Key Facts
Please note this programme is not on the CAO and learners should apply directly to Chevron College
Why choose this QQI Level 6 Montessori course
This Specific Purpose Certificate in The Montessori Approach in Contemporary ELC, is a comprehensive training programme at Level 6 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), specifically designed to equip aspiring educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field of Early Learning & Care, with a Montessori focus.
This Montessori course offers an exciting curriculum that combines theoretical understanding with practical application, preparing participants to become proficient Montessori Educators. Through a blend of interactive lectures, workshops, and a suite of practical demonstrations, learners will develop a deep understanding of Montessori principles and pedagogy, while also ensuring adherence with the curriculum and quality frameworks of Aistear & Síolta. Upon successful completion of the level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in The Montessori Approach in Contemporary ELC, learners will be well-prepared to pursue fulfilling careers as Montessori Educators in a variety of early learning and care settings, making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young children and their families.
The programme is comprised of four mandatory modules, enabling the learner to develop the knowledge, skills and competences required to work as a Montessori Educator in an ELC setting, directing the provision of Montessori pedagogy in a quality early learning and care environment.
How does the online course work
Once enrolled, you will receive an email containing your log in details to your online learning platform to start your course. Before your modules are released, you will need to complete a student support module which will give you an overview on topics such as IT skills, Assistive technology, navigate your way through the online learning platform, how to submit your assignments online, study skills, goals, mindfulness, academic writing skills, harvard referencing and supports available at Chevron College. All course materials such as notes, assignment briefs, garda vetting and insurance documents are contained within the online learning platform. No exams are required as all your course work will be continuous assessment. Each week you will be provided with course content to study in your own time and pace. Deadlines will be in place to submit your assignments. 4 scheduled virtual online evening webinars will take place every few weeks. Webinars are also recorded if you cannot attend.
Tutor Support
You can contact your tutor by email, request a call back and for that extra peace of mind, obtain feedback on your assignments. Your tutor is available Monday to Friday 9-5:30pm.
If students are struggling to understand weekly content they can post a question to the support forum and their lecturer will post a response to their query. Lecturers also have Open Zoom meetings each week so students can pop in to have a chat about module content if they so wish.
The Studies Advisor is available to support students with areas including academic writing, referencing skills and to develop a realistic study schedule for each module.
During Professional Practice Placement students will be supported by both their Chevron Supervisor and Placement Mentor.
Protection for learners
In compliance with Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 Part 6, where Chevron College offers training programmes of 3 months duration or more, Learner Protection cover is in place via relevant financial product, should Chevron College cease to provide QQI programmes before learners have completed awards.
Course modules
Module 1 – The Montessori Method in ELC
This module enables learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to promote the use of the principles and practices of the Montessori Method of education in an ELC setting. This module is grounded in the philosophy that each child is a unique individual with the capacity to learn and develop at their own pace, supported by a prepared environment that nurtures a child’s innate curiosity, independence, and love for learning, in order to guide the child, on their developmental learning journey to reach their full potential.
Module 2 – Montessori Practical Life and Sensorial Education in ELC
This module equips learners with an in-depth understanding of the development of Dr. Maria Montessori’s curricular areas of Practical Life and Sensorial Education, within the Early Learning & Care environment. Learners will develop competency in selecting and utilising practical life and sensorial materials in order to support children’s learning and development, both directly and indirectly.
Module 3 – Montessori Language & Maths in ELC
This module explores the Montessori principles, materials and activities associated with teaching language and maths to young children. This module compares the Montessori principles to the relevant national frameworks in ELC, to enable the educator to deliver a child-centred maths and language rich curriculum.
Module 4 – Montessori Culture in ELC
This module explores the Montessori principles, materials and activities associated with providing a culturally responsive pedagogy. This module further compares the Montessori principles to the relevant national frameworks and guidelines in ELC, to enable the educator to deliver a diverse, culturally rich curriculum, incorporating the areas of culture, arts, botany, zoology, history, geography and science.
Course details
- +Duration:
- 4 terms of 8 weeks each, one module completed per term
- +Course structure:
Module Name Assessment Instrument Percentage of Total Module The Montessori Method in ELC Project Skills Demonstration
50% 50%
Montessori Practical Life and Sensorial Education in ELC Assignment Skills Demonstration
40% 60%
Montessori Language and Maths in ELC Assignment Skills Demonstration
40% 60%
Montessori Culture in ELC Assignment Skills Demonstration
40% 60%
- +Programme Objectives:
- To capture the essence of Montessori education and its impact on early learning and care, fostering a well-rounded and enriching experience for young children.
- To cultivate a nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environment rooted in Montessori principles, fostering each child’s unique potential.
- To develop a pedagogy of self-awareness and reflective practice, understanding the significance of these reflections in creating an environment that respects and nurtures each child’s individuality.
- To empower early years educators to cultivate authentic connections, foster meaningful relationships, and build effective partnerships within the Montessori early learning and care context.
Who should enrol?
This programme is designed for learners working with children between the ages of 0 to six years in Tusla registered early years services and have opportunities to apply the Montessori philosophy.
Target learners include Early Years Educators from level 5 and up, who wish to gain specific knowledge of the Montessori philosophy.
Work Experience
Learners are required to have access to a early years setting to complete practical tasks.
Entry Requirements
Learners will be expected to have a minimum NFQ level 5 major award in ECCE/ELC or equivalent. Minimum English language and literacy competence at entry to the embedded awards for speakers of English as a second language is B2 in writing, reading, listening, and speaking. Learners who have no recognised English language proficiency qualification may also be directed to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) which is an international standard for describing language ability. Learners will be required to possess a proficiency in I.T. Skills (Web Research and Word Processing Skills, etc.).
Teaching and learning strategy
All students entering this degree programme complete an intensive induction process. This induction prepares the novice learner to transition successfully to study in an online Higher Education environment. Our tailored induction process is comprised of a 1:1 induction meeting and skills session with their personal Studies Advisor. This 1:1 induction session will teach the student how to access our virtual learning environment and how to use zoom. These sessions are tailored to meet the needs of individual students. At Chevron College we are aware that IT skills vary between students. These sessions are therefore designed to meet each student at their own level. By the end of this 1:1 session each student will have learned how to access our VLE and online zoom meetings. All students will therefore have developed the skills to participate in the intensive 4 day class induction sessions.
The four induction sessions for the class group take place during the month prior to course commencement. At these sessions, students will be introduced to their course tutors and their class community. These sessions will teach students the skills required to succeed in an online Higher Education environment where continuous active engagement with resources and formative assessments is required. Students will learn academic writing and presentation skills. They will learn critical reading writing and thinking skills and they will learn how to conduct literature searches. These sessions teach the students the foundational thinking and IT skills required to participate in our blended learning degree programme.
Each semester runs for 12 weeks; students study 2 modules each semester. Students should allocate a minimum of 10 hours per week for each module.The weekly module content is released on the Virtual Learning Environment on a Monday morning at 6am. Each week there is a recorded lecture, a workshop/webinar and an Educational Action to complete for each module.
The lectures function to provide a content overview of the week’s learning and establish the expected aims and learning outcomes as well as the criteria for measuring their achievement. During the lecture key concepts, ideas and theories are introduced and contextualised. This reinforces the relevance of the material for the students with the use of examples
The workshops and webinars function to support students to investigate, question and develop critical thinking skills about the weekly topics. Students are supported to take part in active discovery within their class community. This supports students to develop their Higher Order Thinking Skills and to apply these ways of thinking and practicing to Case Studies, Problem Solving Scenarios and Ethical Dilemmas. The skills required to perform educational actions for example writing skills, analysis, using info-graphics, evaluation of a source etc are also scaffolded during the workshops/webinars.
Each week students are required to complete an educational action. This provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned. If they take part students are provided with feedback and feedforward on performance on the Learning Outcomes and expectations are clarified for demonstrating achievement in the final module assessment.