Montessori for Dementia, Disability, and Aging
With AMI Trainer Margaret Jarrell, M.Ed.
Six-Month Practitioners Course with AMI Certificate
Course Begins July 1, 2026
Enrollment June 15 - July 3, 2026 | 100% Online | Pending AMI Approval
The Montessori for Dementia, Disability, and Aging (MDDA) Practitioner Course is a six-month professional certificate program designed for individuals who want to move beyond introductory training and develop the skills to implement Montessori-informed practices in real-world care settings.
Developed by AMI Trainer Jennifer Brush, this AMI certificate course combines independent study, monthly live coaching sessions, guided assignments, and applied case study work. Participants learn to conduct individualized assessments, develop Meaningful Engagement Plans, create memory supports, adapt environments, and design meaningful activities and roles that support independence, engagement, and quality of life.
Throughout the course, participants apply these concepts directly within their own communities, organizations, or caregiving environments. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the Practitioner Course emphasizes implementation, reflection, and practical experience. Participants complete two case studies, document their work, receive ongoing guidance, and present their results as part of the certification process.
At A Glance
Duration
Six months
Coursework
Self-Paced
Live Sessions
Monthly
Fieldwork
Two case studies
Webinars
90 Minutes
AMI Credential
MDDA Certified Practitioner Certificate
The Practitioner Course is designed for working professionals and caregivers. Participants complete readings, videos, assignments, and implementation work on their own schedule throughout the month, then join a 90-minute live coaching session to discuss progress, receive feedback, and deepen their understanding. Over six months, participants complete two case studies and a final presentation as part of the certification process.
Enhancing Quality of Life Through Meaningful Engagement
Montessori for Dementia, Disability, and Aging begins with a simple premise: every person has strengths, interests, abilities, and a continuing need for purpose and connection.
Participants learn how to identify those strengths and translate them into meaningful activities, valued community roles, supportive environments, and opportunities for engagement. Through individualized assessment and thoughtful planning, practitioners help create daily experiences that support independence, foster belonging, and honor the dignity of each person.
What You’ll Study
Curriculum Overview
The Practitioner Course combines self-paced study, monthly coaching sessions, and applied fieldwork completed over six months.
Month 1: Foundations & Practitioner Requirements
Month 2: Assessment & Meaningful Engagement
Month 3: Memory Supports & Intergenerational Programs
Month 4: Montessori Observation & Materials
Month 5: Prepared Environments
Month 6: Spaced Retrieval & Implementation
Final Session: Case Study Presentations & Certification
More details on the course available at the MDDA Practitioner Collaborative.
Meet the Trainer
AMI Trainer Margaret Jarrell
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The Montessori for Dementia, Disability, and Aging Practitioner Course is completed over six months through a combination of self-paced study, monthly live coaching sessions, readings, assignments, and applied case study work.
Participants complete coursework independently throughout each month and attend one 90-minute live coaching session. To accommodate different schedules, each session is offered twice: once on Wednesday evening and once on Thursday morning. Participants may choose the option that best fits their schedule.
Monthly Live Coaching Sessions
Wednesday Evening Option: 7:30–9:00 PM ET
Thursday Morning Option: 10:00–11:30 AM ET2026 Session Dates
July 29 or 30
August 26 or 27
September 30 or October 1*
October 28 or 29
November 24 or 25
December 29 or 30
Final Presentations
January 2027
Throughout the course, participants complete readings, observation work, implementation projects, two case studies, a written reflection paper, a final examination, and a presentation demonstrating their learning and application of Montessori principles.
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Course Fee: $600
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Participants will engage with a combination of Montessori, dementia-care, and evidence-based intervention texts throughout the course, including:
Montessori for Elder and Dementia Care, 2nd Ed., by Jennifer Brush & Margaret Jarrell. It can be purchased in advance here. A limited number of copies are available on-site at MINT in Dallas.
Memory and Communication Aids for People with Dementia by Michelle Bourgeois
Spaced Retrieval Step by Step: An Evidence-Based Memory Intervention by Benigas, Brush, and Elliot
Participants who are new to Montessori will also read either:
Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook by Maria Montessori, or
Montessori: A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard
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What is the difference between the Two-Day Workshop and the Practitioner Course?
The Two-Day Workshop provides an introduction to the principles and practices of Montessori for Dementia, Disability, and Aging. Participants explore key concepts, learn foundational strategies, and gain practical ideas that can be applied immediately in caregiving and support settings.
The Practitioner Course is a six-month certificate program designed for individuals who want to deepen their understanding and develop implementation skills. In addition to readings and online learning, participants complete assignments, observations, case studies, and practical projects within their own professional or caregiving environments. Monthly coaching sessions provide opportunities for discussion, reflection, feedback, and support throughout the process.
While the workshop focuses on introducing the approach, the Practitioner Course emphasizes application. Participants learn to conduct individualized assessments, develop Meaningful Engagement Plans, create memory supports, adapt environments, implement evidence-based interventions, and document outcomes through supervised case study work.
The Two-Day Workshop, or equivalent 12-hour online version, is required as a prerequisite for enrollment in the Practitioner Course.
Info Session
MDDA Practitioners Course Info Session
Monday, June 22 · 4:00 – 5:00pm
Time zone: America/Chicago
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uno-wcua-ydd
Or dial: (US) +1 401-229-4879 PIN: 362 439 713#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/uno-wcua-ydd?pin=8674184861311
Considering the MDDA Practitioner Course?
Our team is available to help you determine whether the Practitioner Course aligns with your professional goals and experience. We are happy to discuss course expectations, scheduling, certification requirements, and the pathway from the Two-Day Workshop to Practitioner certification.