The Washington Montessori Institute offers Assistants to Infancy (0 – 3) training courses accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale, the organization founded by Maria Montessori in 1929 (click here to learn more about Dr. Montessori). This course prepares adults to guide 0-3 year old children in all aspects of development. The first 6 years of life is a critical stage to establish the foundations for a fully developed human being – one who finds deep satisfaction with oneself and possesses the desire and ability to contribute to the betterment of humankind.
Dr. Montessori created a developmental approach that honors the way that the young child naturally learns – through sensorial exploration of the surrounding world. The Assistants to Infancy diploma covers the study of Montessori pedagogy and current medical and psychological approaches to child development from birth to three years of age. Students will engage in classroom based training (in-person and on-line) including lectures and supervised practice, as well as extensive practice in observation of children from birth to three.
Montessori Learning Aims
The learning aims for WMI’s Montessori program are as follows:
- Acquire comprehensive knowledge of Montessori instructional methods and materials appropriate to specific age groups.
- Articulate the relationship of learning at a specific age group to the broader continuum of human development.
- Apply knowledge of the liberal arts to the design of integrated, interdisciplinary curricula.
- Develop the academic, professional, and personal skills to independently direct a Montessori classroom..
- Practice facilitation skills to elicit independent activity and exploration.
- Demonstrate consideration and respect for each child as an intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual being.
- Develop community-building skills based upon a fundamental respect for children and adults.
- Advocate for the rights of all children.
Components of the Course
- Theoretical Foundations: A series of lectures and discussions on Montessori philosophy and various aspects of child development are given by the faculty. Students will use this information as a basis for writing theory essays, supplemented by directed readings of Dr. Montessori’s books.
- Medical/Developmental: Students are immersed in background information on anatomy and physiology, obstetrics, nutrition, hygiene and child health and safety, and child neuropsychiatry.
- Methodology: Includes activities for psycho-sensory development, information on creating a home environment, practical guidance and principles on starting and creating communities for infants and toddlers, and activities for Language, Movement, Music, Art, and Practical Life.
- Hands-on Experience: Regular practice with materials in our model classroom environment is a unique aspect of the AMI training.
- Practical Instruction: Students gain the essential skills needed to guide a group of children within a community setting.
- Observation and Practice Teaching: Students undertake 250 hours of observation of children of different ages, and complete work experience in 0-3 prepared environments..
- Material Making: Students are guided in the art of creating handmade materials.
- Each student crafts illustrated reference albums, and a theory album to guide their future work as an Assistant to Infancy guide.
For more information, please contact us at 202-818-8701 or info@wmi-montessori.org.