In 1980, Dr. Silvana Montanaro, a psychiatrist who had lectured on the Roman courses, integrated the training with current research and brought it to the United States the following year as an AMI diploma course.

Assistants to Infancy students are prepared to work with parents perinatally, assist with the infant at birth, prepare beautiful and responsive environments, work in infant and toddler communities in schools and day care settings, in hospitals - wherever children under age three are found.

June 8, 2009 - July 31,2009

The first summer's work begins with an overview of Montessori theory and practice, following the child's natural development and focusing on the period from conception to age three. Obstetrics, hygiene, and nutrition cover the anatomy and physiology of reproduction, fetal development, birth, health issues, and the puerperium (the first eight weeks after birth). We consider the preparation of supportive and beautiful environments and their adaptation to the child's changing needs; emphasis is on the home and family environment, but easily applied to group settings. During the intervening winter, students complete 250 hours of observation of children from birth to three, at home and in group settings. Each student works with children in either a Nido or Infant Community, and is visited for support and evaluation by a course staff member, either in Denver or at one's own location. Travel and lodging expenses are the student's responsibility.

June 15, 2010 - August 13, 2010

The second summer adds a study of child neuropsychiatry and of environments for children from 12 to 36 months in an Infant Community (out-of-home setting), including appropriate materials and activities.

Evaluation:

The first summer ends with a written examination and conference. Written and oral examinations are given at the end of the second summer - offering an opportunity to consolidate and share what you have learned.