2 Years + 13 Saturdays

The College of Progressive Education programmes are Validated by FETAC under the new Common Award System.
Learners who have partially completed a level 5 or 6 award & wish to complete their Major Award may apply for exemptions for each old module they have completed up to a maximum of 7. Learners must complete at least one of the new modules. There is a time limit on this process of March 2014.

This programme has been specifically designed for learners who wish to pursue a career as a montessori teacher for children in the age range 3-6 years. In addition it provides learners with the all important ECCE Level 6 qualification which enables the centre they are working in to qualify for the free pre school year ECCE scheme. This award covers in depth the six main montessori disciplines:

Theory & Practice, Practical Life, Mathematics, Language, Sensorial and Culture.

Learners should be aware that this award is made up of 8 modules however they are equivalent to the work of 10 modules. i.e. 6 Montessori disciplines and 4 ECCE components. The College Certificate will provide the learner with a training transcript which highlights the areas covered.

Learners can choose to do 4 modules initially which cover the Montessori disciplines and then return and complete the other 4 modules to achieve the ECCE Level 6 major award. The whole progamme will take 18 months to complete.

Course Syllabus

The Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education FETAC Level 6 - 6M2007 is the latest major award under the new Common Awards System. It is made up of eight component certificates each carrying a value of 15 credits giving a total of 120 credits for the whole award. The College validated ECCE with Montessori programme uses the following component certificates from this major award:
 

Component Title	Category	FETAC Code
Child Development	Mandatory	6N1942
Early Childhood Curriculum (Montessori Theory and Practice)	Mandatory	6N1944
Childhood Social Legal and Health Studies	Mandatory	6N1945
Work Experience	Mandatory	6N1946
Communications	Mandatory	6N1950
Early Learning Environment  (Montessori Practical Life and Sensorial)	Elective	6N1933
Early Childhood Literacy and Numeracy (Montessori Maths and Language)	Elective	6N1935
Early Childhood arts and Culture (Montessori Culture)	Elective	6N1936

Programme Profile

The ECCE with Montessori programme will enable learners to work as autonomous practitioners in an ECCE setting providing them with a broad range of theories and practice in Early Childhood Care and Education in addition to a comprehensive knowledge of the Montessori Method of Education for children in the age range 3- 6 years. Learners will also acquire the knowledge to help them lead and supervise others in the provision of quality early childhood care and education, with emphasis on the Montessori Method of Education philosophy and curriculum. The programme leads to the FETAC Level 6 award 6M2007 Early Childhood Care and Education. Learners will complete a total of 8 modules to achieve the award and will be equipped with all the knowledge, skill and competence to deliver the Montessori educational method to children in the Early Childhood Care and Education setting.

Qualifications

Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education FETAC Level 6 - 6M2007
Certificate in ECCE with Montessori Level 6 (The College of Progressive Education)

Who should participate in this course?

The programme will cater for a variety of adult learners with a minimum Level 5 Certificate/ Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate standard of education. Some learners will have completed a Level 5 award in Early Childhood Care and Education previously and may have experience in working in ECCE settings but this will not be mandatory. The participants will range from school leavers with no previous experience in the ECCE sector to more mature adults with relevant life or work experience. Those with previous experience may have worked in pre-schools or crèches and wish to specialize in the Montessori education method and to take a leadership role in the Montessori school setting, in particular. Younger participants will tend to complete the programme by the full-time method. Some mature adults will be seeking new career opportunities or be working in the home These will tend to opt for the part-time learning route to achieving the award. The programme will be open to both male and female learners although male participants will be in the minority. It will also attract learners from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

General Aims

To equip learners with a sound understanding of child development theory and observation methodologies which will enable the learners to apply this knowledge in work practice through observing, recording and making recommendations relating to children’s holistic development.
To equip learners with a knowledge of a wide range of educational theorists and philosophies and with an in-depth knowledge of Montessori philosophy and methods.
To familiarize learners with a variety of curriculum materials including knowledge of the purpose of a broad range of Montessori materials and to equip them with the skills to support children’s learning in an ECCE setting
To ensure learners can plan, implement and evaluate a Montessori programme and environment suitable for a child in an ECCE setting, with reference to the Aistear framework and Siolta principles.
To familiarize learners with an overview of the Irish statutory, legal and healthcare systems and supports available to children and families, with emphasis on the area of child protection and adherence to national guidelines in this area.
To promote in learners the ability to nurture the holistic development and well-being of the child while valuing diversity and fostering equality and inclusion
To ensure learners understand the concepts of professional conduct, responsibility and autonomy and to facilitate learners in establishing an effective working environment and relationships when acting in a supervisory role in an ECCE setting.
To enable learners to reflect critically on personal and professional practice and to take responsibility for own professional development.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Level 5 Certificate/ Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate / relevant life or work experience. Full-time students subject to interview. Competence in written and spoken English essential.

Work Experience

Learners are required to obtain a minimum of 120 hours work experience during the course and are expected to carry out some of the assignments in the workplace.

Assessment Method

Continuous Assessment including Work-Based Assignments, Projects, Skills Demonstrations, Learner Records, Portfolio of Work and Teaching Manual

Duration

2 years + 13 Saturdays

Further Studies

Early Years Degree programme in a third level College - Level 7 or 8
Certificate in Creche Management - FETAC Level 6 BMANX major award
Progression to further education Montessori (6-12 Years) with the Montessori Education Centre in North Great Georges Street, Portobello Institute or St Nicholas
 

Career Options

Montessori teacher (3-6 Years)
Montessori Teacher (3-6 Years) - ECCE Setting