AMI Recognition Consultations

Many of the consultants are AMI Trainers and others have practical experience in the classroom along with successfully completing the New Consultant Orientation Program. The program these individuals undergo is designed to verify that AMI Consultants possess a thorough knowledge of theory, practical experience with children, and an ability to communicate this theory and practice to others in a manner consistent with Montessori principles. Your assigned consultant’s profile will be forwarded when the visit is confirmed.

• A consultation is required in the first year and at least every three years.

• In some instances, a revisit is required to provide additional support for schools and teachers. A revisit is discussed in advance with the administrator and noted in the written reports.

• New programs and those reapplying after a lapse in recognition must have a consultation prior to the finalization of the recognition process.

• AMI/USA makes the final decision on the consultant assignments. Schools may indicate special needs, if any, but given that consultations are tied closely to AMI Recognition, to avoid a perceived conflict of interest, it is not appropriate for schools to select their consultant.

• A consultation is scheduled to include no more than two classes per day or one all-day class with two trained teachers.
  

• The same consultant will not be scheduled to visit a school more than two consecutive visits.

• Consultations cannot be scheduled when there is a student teacher in the classroom.

• Schools should notify AMI/USA if there are any changes to the application details or consultation request during the planning phase.

The consultation process is divided into three phases: 

• Before the visit—the school’s application, calendar, required fees and the request for consultation must be submitted. Then a confirmation letter will be provided for the school’s signature. Once the visit is confirmed, the survey forms are completed by each teacher and the administrator and sent to the consultant at least 2 weeks before the visit. 

• On-site visit—includes classroom observation and individual conferences with the administrator and teachers.

• Written reports—sent following the visit.

Please note the consultation may be rescheduled if the forms are not electronically sent to the consultant at least two weeks before the date of the visit. Schools will be responsible for any change fees in transportation.

You may want to have your consultant share their experience and knowledge while they are available to the school by scheduling additional special events. All special events carry an additional fee; therefore it is important that there is clarity between the consultant and the school when making these arrangements. See Consultation Fee Information below for more details on fees.

Special events can take the form of:

• Evening presentation to families on topics that may be suggested by the school

• Teacher workshop or staff meeting

Special events must be arranged and confirmed in advance; you may schedule a special event on the request for consultation form. Special events are often scheduled on another day than the consultation and may require an additional night’s lodging.

For ages 12-18, there is a level meeting included in the consultation format for this age level only. An additional Teacher Workshop/Staff Meeting can be requested for the 12-18 level.

All-day classes: An all-day class is one that offers extended hours, both in the morning and late afternoon, during which the children remain in their Montessori environment, working under the guidance of two overlapping AMI trained teachers. Consultations for all-day classes consist of a full-day visit per classroom including individual conferences with each teacher and a joint meeting with both teachers. Children should be in their own classrooms with their teachers for the entire school day.

Consultation schedule: Consultants will observe the morning work cycle and only the initial portion of an afternoon class, then begin the teacher conferences mid-afternoon. Schools need to make sure there is an adult available to take the place of the classroom teacher to allow for this schedule.

Extended day: It is recommended that all three and four year old children who remain at school throughout the afternoon be included in the afternoon work period when they are not napping.

Programs due for consultations and revisits are identified by AMI/USA each summer. Details regarding the Application for AMI Recognition including the Request for Consultation are sent to schools. New and rejoining programs should contact the AMI/USA office to be added to the mailing list and if there are any questions. Once the application for recognition with a request for consultation and payment of fees are received, the scheduling of the consultation will begin.

It is important to complete the forms with accurate information for the coming year. Please note the number of classes is very important. If you are requesting any special events such as a parent talk or staff workshop, that should be included on this form also.

Contact continues throughout the summer and fall to schedule visits as consultants determine their availability. The following are taken into consideration when developing the overall schedule:

• availability of consultants

• size of the school and number of classes

• individual and special needs of all schools

• geographic location

It is important to note that scheduling is a complex process, and we strive to determine a suitable match for each school. Most consultants are qualified to consult at one level (Assistants to Infancy, Primary, Elementary, or Adolescent), therefore schools may have three or even four different consultants scheduled. AMI/USA schedules more than 100 visits each year. We appreciate your flexibility and cooperation throughout this process.

Preliminary agreement of the dates and consultant will be followed by written confirmation, which includes the consultant profile and contact information. At this point, the consultation is also confirmed in writing with the consultant. It is very important to be aware that confirmation is a firm commitment.

AMI/USA will provide survey forms electronically for each teacher and the administrator. These forms offer an opportunity for teachers to reflect on their classrooms and provide valuable information for the consultant. Please note the consultation may be rescheduled if the forms are not electronically sent to the consultant at least two weeks before the date of the visit. Schools will be responsible for any costs that arise due to rescheduling.

The on-site visit includes an overall environmental observation, individual classroom observations, and individual conferences with each classroom teacher and the administrator. The daily observation and teacher conference schedule are planned with the consultant in advance.

Consultants visiting levels with non-AMI trained teachers will observe in these classes and give general comments. Since AMI/USA school consultants are not in a position to critique non-AMI training, a full report without requirements will be submitted to the school and teacher.

The level report and individual teacher reports documenting the consultant’s visit, including observations, recommendations, and noted requirements, are sent to the school administrator within approximately four weeks of the visit. Copies are permanently filed in the AMI/USA office. AMI/USA recommends that the pertinent comments in the level report be shared with the teachers. Schools will be contacted if the status changes as a result of the consultation visit. 

Because the consultant is traveling to your city and is usually unfamiliar with the location, it is important to make the transition an easy one so that they may relax and concentrate on their responsibilities to your school. Attention to details such as transportation to and from the airport, and comfortable, quiet lodging, including a restaurant with availability of breakfast and internet access, must be considered when planning the consultation.

In all instances, hotel accommodations are required to ensure the solitude necessary for the consultant to work and concentrate. Consultants may not stay at the home of a school employee. This is a consultation policy and must be respected. It is the school’s responsibility to make and pay for hotel arrangements in advance of the visit. In addition, if a consultant deems the lodging to be below the requested standard, then the school will be responsible for the costs associated with moving the consultant to a more appropriate location.

Refreshments and meals during the consultant’s visit also need to be provided. Make sure to be aware of and honor any special dietary requests.