3-6 Orientation Course
And Assistants Adjunct
Blended: Online and in Cleveland, Ohio • Enrolling Now!
Orientation Course: August 5, 2026 - September 27, 2026
Assistants Adjunct: January 5, 2027 - January 18, 2027
AMI 3-6 Trainer Jess Fraley
Registration Options
Choose the course that best meets your needs.
The Orientation Course and Assistant’s Adjunct may each be taken
independently,
or together as a combined pathway.
The Orientation Course
Blended Format: Online & Onsite in Cleveland
Orientation Course: August 5, 2026 - September 27, 2026
The Assistants Adjunct
Format: Onsite in Cleveland
Assistants Adjunct: January 5, 2027 - January 18, 2027
Explore Dr. Montessori’s approach to learning and development for children in the Primary years (ages 3–6). This course is designed for classroom assistants, teachers, administrators, school support staff, parents, and anyone eager to understand and support the growth of young children during these formative years.
Through a combination of lectures, discussions, observation, and guided assignments, participants will gain a strong foundation in Montessori philosophy and practical strategies for working within the Primary classroom. You will leave with tools to confidently support children’s independence, purposeful activity, and joy in learning.
Participants who successfully complete the course will receive the AMI 3–6 Orientation Course Certificate. This course is an ideal first step for anyone considering the AMI 3–6 Diploma Course. Graduates are also eligible for reduced tuition on other MINT courses through the Alumni Continuing Education Scholarship Fund, supporting ongoing growth and professional development.
-
AMI Orientation for Ages 3–6
General Introduction to Montessori Theory and Education, including Human Tendencies and the Four Planes of Development, with special reference to the needs and characteristics of the First Plane
The role of an adult as a collaborator and facilitator in a 3–6-year-old child’s self-construction and adaptation to culture
The role of an environment in providing necessary conditions to support a 3–6-year-old child’s self-construction and adaptation to culture: the Home; the Montessori Prepared Environment for ages 3–6
The importance of Observation: purpose, technique, and self-reflection, as appropriate for ages 3–6, Self-Construction and Cultural Adaptation:
The Absorbent Mind – ‘The Conscious Worker’ and the Development of Character and Society, with reference to the Sensitive Periods
The Child as a Sensorial Learner
The Importance of Order with Emphasis on the Role of Order in the Development of the Personality
The Coordination and Refinement of Movement
The Refinement of Language
Social Development and Social Cohesion
The Development of Independence, including Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual Independence as conditions for Human Interdependence (First Plane)
The Montessori concepts of Freedom and Discipline and the importance of Limits for the Development of spontaneous Self-Discipline
The Development of the Will and the Three Stages of Obedience
-
Orientation Course Schedule
Online Sessions
August 4 – August 27, 2026
Live online classes are:
Tuesdays: 6:00–8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Thursdays: 6:00–8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Cleveland Session
August 14–16, 2026
In-person classes are:
Friday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Observation & Final Assignments
Following the course, participants complete:
Observation 1 (week of September 8) — Due September 13, 2026
Observation 2 (week of September 14) — Due September 20, 2026
Observation 3 (week of September 21) — Due September 27, 2026
Reflective Practice Case Study
Material Making: Collection of Poetry or True Stories
Final assignments due: September 27, 2026
-
For the Orientation Course:
34 hours synchronous class time (18 of which are onsite at MINEO)
26 hours asynchronous work
9 hours observation
Material Making: Collection of Poetry OR True Stories
-
For the Orientation Course:
34 hours synchronous class time (18 of which are onsite at MINEO)
26 hours asynchronous work
9 hours observation
Material Making: Collection of Poetry OR True Stories
The AMI Assistants Adjunct is a supplement to the Orientation Course. The Assistant Adjunct for Ages 3–6 prepares assistants to effectively support children, guides, and the Montessori environment. Where the Orientation Course provides a broad theoretical understanding, the Assistant's Adjunct Course delves more deeply into the practical side of the assistant's work.
Participants will explore a more nuanced understanding of the Montessori prepared environment, clarify the distinct roles of the lead adult and assistant, and further their skills in observation, communication, movement, grace and courtesy, and supporting children's functional independence. Through discussion and hands-on exploration, assistants will gain a deeper understanding of how their role contributes to a thriving Montessori community.
The Assistant Adjunct is open to anyone who has completed an AMI 3-6 Orientation Course.
-
AMI Assistants Course Adjunct for Ages 3–6
Overview of the Montessori 3–6 Prepared Environment: Tangible and Intangible Elements
The Role of the Lead Adult in the Montessori 3–6 Prepared Environment
The Role of an Assistant in the Montessori 3–6 Prepared Environment
Exploration of Activities Appropriate to the Assistants Role for ages 3–6, including but not limited to: o Observation to support the work of children and adults during ages 3–6
Spoken Language Activities; the Importance of Correct, Precise, Rich, and Scientifically Exact Vocabulary; Listening to Children; Eliciting Language; the Three Period Lesson
Adult Movement in the Prepared Environment as a model* for Children
(*Used as an example to absorb, follow or imitate)Essential Grace and Courtesy in the Prepared Environment
Activities for Music and Art
Supporting Functional Independence
As appropriate for the 3–6 level: Sample activities and materials – design; techniques for presentation; material maintenance; material making
Maintaining the Indoor and Outdoor Environments for ages 3–6
The Importance of Regular Meetings with the Lead Adult in the Environment
The Importance of Confidentiality in the Assistant’s Role
-
Assistant’s Adjunct Schedule
Online Sessions
January 5–14, 2027
Live online classes are held:
Tuesday: 6:00–8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Thursday: 6:00–8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Cleveland Session
January 16, 2027
In-person class:
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Observation & Final Assignments
Following the course, participants complete:
2 hours of support activities with children
4 hours of observation and data collection
Observation reports due: January 23, 2027
-
For the Assistant Adjunct:
14 hours synchronous class time (6 of which are onsite at MINEO)
6 hours of "Directed Practicals"/asynchronous work in a Montessori 3-6 classroom
-
For the Assistant Adjunct:
14 hours synchronous class time (6 of which are onsite at MINEO)
6 hours of "Directed Practicals"/asynchronous work in a Montessori 3-6 classroom
Information for All Participants
-
All required readings will be provided by the Trainer.
Course Texts:By Dr Maria Montessori
Citizen of the World (for overview of Montessori developmental theory and education)
Education for a New World
The Secret of Childhood
The Child in the Family
-
Application Fee: $20 (non-refundable)
Orientation Course Fee: $900
Assistants Adjunct Fee: $300
Both Courses: $1,200Application fee is waived for public school applicants. Email info@montessori-mint.org before applying.
Tuition
Student Feedback“This was the first time everything really clicked for me. It completely changed how I saw the classroom.”
About the Trainer
AMI 3–6 Trainer, Montessori practitioner, and advocate for adult preparation, Jess Fraley explores how the preparation of the adult shapes child development and the environments where people flourish.
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.