For an educational program to be considered “Montessori”, it must meet several criteria. First, at a minimum, multi-age groups are needed to promote peer learning. Then long and uninterrupted cycles of working time are needed to allow the child to achieve concentration. It is supervised by professionals, called educators or assistants, that the child can be accompanied in his/her awakening and learning.
Finally, he/she has access, when he/she wishes, to a complete set of equipment specifically designed and meticulously arranged in a pleasant environment. These four characteristics are recognized as the pillars of Montessori education by the Association Montessori France. Created in 1950, the AMF is affiliated with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) created by Maria Montessori in 1929.