Montessori Orientation Certificate Course for Ages 3-6 years

This course is an introduction to Maria Montessori’s educational theory and practice for children
in the Primary (3-6) level. It is designed for classroom assistants, teachers, administrators, parent
educators, parents, and anyone interested in the Montessori approach to education.
Through lectures, discussion, observation, and assignments, participants will complete the
course with a solid introduction to Montessori Philosophy, as well as practical suggestions for
implementation. This course is an ideal foundation for those who may be interested in taking the AMI
3-6 Diploma Course. Participants who meet course requirements are eligible for the AMI 3-6 Orientation
Course Certificate.
Presented by AMI Trainer: Rhonda Lucas-Sabater
Rhonda began her Montessori journey as a parent and later decided to take the training to become a Montessori guide. She did her Primary (2007) and Elementary (2006) training at the Washington Montessori Institute Loyola University in Maryland, obtaining her master’s degree in Education. She took the AMI Assistants to Infancy (2009) training at The Montessori Institute in Denver and the AMI Orientation to Adolescence (2014) at the Hershey Farm School in Ohio. Over the course of her career, she worked as an Elementary guide, a Primary guide, and an Assistants to Infancy guide. She is also trained in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at the 3-6 level. Rhonda is the co-founder of a public charter Montessori school in Washington, DC where she served as the principal for three years. She is also a founding partner at Nsoroma Montessori Consulting, providing coaching, classes and workshops for parents and Montessori professionals as well as pioneering a Montessori Kindezi (babysitting) class for teenagers and young adults. As a mother of five, Rhonda brings her passion for children and commitment to authentic Montessori practice and the spiritual development of the child to her mission of helping Montessori become a household name around the world. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and doing arts and crafts.
July 13 – August 7, 2026
Monday to Friday
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
Tuition Tiers by Region:


| Enrollment Tier | Regional Coverage | Tuition |
| CARICOM National | 15 Core Island Nations | $200 |
| CARICOM Associate | Associate Member States | $400 |
| International | USVI, US Mainland, & All Others | $700 |
Course Highlights:
- Requirements: 40 hours of Zoom webinars, 9 hours of observation, 3 papers (500 words each), 90% class attendance on Zoom, 20 hours of independent self-paced work, to be completed by August 7, 2026
- Book List: The Absorbent Mind, The Secret of Childhood, The Child in the Family, What You Should Know About Your Child
- Plus additional self-paced work. All assignments and course requirements are due by the end date of the course, August 7, 2026. Essay no. 3 is due Monday August 10, 2026.
What You’ll Learn:
- General Course Program: Introduction to Montessori, Four planes of development, Absorbent mind, Sensitive periods, Prepared environment, Independence, Maintaining the environment (indoor & outdoor), Freedom & discipline, Observation, Role of the guide/adult/teacher, Language: development of & supporting of, Social development, Role of the assistant, Order ~ Movement, Music & art, Grace & courtesy/classroom management, Material making
- General Course Activities: Watching videos, Reading from Dr. Montessori’s work, Written reflections, Three 500-word essays (500 words minimum each), Independent observation activities, Discussion boards

