It is the first time that Montessori qualifications have been approved on the national qualifications framework.
Developed by Montessori Centre International, the Level 3 Early Years Educator will be offered alongside a Level 4 qualification.
The new Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy – Birth to Seven (Early Years Educator) qualification has been approved by the National College for Teaching and Leadership as meeting the full and relevant criteria required for those wishing to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators.
The qualification will be offered at Level 3 and Level 4 and it will be jointly certified by the education charity Crossfields Institute and awarding body CACHE.
The courses will be available delivered for part time study or via distance learning.
Courses at MCI’s London college have intakes for students twice a year, in September and February.
The new qualification will be supported by a new Montessori online Virtual Learning Environment.
MCI has a number of international students and this will enable them to link up with other students from around the world.
Penny Johns, director of studies, at MCI, told Nursery World, ‘We’ve always had a really strong tradition of long-distance learning. It will be very interactive, with forums for students so they can do group work and work collaboratively.’
She added, ‘We are excited by the opportunities offered in developing the new qualifications which builds on our proud history of training Montessori educators and reflects the international nature of Montessori education and the diversity of our student body.
'Our aim is to nurture reflective, creative practitioners who can contribute to a responsive and forward-looking Montessori approach to early years education.’
The qualifications have also been submitted to Ofqual for approval.
Both qualifications will include 400 hours at a placement at a Montessori setting, where students will be visited twice to have their practice observed.
Those already employed in a Montessori setting will be able to do the professional placement in their own workplace and MCI will support others to find a placement, preferably at a setting which has been accredited through the Montessori Association Evaluation Board.
Units include:
- Study Skills
- Montessori Philosophy
- Child Development & Observation
- Contemporary Early Childhood Practice
- Promoting Children’s Health & Well-being
- Activities of Everyday Living
- Education of the Senses
- Literacy
- Numeracy & Arithmetic
- Knowledge & Understanding of the World
- Creativity
MCI is holding a number of open events to offer more information on the new qualifications and the application process. More information is available here.
