AMI ASSISTANTS TO INFANCY DIPLOMA TRAINING

Birth to 3 Years

(With optional Masters in Education Program)

 
 

***New, blended two-summer course beginning June 2025***

Develop a deep understanding of Montessori theory and child development from birth to three years old. Assistants to Infancy (A to I) adult guides are prepared to work with parents perinatally, to assist with the baby at birth, to prepare beautiful and responsive environments, and to work in Nido (infants) and Young Children’s Community (toddlers) environments to support children and families in schools, childcare settings, hospitals and wherever children under the age of three are found.

Set in the vibrant city of St. Louis, this blended on-site and online format starts in June 2025 and ends in June 2026. You will complete 250 hours of observation of children from birth to three at home and in group settings, engage in self-reflection and complete two weeks of student teaching practice. Each adult learner will observe for one week followed by a second week of practice teaching with children in either a Nido (infant) or Young Children’s (toddler) community under the direction of an AMI trained guide. Throughout the course you will be supported as you prepare your own reference manuals (albums), timelines of child development and a variety of handmade materials. With the successful passing of comprehensive oral and written examinations, the course culminates in graduation and the awarding of the respected 0-3 AMI Diploma.

  • Summer 2025

    On-site: June 2 to July 11, 2025 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST, M-F)

    Fall/Winter 2025

    Online: October 13 - November 21, 2025 (6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. CST, M-F)

    Summer 2026

    On-site: June 1 - July 10, 2026 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST, M-F)

    *Online modules will have a half-hour break each evening.

    • 250 Hours of observation

    • 90% Attendance for lectures, presentations, and supervised practice

    • Pass on albums

    • Pass on written exams

    • Pass on oral exams

    • Some handmade materials are required

  • Tuition and Fees

    Application Fee $100

    Enrollment Fee $500

    Course Tuition $11,500

    AMI Membership $100

    MACTE Practicum Fee $250

    Total Tuition and Fees $12,450

    Adult learners should budget between $500.00 and $600.00 for books, general supplies, and material making supplies for the A to I training course.

Meet your Director of Training

Director of Training Sharlyn Smith, an international trainer, presenter and AMI examiner. She holds AMI diplomas at both the 0-3 and 3-6 levels and has more than 25 years of classroom experience, with additional experience serving as a Head of School. She earned B.A. degrees in Japanese Language and Literature, and International Affairs from the University of Colorado and holds a M.Ed. in Montessori Education from Loyola University. Sharlyn enjoys spending time outside; hiking with her dogs, scuba diving and snowboarding. She spends her free time traveling with her family.

Cooperative Master’s of Education Degree Program

Loyola University Maryland's partnership with the Montessori Training Center of St. Louis provides adult learners with the opportunity to complete a M.Ed. degree cooperatively with the AMI diploma. If accepted into the Graduate School at Loyola, adult learners earn 27 credits through the completion of their AMI diplomas. The final 9 credits are completed virtually through Loyola University Maryland. For more information, select the button below.

 
 

Black Montessori Education Fund

The Black Montessori Education Fund provides scholarships for eligible teachers who are pursuing or would like to pursue Montessori teacher training with a MACTE-certified training center or AMI or AMS. Selected applicants will receive $2,000, which can be used toward any course-related cost. Applications open in October 2025. Priority is given to those who are already accepted into a training program.

 
 

Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson Fund

Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson is heralded as one of the greatest interpreters of the principles of Montessori education. In 1960, after studying with Dr. Maria Montessori and her son Mario Montessori, she initiated teacher training in the United States. The MES Fund was established in 2000 by AMI/USA to honor Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson, who devoted her life to Montessori teacher training. The MES Fund is the first national financial aid fund to benefit AMI teacher trainees in the United States. Applications are accepted January 1st – May 1st each year