This programme has been specifically designed for learners who wish to pursue a career as a Montessori teacher for children in the age range 3-6 years. It is an ideal add on programme for students who already have a Level 6, 7 or Level 8 qualification in Early Childhood. This award covers in depth the six main Montessori disciplines: Early Childhood Curriculum (Theory & Practice) Early Learning Environment (Practical Life and Sensorial Education), Literacy & Numeracy (Montessori Language and Mathematics) Early Childhood Arts & Culture (Montessori Culture).

Course Objectives

• To equip learners with a knowledge of a wide range of educational theorists and philosophies and with an in-depth knowledge of Montessori philosophy and methods.
• To familiarize learners with a variety of curriculum materials including knowledge of the purpose of a broad range of Montessori materials and to equip them with the skills to support children’s learning in an ECCE setting
• To ensure learners can plan, implement and evaluate a Montessori programme and environment suitable for a child in an ECCE setting, with reference to the Aistear framework and Siolta principles.
• To promote in learners the ability to nurture the holistic development and well-being of the child while valuing diversity and fostering equality and inclusion
• To enable learners to reflect critically on personal and professional practice and to take responsibility for own professional development.

QQI Level 6 Montessori Practitioner Programme

Minimum Level 5 Certificate/ Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate / relevant life or work experience. Full-time students subject to interview. Competence in written and spoken English essential.

Continuous evaluation will take place with final evaluation on completion of the programme.

80 hours of work practice in an ECCE setting.

Noelle McNamara

SNA Tutor

ECEC Degree Lecturer

I have achieved my- Level 8 BA honours Early Childhood Education and Care Degree- As well as achieving my CACHE N.N.E.B Nursery Nursing Diploma and also my CACHE Level 4 NVQ Qualification’s in Children’s Learning Care and Development

I currently hold a vast and wide range of experience having worked within the field of Early Childhood Education and Care for the past 25 years.

Working with and supporting children and their families within various- different professional roles both here in Ireland and in the United Kingdom.

Specialising in supporting children with SEN and their families within the  professional roles of Area Special Needs Co ordinator, Early Support Officer and Key worker.

I am trained in specific packages of SEN support for children with SEN and their families such as Portage, PECS, Makaton, Intensive Interaction.