0-3 Diploma Course

Your pathway to an internationally-recognized AMI diploma, equipping you to lead 0-3 Montessori environments worldwide!

This course prepares adults to understand and support the optimal development of children from birth to age three through an in-depth study of Montessori theory and hands-on practice. Learners explore key areas of early development—including gross and fine motor skills, language acquisition, music and art, personality formation, hygiene and physical care, nutrition, and prenatal influences—while gaining practical tools for creating supportive home and community environments for young children.

The first three years of life lay the foundation for a child’s personality, social abilities, and core values. By understanding natural developmental processes, Montessori practitioners can design environments that nurture belonging, independence, movement, and language. This course helps adults cultivate the skills and insight needed to guide young children with confidence, respect, and clarity.

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Course Schedule

Two-Summer Format | Onsite

Summer 2026
June 1, 2026 - July 17, 2026
M-R 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
F 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Onsite at MINT in Dallas
Holidays, No School
June 19, 2026, Juneteenth.
July 3, 2026. Independence Day, observed.
Summer Two Details
June 1, 2027 - July 6, 2027
M-R 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
F 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Holidays, No School
June 18, 2027, Juneteenth, observed.
July 5, 2027. Independence Day, observed.
Written Examinations
July 7, 2027, Written Examination A; 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
July 8, 2027, Study Day. No school.
July 9, 2027, Written Examination B; 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

July 12, 2027 - July 16, 2027
M-R 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
F 8:30 am - 11:30 pm

Oral Examinations
July 19, 2027 - July 23, 2027

Course Celebration
July 24, 2027

Download Calendar PDF

Course Details

Tuition & Fees

$10,000
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due within 10 days of acceptance.
$100 fee on or before January 1
$150 fee after January 1
Application fee is non-refundable.
AMI Membership Fee: $198
MACTE Fee: $250
Examination Fee: $500
Technology Fee: $150

Requirments

- 90% Minimum Attendance of ALL Class Hours
- Appropriate Preparation and Engagement in Course Activities and Discussions
- Completion of 250 Hours of Observation, with submission of Observation Notes, Reflections, and Summaries
- Completion of Practice Teaching Notes and Reflections from a Nido/Infant Community as Scheduled (minimum 20 hours)
- Completion of a minimum of 60 hours of Guided Practice with Materials
- Submission of acceptable and original Albums in all content areas
- Submission of acceptable Material Making Assignments
- Passing Marks on all Written and Oral Examinations
- Required reading list forthcoming

Financial Support

MINT’s robust scholarship program sets us apart from other training centers. Explore financial support from MINT and other sources here.

This two-summer, in-person AMI Diploma Course is the only course at the Montessori Institute of North Texas that qualifies for GI Bill benefits.
Many students receive employer sponsorships to fund their training at MINT. Our team is available to guide both applicants and schools through this process.
The Alumni Continuing Education Fund provides a partial tuition scholarship for returning MINT students on select courses.
A two-installment payment plan is available for a service fee of $300. Contact us to discuss alternative financial arrangements.

Meet the Trainer

Cristel Ruiz, M.Ed.

Cristel Ruiz is an AMI 0-3 Trainer and an AMI-USA 0-3 Consultant. Cristel has studied and followed Montessori philosophy for over twenty years in many capacities, most importantly as the Montessori parent to three amazing humans. Cristel has worked as an Assistants to Infancy (0-3) Classroom Guide; the creator of the Parent-Infant Program at Waypoint Montessori (formerly the Barbara Gordon Montessori School); the Chief Education Officer at a Montessori toy company; an AMI 0-3 Trainer-in-Training with The Montessori Institute in Denver, Colorado; the Head of School at Waypoint Montessori; and the Special Projects Coordinator and Operations Manager at the Montessori Institute of North Texas (MINT). Cristel holds a Master of Education in Montessori Integrative Learning from Endicott College, the AMI Assistants to Infancy (0-3) Diploma from the Montessori Institute of North Texas, a Bachelor’s Degree in Literature, with a focus in Education, from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and the AMI Montessori Core Principles Certificate from MINT, as well as Musikgarten Training for ages birth to five.