificate component in Fairfax, Virginia. and South Riding, Virginia.
August 12, 14, 16 - Three full days
On-site Locations
Montessori School of Oakton in Fairfax, Virginia
Montessori School of South Riding in South Riding, Virginia
Montessori Theory and Philosophy |
Absorbent Mind |
Sensitive Periods |
Order |
Movement |
Language Development |
Independence |
The Prepared Environment |
Observation |
Freedom & Development |
Music & Art |
Montessori Theory and Philosophy | Absorbent Mind | Sensitive Periods | Order | Movement | Language Development | Independence | The Prepared Environment | Observation | Freedom & Development | Music & Art |
Course Schedule
Online Course
July 24, 2025 - August 16, 2025
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm CT
Particular to August 16, Webinar will be 7:00 am - 9:00 am ET.
In-Person Assistant’s Adjunct
Onsite at Montessori School of Oakton in Fairfax, Virginia and Montessori School of South Riding in South Riding, Virginia
August 12, 14, 16, 2025
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
-
Note: This schedule is responsive/
1. Opening Week
Thursday, July 24
Live Session:
Course Opening
Adaptation, Interdependence, and Independence
Preparation:
Orientation
Introduction to Montessori
Follow-Up:
Observation Task
Chapter 9: The Child in the Family
2. Observation and Early Development
Monday, July 28
Live Session:
Observation Introduction
The Discovery of the Child
The Planes of Development
Preparation:
The Absorbent Mind
The Child’s Conquest of Independence
Follow-Up:
Observation Task
Readings: The Child in the Family, Chapter 6: My Method in General
Pick a Rock Task
3. The Four Planes of Education
Tuesday, July 29
Live Session:
The Nature of the Child’s Mind
Absorbent Mind and Sensitive Periods
Preparation:
Four Planes of Education
Citizen of the World
Follow-Up:
Observation Task
Reading: The Secret of Childhood: Our Own Method
Oral Language
Classified Pictures
Material Making
4. Language and the Sensitive Periods
Thursday, July 31
Live Session:
Sensitive Period of Order and Language
Spoken Language
Listening and Building Community
Preparation:
The Absorbent Mind, Chapter: “Some Thoughts on Language”
Follow-Up:
Observation Task
Film: Edison’s Day (44 minutes)
5. Movement and Independence
Monday, August 4
Live Session:
Sensitive Period of Independence and Movement
Preparation:
The Secret of Childhood, Section: “The Sensitive Periods”
Follow-Up:
Observation Task
Readings: Education for a New World, The Nature of the Absorbent Mind
Plant Observation
6. Moral Development
Tuesday, August 5
Live Session:
Spontaneous Discipline
Moral Development
20-minute Practice
Preparation:
Education for a New World: Movement and Its Part in Education
Follow-Up:
Observation Task
Reading: Montessori: Education for a New World
Bucket Video
7. Social Development and Adult Roles
Thursday, August 7
Live Session:
The Role of the Adults
The Preparation of the Adults
Lead and Assistant Roles
Positive Communication
Preparation:
The Absorbent Mind: Social Development and Cohesion in the Social Unit
Follow-Up:
Observation Task
Reading: The Absorbent Mind: Mistakes and Their Correction
8. The Prepared Environment
Monday, August 11
Live Session:
Self-Construction
The Prepared Environment
Preparation:
The Absorbent Mind: The Three Levels of Obedience
Follow-Up:
Observation Task
Readings: The Spiritual Embryo and The Meaning of Adaptation: The Child’s Contribution to Society
9. Final Saturday Webinar
Saturday, August 16 – 7:00–9:00 am CT
Live Session:
Maintaining the Environment (Indoor and Outdoor)
Material Making
Storytelling, Poems, Songs: Theory and Practice
Freedom and Development (includes 20-minute practice)
Preparation:
Prior Observation Task
In-person Practice
Follow-Up:
Material Making: Art Techniques, Music, and Songs
Course Summary
Synchronous Hours (Live Sessions): 18
Asynchronous Hours (Readings, Observation, Activities): 36
Total Course Hours: 54
Tuition & Fees
Course Tuition
Due upon acceptance.
Orientation - $900
Assistant Adjunct - $300
Special arrangements may be made to receive credit for professional development in attending the Assistant Adjunct.
Application Fee
$20
Fee is non-refundable.
Financial Support
School Sponsorship
Many school sponsor funds for this training, for workers at their institution. Our team is available to guide both applicants and schools through this process.
ACE Fund
The Alumni Continuing Education Fund provides discounted tuition for returning MINT students on select courses.
