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0-3 Orientation
CERTIFICATE COURSE
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AMI 0-3 Orientation CERTIFICATE COURSE
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ENROLLMENT CRITERIA:
- Adequate level of both spoken and written English, Czech, Hebrew & Slovak to allow efficient study in the course (B2+ level).
- Ability to study at academic level
- Computer (with camera) availability, and internet good enough for Zoom (2.6Mbps)
- A quiet place to study (it is NOT allowed to be driving during the course)
- Positive motivation to study and willingness to positively and constructively cooperate with the Course Director and the training center staff.
Introduction to the course
The program is created and designed for Montessori assistants in 0-3 classes who wish to deepen their knowledge and develop their Montessori Nido or Infant Community practice.
- A fully online course
- 60 hours
- Guidance of AMI trainer, Heidi Philippart
- Certificate awarded by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
- International students
- Price: starting at 750€depending on time of registration (Early/Standard/Late)
SCHEDULE
These dates may be subject to change.
Total amount of hours: 60
These hours will consist of live lectures, discussion sessions, self study and writing essays. Further, there may be videos, reading sessions and essay group check sessions included. If the course includes essay group checks, the dates will be announced before the course and participation is mandatory.
General information about the course
Who is the course suitable for?
- Montessori assistants wanting to deepen their knowledge and skills
- Parents (and other family members)
- Professinals working with children (teachers, carers, nannies, social workers..)
- Anyone interested in Montessori (all adults interested in child development or considering a career in Montessori)

Learning outcomes and key benefits
Students of this course will learn how to support and help the classroom teacher maintain equilibrium within the class, how to observe, when and how to intervene but not interfere. They will gain knowledge of Montessori's understanding of development of independence and acquire the ability to support the development of the child by assisting the teacher.
All students of the course will have the opportunity to learn from a very experienced AMI Training Directress Heidi Philippart, study alongside colleagues from all over the world, engage in lively discussions, share their experience with others as well as gain new perspective themselves. All successful course graduates also receive worldwide recognized international certificate from Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).
What is the role of an assistant in the classroom?
The intention of the international AMI Orientation Certificate Course is to help interested adults become able assistants in a Montessori Nido or Infant Community.
In a Montessori classroom, the assistant supports the lead teacher and helps him/her create and retain balance. The assistant observes children and knows when to intervene and when to withhold from helping. He/she knows how to support children in developing independence and has a deep understanding of Montessori's approach to freedom and discipline. The assistant is a great supporter for the lead teacher and for the child.
Course Content
- 1Introduction to Montessori
- 2The Role of the Directress
- 3The Role of the Assistant
- 4Overview of the Planes of Development
- 5The Child's Mind from 0-6 years
- 6Order
- 7Movement 0-3
- 8Language
- 9Independence
- 10Prepared Environment
- 11Freedom and Discipline
- 12Observation and its relevance
- 13Music and Art
- 14Maintaining Environment
- 15Toilet Learning
60 hours
3 essays
9 hours
Observation Notes
AMI certification
What is AMI certification?
Association Montessori International (AMI) is a worldwide leading authority on Montessori education. Maria Montessori founded the association herself to further her work and AMI certified courses are hence known for their high quality and integrity with Montessori's work. They are respected and acknowledged worldwide and some schools accept teachers only with AMI certified education. Montessori Institute Prague is the only AMI certified training center in the Czech Republic.
What certificate will I receive?
Participants who successfully complete the requirements for certification will earn the worldwide recognized AMI 0-3 Orientation Course Certificate.

Requirements for certification
- Three essaysSubmission of three papers (500 words) on topics set by the Trainer.
- Observation9 hours of observation to be done within 12 weeks after the course ends.
- Reports and NotesSubmission of observation notes and observation report.
- AttendanceMinimum of 90% live attendance.
- Overall satisfactory participation in the courseAs evaluated by the Course Director.
- You have 12 weeks to submit all the assignments.If students do not finish their requirements for certification on time before the course finishes, they have 12 weeks to submit their missing work.
ONLINE FORMAT & LANGUAGE
Live sessions on Zoom
Schoology platform
Technical support
The whole course is given in English. It is also being simultaneously interpreted into Czech & Hebrew. All course work including written assignments can be done in English, Czech, Slovak & Hebrew. It is a prerequisite to have at least a B2 level (verbal and written) command of one of the languages.
Recommended literature
Students are recommended to read the following literature. The access to it can be purchased during registration.
- Absorbent MindSelected chapters; Maria Montessori
- Child in the FamilySelected chapters; Maria Montessori
- Understanding the Human BeingSelected chapters; Silvana Q. Montanaro
- Education for a New WorldSelected chapters; Maria Montessori
- The 1946 London LecturesSelected chapters; Maria Montessori

Heidi Philippart M.A.(Edu), A.M.I.(Dip), lives and works in Amsterdam. She was first introduced to Montessori in the late 80’s early 90’s, while working under the guidance of Patty Wallner (AMI Assistant to Infancy trainer) and Silvana Montanaro (founder of the AMI Assistant to Infancy programme). Heidi trained in Denver with Judi Orion on the Assistant to Infancy level, has worked extensively with the 0-3 programme and is an AMI trainer on the Assistant to Infancy level.
In 1996 she opened her first Montessori school and now runs two small Montessori Bilingual Preschools in the centre of Amsterdam, working with between 80 - 90 families every year. Her speciality is helping parents in the application of Montessori principles and bilingualism in the home environment. Heidi has spoken extensively around the Netherlands and internationally (France, USA, Australia, Britain) on Montessori related topics such as toilet independence, preparation of the home environment and the general area of birth to three. Heidi is presently working on the AMI Diploma - Assistant to Infancy in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the sessions be recorded?
How will the course be held?
What happens if I have some sudden problems with the internet?
How do you arrange interpretation into other languages?
What does 90% of attendance mean in this online format of the course?
Where will we find our assignments and materials for the course?
In what time zone is the course schedule?
I have children, can they be with me while I am studying?
What is the price of the course?
When should I pay?
Do you have more questions?