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Early Childhood Certificate Montessori Theory and Methodology leading to the International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy

The Early Childhood Certificate is recommended for those who wish to work as a teaching assistant in a Montessori school. This course covers the theory and methodology element of the Montessori approach and also provides an overview of important educational philosophies.

When you have successfully completed all components of the certificate course and your teaching practice, you will be awarded an Early Childhood International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy. This Diploma is internationally recognised and is essential to anyone wishing to work as a Montessori teacher in the UK. (It is accepted as a level 4 CWDC qualification). The International Diploma has to be completed within three years of your initial registration on the course.

The syllabus comprises: Theoretical Subjects: Montessori Philosophy, Child Development, Observation and Assessment, Contemporary Issues including awareness of Equal Opportunities, Childcare and Good Health Practice, Safety; Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Child Protection and Special Needs. Montessori Early Years Curriculum: Exercises of Practical Life; Education of the Senses; Literacy Skills; Mathematics; Cultural Subjects; Art and Craft; Music and Movement; Drama; Links between Early Years Foundation Stage and Montessori Early Years Curriculum.

Course Fee includes:

• course materials (11 course modules, five text books, study skills guide and student handbook).
• online academic tutorial support from a dedicated MCI tutor.
• administrative support from MCI distance learning co-ordinator
• a free copy of Montessori International magazine and a discounted subscription offer for further copies
• notification of forthcoming workshops and seminars for three years.

Entry Requirements

There is open access to this course and no interview is required, but you should have a good command of written and spoken English, preferably at Cambridge First Certificate level, or International English Language System 6.5 or equivalent. You must have reasonable access to the internet, as well as appropriate computer skills for word processing of assignments and using e-mail.

Registrations are processed at the end of each month. To ensure that you are included in a particular month's study group, your registration form and fee should be received by the MCI distance learning department before the 20th of that month. Once your application and fees have been received, and you have been registered, your course materials will be sent to you so that you can begin your studies.

You will be given a timetabled guideline for submission of assignments to follow, for the completion of your 14 assignments. Before each of these assignments is due for submission, your MCI based tutor will email you with extra guidelines, useful hints and tips and suggestions that will be beneficial to your completion of that particular assignment. There will be opportunity for questions and feedback as well, which will be shared with all students. The 14 assignments will require approximately 420 hours of home study in total . If you follow the set timetable, you should finish this element of the course within 2 years.

To register click here

Workshop and Optional Seminars

When you have completed the first five assignments, you will be invited to attend the compulsory 88 hour Apparatus workshop which is delivered over 11 days. Other workshops and seminars are still highly recommended for your training, but are not mandatory for Distance Learners. The compulsory apparatus workshop, additional workshops and seminars are offered both in London and at other external centres. the two optional workshops recommended for this course are the 6 day (30 hour) Cultural workshop and the 6 day (30 hour) Creative workshop.

Click here for more information on workshops and locations

Examinations

Once you have attended the apparatus workshop you can sit for the practical examination, and when you have completed all of your 14 assignments as well, you qualify to sit for the written examination. When you have completed all of your course assignments. the apparatus workshop, and have passed the two examinations, you will be awarded a Certificate in Montessori Theory and Methodology. This certificate will qualify you to work in a Montessori school as an assistant until you have completed your teaching practice component in an approved school.

Teaching Practice and the International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy

You may register for your teaching practice once you have successfully completed your practical exam and the 'theory' modules, usually up to and including assignment 8. The teaching practice involves a period of 420 hours attendance, during which time you will be assessed by a qualified tutor. You will also complete a teaching practice file and a child profile. Our teaching practice co-ordinator will assist you in finding an MCI approved Montessori nursery for your placement. You will have three years from the date of enrolment to complete your teaching practice. On successful completion of the teaching practice program, you will be awarded the International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy.

Generally, overseas students are monitored by a Montessori qualified member of staff at their teaching practice school.

Please note that the fees become payable when registering for each individual component of the course (i) enrolment (ii) workshops (iii) examinations and (iv) teaching practice. Students are offered a £150 discount when paying both enrolment and London workshop fees upfront. Also note that fees and course information are subject to change annually from 1 September. Workshop fees may vary according to venue and country.