Montessori Higher Certificate in Arts Yr 1 Parttime. Portobello

Higher Certificate in Arts in Montessori Education (ACCS mode) Year 1

The Higher Certificate in Arts in Montessori Eductaion (HETAC Level 6) course prepares you for the task of helping children aged 3-6 and 6-9 years to develop to the fullness of their individual human potential. This 2 year Montessori course provides an opportunity to study, indepth, Montessori pedagogy, practices and child development as well as an interdisciplinary approach to the study of man, his endeavours and his relationship with the universe.

Montessori Education is enjoying a revival. The need to set limits and guide children's behaviour towards self-discipline is openly sought. This idea is central to Maria Montessori's philosophy.

In light of recent developments in the childcare sector new guidelines regarding qualification requirements for participation in the Free Preschool Scheme require that in addition to meeting the requirements regarding staff ratios, as provided for under the Child Care Regulations, the pre-school year Leader must hold a certification for a Major Award in childcare/early education at a minimum of Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications of Ireland (NFQ) or an equivalent recognised qualification in the childcare/early education field. It is for this reason that Portobello Institute are currently working on introducing this all encompassing course - to give students the necessary qualifications to work in the Montessori environment.

The Montessori Education Higher Certificate in Arts course will provide students with the relevant knowledge and skills to empower them to make a significant contribution within the Montessori sector.

Qualifications gained

Higher Certificate in Arts in Montessori Education (HETAC Level 6 -after successful completion of Year 2)

Entry requirements

Entry to this course is by direct application to the college. Acceptance to Full Time courses is interview based. Any one of the following criteria may be used as an entry requirement:

Leaving Certificate or equivalent with a minimum of 6 Passes, including 2 higher level subjects, preferably English and one other.
Mature students with documented evidence of experience to date.
Graduates of the Montessori Teaching Diploma (or holding the current 6 component certificates at FETAC Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications) may apply directly to Year 2 of this course.

Course structure

The structure of this programme is run in ACCS mode. This allows for the Accumulation or Credits and Certification of Subjects on a module by module basis. The accumulation of 120 credits leads to the overall award of Higher Certificate in Arts in Montessori Education.

Course content modules

Montessori Philosophies and Methodologies
1. Practical Life
  This will give learners the skills to prepare, demonstrate and guide a child though the learning process of every day life, such as bucking their shoes to pouring and spooning.
2. Sensorial Development
  This allows learners to lay the foundations for academic learning by developing and refining children's senses through sensorial equipment.
Montessori Philosophy and Methodologies
1. Language
  Learners will learn how to guide a child through the complexities of reading and writing to the excitement of when a child discovers they can put their thoughts down on paper.
2. Maths
  Learners will learn though using a variety of Montessori apparatus how not only to teach a child to calculate but also to give them a lifelong understanding of how numbers function.
3. Culture
  Learners will be introduced to the materials and activities that will help them guide children to gain an appreciation of the world we live in.
Irish: Gaeilge
Learners will be introduced to the basics of the Irish language and its importance within the Irish culture.
Montessori Practicum and Classroom Management
Learners will be able to discuss relevant classroom management policies and procedures and promote the benefits of a Montessori education to the general public. Practicum also allows the learner an opportunity to put into practise Aistear's themes.
Special Needs Education
Learners will have an increased awareness and knowledge with regard to teaching and theories, methods and approaches as well as equipment for those with special educational needs.
Creative Arts
Learners will understand the value of exploring creative arts activities in the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and linguistic development of children age 0 - 6 years.