Course Details
This blended learning course combines online learning with practical workshops with the Montessori materials, giving you the opportunity to study at your time, to be a Montessori practitioner and open your own Montessori school.
Fee
€895.00Start Date
Start AnytimeQualification
QQI Level 6Location(s)
Portobello InstituteCourse Duration
6 monthsOverview
Are you interested in becoming a Montessori practitioner? Portobello Institute’s QQI Level 6 Minor Awards in the Montessori method will allow you open your own Montessori or work in the Montessori classroom as a Montessori practitioner. During this course you will acquire a thorough knowledge of the theory behind and use of the Montessori method and materials to create a positive learning environment for children.
This course is delivered online with supporting practical workshops and webinars, focusing on the minor awards that deliver learning in the Montessori method and pedagogy. There is an easy payment plan designed to make this programme affordable. These factors, together with the one to one tutorial support, offer you a course that is accessible, affordable and achievable.
Why should I study this course?
Portobello Institute’s QQI Level 6 Minor Awards in Montessori gives you the opportunity to learn from a range of experts all of whom are passionate about the Montessori method. They bring their insight, depth of experience and passion for teaching to this course. Portobello Institute’s Montessori course will change the way you view the process by which a child learns and their inherent ability to concentrate and grasp a complex subject when given the time and freedom to do so. This qualification will allow you open your own setting or work in a Montessori classroom.
"Within the child lies the faith of the future. The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim to prepare him for school, but for life"
- Dr. Maria Montessori
Who will recognise my qualification?
Upon completing this course, you will hold all 3 of the QQI Level 6 Minor Awards available in the Montessori pedagogy.
You will hold QQI Level 6 Minor Awards in Montessori modules as follows;
- Early Learning Environment
- Early Childhood Literacy and Numeracy
- Early Childhood Arts and Culture
- Work Experience*
You can complement the awards listed above, by completing an additional 4 modules in early childhood care and education available through Portobello Institute to bring your qualification up to a full Major Award from QQI at level 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education.
*You will be required to complete work experience to gain practical insight into using the Montessori materials. However if you already hold the QQI level 6 work experience award, you are not required to complete the assessments for it again.
What will I study during this Montessori Teaching – Start Anytime course?
Educating the whole child, with activities and lessons designed to promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, physical coordination, as well as cognitive preparation is the goal of the Montessori method. Learning to advise, present and observe a child’s development quietly as they work with the Montessori materials, are key skills acquired during the training of a Montessori method.
You will learn from experienced Montessori teaching practitioners about the philosophy of Montessori and their experience of how the Montessori method fosters each child’s natural desire for knowledge and understanding. You will learn how the Montessori method of education is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. Creating dedicated space in the prepared environment of the classroom for each area of the Montessori curriculum is also covered.
During your learning journey through this course, you will discover how you, as a Montessori teacher, can guide a child to make creative choices in their learning that will support the education of the whole child.
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Early Learning Environment
Children work for the joy of the process rather than for the end result. They have a need to repeat activities over and over until an inner need is fulfilled. You will learn and come to understand the history of Maria Montessori and her philosophy and reasoning behind “Learning By Doing”. This module includes practical life skills and sensorial education. The module teaches you how to use the Montessori materials in life skills and sensorial education to encourage children to learn how to care for themselves, others and their environment. These skills help the child to gain the greatest confidence and independence through the early learning process. The sensorial equipment designed by Maria Montessori lays the foundations for academic learning by developing and refining a child’s senses. This in turn enhances their perceptions and increases their concentration.
Your Lecturer
Arlene Finnerty
I feel that the module explores the Montessori pedagogy and how it elevates and empowers the child. The module introduces the student to the Montessori method & demonstrates how children develop skills.
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Early Childhood Literacy & Numeracy
Maria Montessori believed children have naturally mathematical minds and she revolutionised the manner in which maths were taught and this module is dedicated to Montessori Maths and Montessori Language acquisition. These areas will teach you how to guide a child through the complexities of reading and writing using the Montessori didactic materials designed over a hundred years ago. The Montessori materials were designed to develop children’s language grammar skills both written and spoken using the Montessori approach. The maths didactic materials revolutionised the manner in which maths is taught to children. Problem solving becomes a challenge that is enjoyed without stress or strain at a young age. You will learn through using a variety of Montessori materials how to not only teach a child to calculate but also to give them a lifelong understanding of how numbers function. Montessori materials also contain an inbuilt control of error that allows the child to discover and correct his or her own mistakes and work independently from his class mates and teachers alike.
Your Lecturer
Arlene Finnerty
This module explores how valuable early literacy & numeracy is for children to make sense of their world. It gives students the techniques to introduce literacy & numeracy at a young age.
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Early Childhood Arts and Culture
Children have an inborn curiosity about the trees and the plants, animals and insects, their bodies, the planets etc. and this module focuses on two key areas of the Montessori pedagogy, Arts and Culture. Montessori children frequently astonish adults with their in-depth knowledge of subjects such as biology, geography, simple science and history. During this module, you will be introduced to the Montessori didactic materials and activities that will allow you to guide children to an appreciation of the world they live in.
Your Lecturer
Arlene Finnerty
This module explores Montessori’s pedagogy & how she believed the arts to be a communicative tool. It opens the discussion of how arts and culture offers diverse cultural experiences for young children.
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Work Experience (Montessori)
As the philosophy of Montessori was “Learning by Doing” then it is only natural that work experience in an approved Montessori school, under the guidance of a qualified and experienced Montessori directress, be an integral part of your learning journey. During the placement programme of 50 hours, you will have the opportunity to put into practice the exercises and skills you will have learned during the programme. You will have the opportunity by using these skills to stimulate, develop and guide the children under your direction to develop to their full potential. Our tutors and programme management team are available to help you secure a suitable work placement during your studies. Reflective learning nature of this the programme makes up 20% of every module. The assessment strategy for the programme allows the learner to reflect on all aspects of their academic and practical learning journey.
Who will I learn from?
Programme Manager
Olivia Hamill
“Working as a PM for EY & SNA means working in an ever-changing industry, as investment in the childcare industry in Ireland has been to the forefront in recent years. This investment is not unlike the investment made by students- as they invest in their future through their educational journey. Being involved in their journey is fulfilling as you watch them flourish over time and support them in achieving their goals”
OLIVIA’S STORY
While my initial third level education was in Business Management my career path took a turn when I became involved in fostering. The more research (for homelife benefits) I conducted in the areas of children with additional needs, child development, play activities etc., I realised that this was an area I had a keen interest in. From here I went onto firstly study a Level 5 in ECCE, to have the basis for further study within the area. Then I completed a H-DIP in ECEC which led me onto a Level 9 MA in Child, Youth and Family studies. I studied part time while working full time, and this has helped me immensely in understanding students journey on similar paths- it can be a struggle trying to balance working, reaching assignment deadlines, attending classes, along with daily home (and social!) life, but once you achieve your end goal it is worth it. Having also worked in various rooms in childcare settings, this added to my experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Working in the sector assisted me greatly (before I took up the role as Programme Manager) while I was tutoring with Portobello as I was able to impart knowledge and experience to students.
Why did you choose to work in education?
Having gone back to study myself many years after my initial education, my own experience contributes to understanding individual students needs and abilities. Everybody learns differently and it is beneficial in the educational industry to have an understanding that some people may be visual learners, while others may be kinaesthetic or auditory learners while some may learn through reading and writing. Match this understanding with various modes of course delivery, tutors who are passionate about their subject areas, are inclusive to all types of learners and this can only lead to a successful outcome for students.
Collaborating with and listening to students is also an important aspect within the education industry, we all have knowledge to offer and learn from each other, having had this experience myself while studying, this was always something I encouraged while tutoring. Facilitating students to share knowledge and experience while motivating and supporting them through their learning journey is all part of the role as an educator. These roles also become part of your role as a PM, you want to see everyone achieving their goal and you are there to help, guide, advise, support, motivate and encourage them throughout their time spent with the college.
Your experience as a Programme Manager.
Before a student embarks on their learning journey, Portobello takes the time to explore which mode of delivery suits an individual’s needs, abilities, and time available to study. While working as a PM with Portobello I have come across many inspirational students, some who have not studied in many years, some who have had learning difficulties, others may be changing industry entirely, while some just simply want more knowledge as a parent to help them in understanding their children’s needs. As a PM contributing to all student’s journey through listening, supporting, motivating, and encouraging them throughout their education is an important aspect and it is inspirational to see students achieving their goal.
Why Portobello?
Working with Portobello allows you to get to know students, which allows students to feel valued and everyone in the Institute is committed to supporting students on their learning journey. Portobello offers flexibility in course delivery, this is something which can be a deciding factor on choosing a course, students consider what fits their lifestyle and free time available to study. By offering blended, part time, full time, online or distance courses, this gives Portobello the ability to offer courses to suit a range of students needs.
Qualifications
- MA in Child, Youth & Family Studies
- H-Dip in Early Childhood Education & Care
- QQI Level 5 in Early Childhood Care & Education
- BBS Honours Degree in Business Management
Personal Academic Tutor
Each student is assigned a personal academic tutor to support you throughout your learning journey. They are available to offer you telephone and email support at any time. You can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance at a time convenient to you.
Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion. Emailing your tutor at any stage during your programme to ask a query or submit a draft of your assessment supports you to achieve your personal best throughout your studies with Portobello.
This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello as your Institute of choice to complete your studies.
How will I learn?
Delivery Mode
Blended Learning takes the schedule of a traditional face to face learning programme and re-structures it to reduce the contact tuition time by introducing more online learning together with one to one tutor support. This flexible mode of delivery includes practical workshops and optional webinar sessions, allowing you to work full-time and balance the requirements of this programme with home and work.
Other delivery modes available
Course Structure
This is a blended learning course delivered over 6 months with a combination of online learning and recommended attendance at practical workshops. The theory is delivered online with a blend of video presentations, theory content and practical life exercises.
Practical workshops are held throughout the year, usually on one Saturday each month. These sessions are divided into time slots whereby you have the option to book a time slot that suits you to attend. During this session, you have the opportunity to practice with the Montessori materials under the supervision of one of our experienced Montessori tutors. You can attend as many practical workshop sessions as you wish during your studies. There are also live webinars with presentation of additional topics and Q & A sessions with one of our experienced tutors to support your learning.
What is a Webinar?
A webinar, in the context of online learning, is a lecturer delivering a presentation or class online to a group of students. We use specifically designed elearning software so you can participate in the class just as if you were present in the same room. You can ask a question of the lecturer at any stage during the class. The software is designed with “break-out rooms” where you can discuss a topic or complete a group exercise with a smaller group from your class. You will need a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone that has internet connection, an audio facility so you can hear and speak during the class and a camera so your lecturer and fellow class participants can see you. The webinar is a secure online environment and only those permitted entry by the lecturer can gain access to the “classroom”. Webinars are recorded during each session and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date. You will only be able to access Webinars of the group you are assigned to.
Montessori Practical Workshops
Montessori practical workshops are held on one Saturday each month. Simply contact your support tutor and she will book a time slot for you to come in to the Institute to gain practical hands on experience with the materials under the supervision of one of our experienced Montessori tutors.
See the timetable below of upcoming Practical Workshops – these can book out so early booking is recommended.
| Date | Webinars | Practical Workshops |
| 4th March 2022 | Introduction to Montessori Webinar 10am-1pm | |
| 11th March 2022 | 9.30am-4.30pm
Book Slots for Attendance ELE Workshop |
|
| 1st April 2023 | Q&A Webinar 10am-1pm
(L & N) |
|
| 15th April 2023 | 9.30am-4.30pm
Book Slots for Attendance L & N Workshop |
|
| 10th June 2023 | Q&A Webinar 10am-1pm
(A & C) |
|
| 1st July 2023 | 9.30am-4.30pm
Book Slots for Attendance Culture Workshop |
Live Q&A Webinar
Each month a live Q&A webinar session is held by one of our experienced Montessori tutors giving you the opportunity to log-in and ask questions about the programme.
See the schedule for dates of the Q&A webinars.
Real Life Learning Opportunities
Work Experience
As the philosophy of Montessori was “Learning by Doing” then it is only natural that work experience in an approved Montessori school, under the guidance of a qualified and experienced Montessori directress, be an integral part of your learning journey. During the placement programme of 2 days per week, you will have the opportunity to put into practice the exercises and skills you will have learned during the programme. You will have the opportunity by using these skills to stimulate, develop and guide the children under your direction to develop to their full potential. We aim to ensure you that have the opportunity to gain experience in a setting that is aligned with your career ambitions. Our tutors and programme management team will help you secure a suitable work placement during your studies and this placement can be in your locality to reduce travel and time spent in Dublin.
The practical work experience element of this programme may be completed once Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.
How will I be assessed?
A variety of assessment methods are used to support students with different learning styles. These vary from written reports to practical case studies to examinations. We encourage you to reflect on your knowledge gain with a number of assignments designed to explore your learning journey. All of these assessment methods are seeking to support you to combine theory with scenario-based learning and how to practically implement these methods into your everyday practice.
Career prospects
What is Montessori Teaching?
The Montessori Method is an approach to pre-school education which understands that children are dynamic, natural learners. Maria Montessori believed children gain knowledge best from the “Learning by Doing” theory as opposed to the conventional sit, listen, read and then learn. “Learning by Doing” is, in essence the philosophy a Montessori teacher follows when guiding a child’s development in the Montessori school. The Montessori approach to education requires that children are free to follow their own interests when placed in a well-planned and structured environment which meets their individual educational and cultural needs. Above all, Montessori classrooms nurture each child’s individual strengths and interests while encouraging children to explore the world around them.
Related Courses
Early Childhood Care and Education – QQI Level 6
This qualification is due to expire in October’ 23 – Delivered by blended learning with webinars, you still have time to complete 7 of the 8 modules required for the QQI level 6 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education. This qualification allows you to open your own setting or work in the capacity of a room leader, supervisor or manager in an early years setting.
Speak to an expert
Choosing a course that will lead you to your career of choice is a significant decision. Understanding the delivery modes, supports available, career opportunities and further study options are all key considerations when making your choice. Our course adviser team are experts in the courses Portobello offers, the employment prospects and possible progression routes to Masters programmes – they will guide you through the detail and support you with any queries you may have.
It is important you make the right choice for you and choose the Institute and course that will best suit your needs.
Your Consultant
Jennifer Matteazzi
About Jenny
How long are you working in Portobello?
I have been working for Portobello Institute for over 5 years now.
What do you enjoy about working in Portobello?
I love the interaction with students. Every day I get to meet different individuals and learners who are looking to change their lives and I get to be the person who advises them on the best programme to take. It is a fantastic feeling to be part of their journey. For many learners this is a huge decision and I get to be the person who supports them in making that decision. There is an incredible sense of pride when I see our learners graduate and achieve their education goals.
What inspires you about working in education?
I believe that education is impowering and it can often change people’s lives. It increases the learner’s confidence and it allows the learner to reach their full potential. Coming back to education hugely lifts the learner’s self esteem.
Have you a story that you recall that touched you/made you laugh/made you cry?
One particular lady struggled with dyslexia all her life. Her disability really affected her years in school, her career choices and when this learner approached Portobello Institute I worked with her to establish the best way forward, the right course for her was without a doubt in childcare. This lady registered on the course and she needed a lot of hand holding throughout her studies from both myself and the academic team. I recall that the day of her graduation, she received the “Student of Year” award. We were all thrilled and delighted for her! This learner has since gone on to open a very successful Montessori setting.
How do you feel when you have helped a student reach a decision on their course choice?
I am there to be the deciding factor for our learners. We support people in making the right choice of programme for them. We reassure them the whole way and we support them throughout. It is a very rewarding feeling to be part of this process.
How do I apply?
Entry to this course is by direct application to the college.
Requirements
Without a Leaving Certificate
There are no previous academic or experience requirements.
Fees & Payment Options
Fees
Course Price
Per academic year.
Additional Fees
Protection for learner fees are due on or before the start date.Please note places on this course are only confirmed once the deposit of tuition fees has been received.
Protection for Learners Fee
Full Payment
Total amount payable.
Easy Payment Plan
Deposit of 30% upon booking. Balance paid in 5 instalments commencing the 1st of the month after the course starts. All additional fees such as exam body registration fees etc. are included in the easy payment plan.
Deposit + 5 Instalments
Deposit payment (€339.00), followed by 5 scheduled payments every 1 month(s). Includes one off instalment fee of €195.00.
- €158.20 due on 1st June 2023.
- €158.20 due on 1st July 2023.
- €158.20 due on 1st August 2023.
- €158.20 due on 1st September 2023.
- €158.20 due on 1st October 2023.
