Nurturing one child at a time

EDUCATION QUALITY

AMI REGOGNITION

The Montessori method was introduced over a hundred years ago in 1906 in Rome, Italy by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator acclaimed for her work with children.  Named after her, the Montessori method builds on children’s own ability to learn through sensorial exploration and self-discovery.

Dr. Montessori wanted her work to benefit all the children around the world, and as such, she did not think to protect her work or trademark her name.  Sadly today, many schools are called Montessori even when they do not follow the Montessori method, making it difficult to identify schools that provide quality and authentic Montessori education.

To help identify schools that provide quality Montessori education, in Canada, the Association Montessori Internationale (Canada) introduced and maintains two programs for Montessori schools – the AMI Certificate of Recognition (An AMI Recognized School) and AMI Montessori Quality Assurance (AMI Member School).

Of the two, the AMI Recognition is the highest accreditation granted by the AMI for schools practicing authentic Montessori methodology as established by Dr. Maria Montessori. It validates the school’s commitment to offering quality Montessori education –  ie., its curriculum, environment, and teaching practices meet all the AMI criteria that support the full development of a child.  These are the only schools authorized by AMI to identify themselves as “AMI schools” or “AMI Recognized” in Canada.

Dr. Maria Montessori, The Founder of the Montessori Method of Education (1870 - 1952)

ASSOCIATION OF MONTESSORI INTERNATIONALE (AMI)

Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) was founded in 1929.  It was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, along with her son Mario, to maintain and promote her method of teaching (pedagogy) and make it available to children worldwide.  Based now in Amsterdam, Netherlands, AMI continues to promote Dr. Maria Montessori’s work around the world.

AMI is distinguished for training teachers to become experts at following the Montessori principles and nurturing children towards holistic development. In Canada, AMI is governed by Association Montessori Internationale (Canada).


REQUIREMENTS FOR AMI RECOGNITION

Each classroom shall meet the Essential Characteristics of AMI Environments that support the full development of the human being:

  • Teacher and Assistants: One trained AMI Directress per class and the minimum number of non-teaching assistants as allowed by government regulations
  • Program length: 5 days per week for Casa and a minimum of 4 consecutive days per week for Toddlers
  • Materials: Contain a full set of recognized Montessori materials as per AMI teacher’s training.
  • Age mix: Full range of 3 to 6 years for Casa and 1.5 to 3 years for Toddler
  • Class size: not intentionally less than 28 children for Casa and 12 children for Toddlers (except when establishing a new class or limited by government regulations)
  • Uninterrupted work cycles: 3-hour morning work cycle and 2-3 hour afternoon work cycle each day for Casa and a minimum 2-hour work cycle each day for Toddlers
  • Staff Development: Commitment to ongoing staff development through attendance at AMI workshops, conferences, and refresher courses
  • Maintaining Accreditation: Review of programs for compliance by an AMI consultant every three years

WE ARE PURSUING AMI RECOGNITION

Our previous school, Church Street Montessori in Aurora that we merge with KinderHaus, was the first school in York Region to receive AMI Recognition.

KinderHaus follows authentic Montessori curriculum and adheres to all AMI guidelines.  We are in the process of obtaining our AMI Recognition.  

Logo of KinderHaus Montessori in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Nurturing one child at a time
90 Lake Ave., Richmond Hill,
Ontario L4E 3G3
khm@KinderHaus.ca

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