Adv. Montessori with ECCE Major Award – (QQI Level 6)

The Montessori parts of the course train the learners to educate children in a way that gives them the best possible foundation for life.

“Maria Montessori’s goal was to develop the whole personality of the child and her system is based on her strong belief in the spontaneous working of the human intellect. The main principle of Dr. Montessori’s method is that the child learns by himself from experiences within the classroom. The role of the teacher is to prepare the classroom so as to maximise the benefits of the experiences within it”.

While the Early Childhood Care and Education parts provide an opportunity for the Learner to gain and understand a range of theories in relation to child development and be able to implement a range of activities that will promote physical, social, emotional, intellectual development in children from 0-6 years.

Learners will be taught communication skills in both the written word and the spoken word as it is important to be able to communicate effectively with children, their families and colleagues in an effective, caring and professional manner.

They will learn how to respond appropriately to the care and educational needs of children of different ages, stages, interests and abilities, taking account of diversity and promoting equality and inclusion. The learner will be provided with detailed tutoring that both embraces and compliments the themes of Aistear and the philosophy of Maria Montessori.

It is essential that practitioners understand other approaches to curricula so that they can embrace a variety of philosophies and weave certain aspects or thinking into their work. Wherever our students decide to work they will be able to apply knowledge gained during this course that will ensure the safety and well-being of all children and their families.

Mandatory – All of the following components:

• Child Development (6N1942)*
• Early Childhood Curriculum (Montessori & Practice) (6N1944)
• Childhood Social Legal and Health Studies (6N1945)
• Work Experience (6N1946)
• Communications (6N1950)or Personal and Professional Development (6N1949)

Elective Modules – A minimum of three of the following modules / components must be completed to achieve the full QQI Major Award – 6M2007.

However due to Montessori industry feedback we recommend that a learner completes all four modules as it will provide the learner with all Montessori methods that the industry is looking for. Completing all four incurs no extra cost.

• Early Learning Philosophy (Montessori Method) (6N1932)*
• Early Learning Environment (Montessori Practical Life and Sensorial) (6N1933)
• Early Childhood Literacy & Numeracy (Montessori Maths & Language) (6N1935)
• Early Childhood Arts and Culture (Montessori Culture) (6N1936)

*Students taking these modules will have to sit an examination (€50.00) that is normally held in Dublin but arrangements can be made in outside centres around the country. This can be paid before exam dates and is not required upon enrolment.