The Higher Certificate in Arts in Montessori Education (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.

The Higher Certificate in Arts in Montessori Education (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.

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.

The Higher Certificate in Arts in Montessori Education (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.

The Montessori Teaching Diploma course is FETAC approved and will qualify you to work as a Montessori teacher for 3-6 year olds. You will also be qualified as a Montessori classroom assistant, and with the help of Portobello Institute and excellent add on courses such as the Advanced Supervision in Childcare and Special Needs courses you can also open up your own Montessori School teaching 3-6 year olds.

The Advanced Supervision in Childcare course will provide the learner with the necessary skills and knowledge to appreciate the needs of children in a holistic way, examining all areas of development, including their physical, social, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, language and creative needs.

The Upskill Advanced Supervision in Childcare course is designed as an add-on for those who are studying (or have already completed) the Montessori Teaching Diploma Course. The Upskill course is a fast track for Montessori students/graduates who wish to gain a nationally accredited award as a Childcare Supervisor. The Upskill course is delivered over 8 full days and students may use their Montessori Modules as the elective for this award.

Children find it difficult to express themselves verbally and so traditional talking therapies can be difficult for them. Play is a child's natural way of expressing themselves, and Play Therapy provides them with an opportunity to "play out" their thoughts, feelings and problems in a non-directive way, in a safe environment with a caring therapist.

The Child Psychology course is an introduction to the methods, language and practice of child psychology. It examines the core issues in relation to child psychological development including language, thinking and socialisation with particular focus on the emergence of the child as an individual. The class each week will begin with a practical case study followed by a discussion of what child psychology offers as explanations of the phenomenon.

The Child Development course teaches you an understanding of the child's social, emotional and physical development which is paramount if you are to provide a caring and nurturing environment for children to develop in.

The Child Development course covers the individual variation in stages of child development, the factors that can affect it and the role you play in promoting child development.During the course learners are required to complete 40 hours practical work experience in a childcare setting.

The Child Protection course is aimed at giving professionals working within the early childhood care and education sector the skills and know how to identify and correctly deal with child protection issues that might arise in their workplace or setting.

The Effective Curriculum Planning 1 day workshop course is aimed at Montessori and childcare providers whose role is to devise and implement an effective curriculum for pre school children. Through group discussion and theroy you will learn how to plan a cohesive programme to get the most from your children. You will learn how to optimise teaching moments and encourage growth through strategic curriculum planning.

The Positive Discipline & Behaviour Management 1 day workshop course is aimed at childcare providers and parents. Working with groups of children and dealing with Challenging Behaviour can be disruptive for the rest of the group. By disciplining chidlren we aim to teach them acceptable behaviour while further developing their social skills. At this workshop you will learn what Positive Discipline is and how to implement it effectively in a school or home environment. You will learn effective behaviour management strategies, how to avert tantrums and how best to encourage good social skills in children, while setting boundries, respecting others and their environment.

This 1 day workshop course is aimed at those wanting to learn more about the Montessori approach to teaching which is based on observation and assessment. The workshop will also focus on Aistear - The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Siolta - The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and an overview of Regulation 5 - The Childcare (pre school services) Regulations. The Montessori Approach - Aistear & Siolta workshop course is a combination of group discussion and theory and will provide the learner with a guide to linking Montessori with guiding policy documents.

In this practical 1 day course you will learn fun new games, songs and poems for circle time engagement. Encourage language and counting skills through music and learn new ideas for pre school children at this 1 day workshop which is aimed at Montessori Teachers and Childcare providers.

Creating a positive learning environment for the pre school age is of the utmost importance. In this 1 day workshop course you will learn how to make the most of indoor and outdoor space, how best to lay out space and materials to encourage exploration and development. You will also learn how to create indoor and outdoor space with inexpensive ideas.

Art & Crafts is a one day practical workshop which allows the childcare professional to experience a fresh take on art and crafts. Through the workshop the learner will be able to provide the children in their service with a unique take on seasonal art and crafts.

This full time Special Needs Education course is designed to introduce students to the key areas of caring for children of a school going age and promotes their understanding of the underpinning theoretical framework of childcare principles and practice.

The Special Needs Education diploma course is designed as a progression route from FETAC level five or as an enhancement to other courses of study related to Special Needs. The course is structured to give a broader insight, knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding disabilities and or learning difficulties.

The Special Needs Education Certificate is a part time evening course suited to anyone who has an interest in Special Needs Education, whether to pursue it as a career or use the knowledge for personal or family reasons.

The Paediatric First Aid Workshop is ideal for both parents and also professional childcare facilities to prepare staff for emergency situations. This is a one day course specifically designed to teaching life saving skills with relation to children and incorporates the Irish Heart Foundation Heartsaver CPR course. This course is ideal for both parents and also professional childcare facilities to prepare staff for emergency situations. The course has major emphasis on dealing with accidents that happen to children from newborn to eight years of age. This unique course will give you the skills to deal with first aid and medical emergencies that occur with this age group.

Summer 2012 Open Days;

Portobello Institute, Dominick St, Dublin 1