
3-6 Orientation
CERTIFICATE COURSE
ENROLLMENT CRITERIA:
- Adequate level of both spoken and written English, Czech or 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
- 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 3-6 class who wish to deepen their knowledge and develop their Montessori Children’s House practice.
- A fully online course
- 60 hours
- Guidance of AMI trainer, Elina Rautasalo
- Certificate awarded by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
- International students
- Starting at 750€depending on time of registration (Early/Standard/Late)
SCHEDULE
Total amount of hours: 60
These hours will consist of live lectures, discussion sessions, self study and writing essays. Further, there are videos, reading sessions and essay group check sessions included upon Trainer's decision. 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 Elina Rautasalo, 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 Children's House (Primary) 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 0-6
- 8Language
- 9Independence
- 10Prepared Environment
- 11Freedom and Discipline
- 12Social Development
- 13Observation and its relevance
- 14Music and Art
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.

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.
- MaterialsSubmission of handmade materials - mobiles and language cards and making of the video of a 3period lesson.
- 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. All course work including written assignments can be done in English, Czech and Slovak. 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.
- Absorbent MindSelected chapters; Maria Montessori
- Child in the FamilySelected chapters; Maria Montessori
- Education for a New WorldSelected chapters; Maria Montessori
- The Secret of ChildhoodSelected chapters; Maria Montessori

Elina Rautasalo is an AMI 3-6 Trainer with over 30 years of experience in the field of education, working with both children and adults in her native Finland and abroad.
Her Montessori journey began in London at the Maria Montessori Training Organisation, (now the Maria Montessori Institute), in the early 1990s. Elina has been a member of the MMI’s training team for over 20 years. Elina has served as the chair of Montessori Society AMI(UK) and as a council member of Montessori Education UK. She is an AMI examiner and lectures both in the UK and internationally.
In addition to London, Elina has directed AMI’s 3-6 courses in South-East Asia as well as in Prague. At present, Elina is Director of Training at Montessori Institute Prague.
WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT ELINA?
REGISTRATION
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?
Feel free to write to us!