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

Course details

This part-time distance learning 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.

In addition it provides learners with ECCE Level 6 qualification which enables the centre they are working in to qualify for the free preschool year ECCE scheme. This award covers in depth the six main Montessori disciplines:

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

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 QQI Level 6 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education – 6M2007.

Learners will complete a total of 9 modules to achieve this extensive 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.

General Aims of this new Montessori Major Award is 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.
• 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.
• familiarise 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
• 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.
• promote in learners the ability to nurture the holistic development and well-being of the child while valuing diversity and fostering equality and inclusion
• 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.

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
• Early Childhood Curriculum (Montessori Theory and Practice)
• Childhood Social Legal and Health Studies
• Early Childhood Literacy & Numeracy (Montessori Maths & Language)
• Early Childhood Arts and Culture (Montessori Culture)
• Early Learning Environment (Montessori Practical Life and Sensorial)
• Early Learning Philosophy (Montessori Method)
• Work Experience
• Communications
• Personal and Professional Development

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

• Leaving Certificate, Level 5 Certificate in Childcare or equivalent and/or work/life experiences.
• Garda Vetting is required for all Childcare placements and students can apply for this through The Open College.
• Students must currently be working (or on work experience) in the childcare sector for a minimum of 8 hours per week, throughout the course, as assignments will require learners to draw upon practical experience.
• Competent knowledge of English as well as basic typing skills as all assessments need to be typed prior to submission for correction.
• If you take this course by distance learning the course material will be posted to you. You can complete and return assignments/projects which must be typed rather than handwritten either by post or by email.
• As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.
• If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband.
• Learners must be able to attend Exam days as there are certain modules that require supervised examinations to be taken as part of the final Assessments.