Montessori Early Childhood Teaching Diploma  (Two-year part-time course) 

 The accreditation, entry qualifications, syllabus and assessment are identical to the intensive course. The structure of the course differs in that attendance at the centre is on one day a week only, term-times, for a year. This means that a great deal more work must be done in the student’s own time.

The teaching practice is then normally started after the examinations and it may be done on a flexi-time basis (e.g. two/three mornings a week). Depending on the time available, the teaching practice will usually take at least a year part-time.

Accreditation 

This course is accredited by MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education), an international body based in the U.S.A. (see http://www.macte.org/England.htm for details) This is the only Montessori qualification in the U.K. to be accredited in this way.  Re-accreditation was granted in December 2014.

The course was also credit rated by the Open University in 2000.  Students who gained a merit in every subject area were awarded 120 CATS points, which can be used as advanced credit towards a degree. The Open University have now closed their credit transfer department, but the qualification may still be used at many institutions and universiies.

Entry Qualifications 

Candidates who are aged 18-21 years normally require two ‘A’ levels or equivalent (e.g. International Baccalaureate or GNVQ 3). Students without these may be accepted, subject to their being able to demonstrate (via written work and interview) that they could cope successfully with the work. For younger applicants,  good school reference is required and, preferably, evidence of satisfactory work experience with children.

Mature students are accepted on the basis of their personal qualities and experience. No specific examination passes are required, but an appropriate ability with the English language must be demonstrated.

Syllabus 

The following topics are included in the course:

The Child’s Environment ~ Life Skills ~ The Task of the Teacher ~ Educating the Senses ~ Observing Children ~ Teaching about the World ~ Language ~ How Children Think and Learn ~ Child Development ~ Creative Work ~ Early Mathematics ~ Teaching Practice ~ Nursery Management.

Course Structure 

Students attend the centre in Chiddingstone two days a week, in term times only, for a year. The  other two and a half/three days a week are spent either working in a Montessori setting, or doing work experience in a Montessori nursery, which will be arranged (as far as possible) to be near the student’s home.

Award of the Diploma 

The Diploma is awarded on satisfactory attendance (minimum 90%) and completion of the course, which is assessed by:

• Written coursework, set throughout the course
• Production of reference files on the practical materials
• Detailed observations of children
• Making of language and cultural teaching materials
• A three hour written examination
• An individual practical examination
• Satisfactory completion of 400 hours practice teaching
• Visits to oversee the teaching practice
• Additional coursework, based on the practical experience

For further details contact us