For the first time, an AMI Montessori teacher training course focusing on the child from birth – 3 years will be offered in Arizona! For a number of years, the Montessori community has asked for training opportunities for individuals who are raising and working with these youngest children. We are very excited that we are able to offer a full AMI Diploma 0-3 Course during the 2019-2020 year!
Course Format:
This course will be held in three blocks of time. During those blocks of time classes will be held daily from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Block 1: 3 weeks August 19 – September 7
Block 2: 5 weeks January 14 – February 13
Block 3: 9 weeks June 1 – August 7
During the time between the Blocks, students will be expected to complete Observation and Practice Teaching hours.
What will be covered?
Participants will engage in an in-depth look at early childhood development, to better understand the young children in their care. This will include a review of important topics such as:
- anatomy and physiology of the young child;
- neurological development and the nature of the child’s absorbent mind;
- the sensitive periods the child experiences at this age;
- ways to support the child’s developing movement and coordination
You will also gain an understanding of Montessori’s pedagogy and practice as it relates to this age group. This will include
anoverview of such topics as:
- creating an environment that is tailored to support the needs of infants and toddlers – both at home and at school
- Montessori’s philosophy of freedom and discipline, and how best to support the child in cultivating their own self-control
- supporting the young child in his quest for independence
- cultivating the skill of observation of young children, in order to better understand their needs and to individualize your course of action for each particular child
We will review practical considerations related to raising and working with young
children, including:
- toileting independence
- nutrition and hygiene, and how we use food as an educational activity
- how to set and consistently enforce limits
You will participate in some material making sessions, and will leave the course with items that can be immediately used with young children in your care.
Meet the trainer: Gabriela Velazquez
Gabriela’s Montessori journey began as a child. Her mother was a Montessori teacher, so she grew up attending Montessori schools in Mexico. It was only natural that upon reaching adulthood that she also decided to pursue a career in Montessori education. After completing her degree in Early Childhood Education, she earned the AMI Assistance to Infancy diploma. She would go on to work for more than 20 years in Montessori schools in Mexico and the United States.
Gabriela completed the demanding AMI Training of Trainers program to be named an AMI Trainer at the level of 0-3 Assistants to infancy. She has worked on 0-3 teacher-training courses in Denver and Taiwan. She recently presented an 0-3 Assistant Certificate course here in Phoenix. She serves as a lecturer, consultant and national examiner for AMI.
