AMI 0-6 Orientation Course (Virtual)
Fall 2026
(Pending AMI Approval)
The 0 - 6 Orientation Courses gives an in-depth overview of human development and its needs between birth through six years of age. Course participants gain an understanding of the nature of the child and how to support the foundation of early childhood development. It takes a village to aid a single child's development so the entire village will benefit from learning the developmental needs of the child. This Orientation Course is a great option for administrators, caregivers, classroom assistants, and educators in non-AMI environments who want to learn more.
Orientation Courses lay a strong groundwork for further study, such as an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Diploma Course. Individuals that successfully complete this Orientation Course and are accepted into the Assistants to Infancy (A to I) or the Primary (3-6) Diploma Program will receive a $500 credit toward their enrollment fee.
There is no prerequisite required to take an AMI Orientation Course.
Successful completion of all course components will result in an AMI 0 - 6 Orientation Course Certificate.
Course Schedule
All class components will be virtual
The online modules take place on Saturdays from September 12 – October 10, 2026. Course time will be from 9AM-4PM CST.
Requirements to Receive a Certificate of Completion
Individuals interested in receiving an AMI 0 - 6 Orientation Course Certificate must meet the following requirements:
30 Hours Online, Synchronous work
30 Hours Asynchronous Work
9 Hours of Observation
3 Written Essays
90% Attendance
Discussions
Material Making (Determined by the parameters of the group)
Required readings
Individuals may enroll in the course and select a non-Certificate option. Non-Certificate attendees do not need to meet the above requirements.
Course Cost and Registration
The cost of this course is $950 per participant.
Meet Your Trainers
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.
Lakshmi Shekhar is AMI certified at the assistants to infancy, primary and elementary environments and has more than 18 years of classroom experience in private and charter schools. Lakshmi is the founding guide of the Children's House at the Montessori Lab School at Grand Center. She holds a master's degree in English Literature.
“Let us give the children a vision of the whole universe.”