Primary/Casa dei Bambini/Children’s House (3-6)

Welcome to the First Children AMI training in Cape Town, South Africa. We are proud to offer a fully certified AMI Diploma Course for educators working with children aged 3 to 6 years old. Rooted in Maria Montessori’s  vision and teachings and adapted for our local context, this course offers a rich, holistic path to becoming an AMI Montessori Primary Guide.

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Overview

This intensive diploma course offers a comprehensive foundation in Montessori theory and practice for the first plane of development. 

Through materials and activities that are designed to support self-directed discovery and learning, students learn how best to support this developmental stage. Studies are organised around Practical Life activities that develop both independence and social skills; Sensorial activities that refine sensory perception; the development of Spoken Language, Writing and Reading skills; and Mathematical activities that develop fundamental mathematical concepts; as well as activities that reflect upon our human understanding of geography, history, biology, science, music, and the arts. The adult in training learns how to guide the children along this journey, helping them become well-adapted individuals, ready to take a positive, pro-social place in their world.

Alongside your academic studies, you will develop hands-on experience with the Montessori materials in a model environment.
 

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Course Structure and Dates

The course is a minimum of 750 hours of onsite training, which includes 140 hours of supervised practice, and is supplemented by independent work and practical experience.
It is delivered in four onsite modules (26 weeks) across two years:

• Module 1: 10 August - 18 September 2026

• Module 2: 1 February - 19 March 2027

• Module 3: 28 June - 6 August 2027

• Module 4: 11 October - 26 November 2027

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In addition, students will complete:

• 170 hours of observation and practice teaching

• Material making, theory assignments, and personal reference albums

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Location

All onsite sessions will take place in the Cape Town region. The exact training venue will be confirmed prior to the start of the course.

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Director of Training

The course is led by BethAnn Slater, AMI-certified 3-6 Trainer, with international experience and Jennifer Moore, a South African with AMI 3-6 Auxiliary Trainer status, both of whom have a strong commitment to supporting diverse communities.

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Qualification

Upon successful completion of all components, students receive the AMI Montessori Primary Diploma (3-6). This diploma is internationally recognised by the Association Montessori Internationale and affirms the authenticity and depth of the training.

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Course Fees

• Application Fee: R 500.00 (non-refundable)

• Tuition Fee: R 69 000.00 (R 34 500 per year; instalments available)
  Students should also plan approximately R 8,000 for course supplies and material-making costs.

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Who Should Apply

This course is ideal for:

• Educators looking to deepen their practice

• Newcomers passionate about Montessori’s humanistic vision

• People committed to expanding access to high-quality education in Southern Africa

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Application Process

The process begins with your expression of interest. From there, we guide you step-by-step—from submitting documents, to an interview, and final registration.