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:

Entry for the Full Time Course is through CAO Application

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.

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. Further details on the requirements and processes for RPL and RPEL can be found