AMI Montessori for Dementia, Disability and Ageing Introductory Workshop

2 Day In-Person Introductory Workshop

This 2 day in-person AMI Workshop is a practical introduction to applying Montessori principles in aged care, dementia, disability, community and home settings.

Course Description

The AMI Montessori for Dementia, Disability and Ageing Introductory Workshop over 2 days introduces participants to the application of Montessori principles in the lives of older adults and people living with dementia or disability.

Montessori is often first encountered in early childhood and school settings, but its principles also offer a respectful and practical way to support dignity, independence, choice and meaningful engagement across the whole of life.

This workshop explores how the prepared adult, the prepared environment, observation and purposeful activity can support participation, confidence and quality of life in care, community and home settings. It invites participants to look beyond diagnosis or dependency and to consider the person’s abilities, interests, preferences, history and potential for contribution.

Who Is This Workshop For?

This workshop is suitable for anyone supporting older adults or people living with dementia or disability, including aged care professionals, disability support workers, nurses, allied health professionals, lifestyle and activity coordinators, administrators, Montessori educators, family members and care partners or those just interested in this purposeful approach to care.

The workshop is open to all adults. There are no prerequisites. No previous Montessori training is required.

Why This Workshop Matters

The way we prepare environments, communicate, offer choice and support daily participation can profoundly affect a person’s confidence and quality of life as well as their ability for self-care and contribution.

A Montessori approach to dementia, disability and ageing helps us to ask different questions. Rather than focusing only on what a person can no longer do, it invites us to consider what remains possible, what is meaningful, and how we can support the person to participate with dignity and purpose.

What You Will Explore

Across the two days, participants will be introduced to key Montessori principles and their application in dementia, disability and ageing contexts including:

• dignity, independence and choice
• seeing the person beyond diagnosis
• observation as a tool for understanding the person
• the role of the prepared adult
• the prepared environment
• meaningful activity and purposeful engagement
• communication and cueing
• supporting participation in daily life
• creating opportunities for contribution and belonging
• practical ways to support confidence, wellbeing and independence

Workshop Certificate

Participants who attend the full workshop will receive the AMI Montessori for Dementia, Disability and Ageing Introductory Workshop Certificate (90% attendance required).

Fees

Workshop fee: AU $450 + GST

Instalment payment plans are available to all participants with your choice of several plans between 3 and 6 months on a monthly or fortnightly basis depending on timing of enrolment.

Group bookings are available for organisations with 6 or more participants. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss group pricing.

How to Register

Participants can register online by completing the Registration Form here:

Breaks and Refreshments

Breaks for lunch and tea are built into the schedule.  Participants are welcome to enjoy their lunch in the communal space at the Training Centre. While food is not provided, complimentary tea and coffee will be available throughout the day. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch and snacks with them, or to visit one of the nearby cafes within walking distance.

Qualification Authorising Body

The Workshop Certificate is awarded by Association Montessori Internationale.

AMI is a worldwide leader in authentic Montessori education and its training is acknowledged internationally for its rigour and authenticity.

The AMI Montessori for Dementia, Disability and Ageing 12-hour Workshop Certificate does not form part of the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Further Study – Certified Practitioner Pathway

Participants who complete the Workshop may choose to continue to the AMI Montessori for Dementia, Disability and Ageing Certified Practitioner Certificate for an additional fee via SMTC to become an AMI MDDA Certified Practitioner.

The Certified Practitioner pathway involves applying Montessori principles in a real care, community or home setting. Participants complete additional practice work, which may include observation, preparation of the environment, development of meaningful roles and activities, implementation of Montessori approaches, case study documentation, reflection on practice, and evidence of implementation.

This further study is designed for those wishing to develop and implement Montessori practices within an aged care, disability, dementia, community or home-based settings. To discuss the Certified Practitioner pathway via SMTC, please email us at [email protected].