Higher Certificate in Arts in Early Years Montessori Education

Course details

The Higher Certificate in Arts in Early Years Montessori Education programme is designed for those who wish to embark on a career working with children, or those practitioners who wish to up-skill to a Level 6 qualification. As well as providing the core competence, skills and knowledge for working with children within the Síolta and Aistear frameworks, this programme will provide a pedagogical foundation in Montessori philosophy and practice.

Research has indicated that exposure to a programme with a strong pedagogical basis in the first five years of life is highly advantageous to the child. Parents and employers continue to look for excellence in early years’ care and education. This programme equips the graduate to provide quality care, education and professional practice.

Core Streams / Modules

• Montessori Infancy and Emergent Curriculum (ages 0 – 6)
• Montessori and Comparative Philosophies
• Playing to Learn
• Sociology of Childhoody
• Special Education
• Policy - Health, Safety and Nutrition; Child Protection; National and International ECEC policy
• Developmental and Social Psychology
• Academic Writing and ICT Skills
• Gaeilge and the Arts (Visual Arts and Children’s Literature)
• Supervised Practice/School Placement

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate – five Ds in ordinary level subjects to include English or Maths, or other equivalent Level 5 award. All applicants are required to present for interview. Entry is subject to full Garda vetting clearance.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

The College recognises that many practitioners working in the field of ECEC may already have prior learning, which may have been acquired through other programmes or through experience. Under its Recognition of Prior Learning policy, it is possible for the College to recognise this learning, provided it demonstrates the prior achievement of learning outcome. Through this policy, it may be possible to complete the programme within a shorter timeframe.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants to this programme must meet normal HETAC requirements for entry to a level 7 programme.

• Learners presenting with Leaving Certificate are required to have obtained a minimum of a D3 grade in at least 5 ordinary subjects, including Maths and English.
• Applicants may apply under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning, (RPEL), and are considered on a case by case basis.
• Applicants wishing to apply to the course using RPL and or RPEL must inform the College at the time of application.

Entry to the PART TIME programme is by Direct Application to the College

What you will need to apply by Direct Application:

Download the below form for Higher Certificate in Arts in Early Years Montessori Education

Completed application form below (BLOCK CAPITALS)

3 x passport photographs, signed on back.

Leaving Certificate results (or letter stating that your results are pending)

Any other course awards you may have obtained.

Applications should be submitted to:

Ms Mary Scaggs, Admissions Officer, Saint Nicholas Montessori College Ireland, 16 Adelaide Street, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

• Applicants may apply under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning, (RPEL), and are considered on a case by case basis.
• Applicants wishing to apply to the course using RPL and or RPEL must inform the College at the time of application.