0-3 Diploma Course
Your pathway to an internationally-recognized AMI diploma, equipping you to lead 0-3 Montessori environments worldwide
Blended Format | Austin, Texas
March 23, 2027 - July 22, 2028
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. Students 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 and respect.
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What You’ll Study
The AMI 0–3 Diploma Course examines human development from conception through age three and prepares students to support children and families during this foundational period.
Course topics include:
Montessori theory, history, and principles
Development from conception through the first three years of life
The child’s physical, psychological, social, emotional, and intellectual development
Observation as a foundation for understanding and responding to children
Movement and psycho-sensory motor development
Language development and communication
The home environment, including sleep, feeding, weaning, toileting, clothing, safety, and independence
The prepared environment and the role of the adult
Practical life experiences for children from birth to age three
Community life in infant and toddler environments
Materials and activities that support movement, language, self-expression, and independence
Medical perspectives on pregnancy, birth, nutrition, hygiene, and early development
Partnership with parents and support for families
Students connect theory with practice through observation, material preparation, supervised practice, practice teaching, and the design of environments for infants and toddlers.
Course Schedule
Blended Format | Online and Onsite in Austin, Texas
The course runs from March 23, 2027, through July 22, 2028, and combines live online learning, independent asynchronous work, and two intensive on-site sessions.
Live online classes generally meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30–9:00 p.m. During online modules, students should also plan for approximately five hours of independent work each week.
On-site modules generally meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with some holidays, shortened days, exams, and other schedule exceptions. Between modules, students continue independent coursework and complete observation, practice teaching, and supervised-practice requirements.
Detailed Schedule
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Format: Online, with live and asynchronous learning
Course orientation begins Tuesday, March 23
Regular live sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Live session time: 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Independent work: Approximately five hours per week during the module
Students begin scheduled observation requirements during and after this module
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Format: In person at the course location
General schedule: Monday through Friday
General hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
No class: Friday, July 2
Some days incorporate observation and supervised practice within the course schedule
Students continue scheduled observation work between modules
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Format: Online, with live and asynchronous learning
Live sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Live session time: 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Independent work: Approximately five hours per week during the module
Observation and practice-teaching requirements continue alongside the online schedule
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Format: Online, with live and asynchronous learning
Live sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Live session time: 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Independent work: Approximately five hours per week during the module
Practice exam: Saturday, February 12, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Observation and practice-teaching requirements continue during and between modules
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Format: In person at the course location
General schedule: Monday through Friday
General hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Written exam, Paper A: Monday, July 3
No class: Tuesday, July 4
Written exam, Paper B: Wednesday, July 5
Shortened day: Friday, July 7, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Shortened day: Tuesday, July 18, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Oral exams: Wednesday, July 19, through Friday, July 21
Commencement: Saturday, July 22
Individual oral-exam and commencement times will be communicated separately
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In addition to live online and on-site course meetings, students complete:
Asynchronous coursework and independent study
250 hours of observation
30 hours of practice teaching
60 hours of supervised practice
Students should generally plan for approximately five hours of independent study per week during modules and approximately ten hours per week between modules. Observation, practice teaching, and supervised practice require additional scheduled time.
Course Details
Tuition & Fees
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$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
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Examination Fee: $500
Technology Fee: $150
Requirements
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90% Minimum Attendance of ALL Class Hours
Appropriate Preparation and Engagement in Course Activities and Discussions
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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 - 30 hours
Completion of a minimum of 60 hours of Guided Practice with Materials
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Submission of acceptable and original Albums in all content areas
Submission of acceptable Material Making Assignments
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Passing Marks on all Written and Oral Examinations
Financial Support
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MINT’s robust scholarship program sets us apart from other training centers. Explore financial support from MINT and other sources here.
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Many students receive employer sponsorships to fund their training at MINT. Our team is available to guide both applicants and schools through this process.
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The Alumni Continuing Education Fund provides a partial tuition scholarship for returning MINT students on select courses.
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A two-installment payment plan is available for a service fee of $300. Contact us to discuss alternative financial arrangements.
Meet the Trainer
Molly Schayot
Molly Schayot is an AMI 0–3 Trainer and Examiner who brings 15 years of experience leading toddler communities to her work with future Montessori educators. A MINT alumna and the developer of MINT’s first blended 0–3 Diploma Course, Molly connects classroom experience with an understanding of how students learn across online and in-person settings.
Get in Touch
Still have questions about this course? We’re here to help!
Reach out to our Director of Operations, Mary Valdez, for more information, guidance, or assistance planning your next steps toward enrollment.
