A strong command of the English language is essential to participation on the course. All study books and material are printed and delivered in English. Other than this, the course is open to any individual who loves children and is inspired by the Montessori method.
If you wish to become involved you should have reliable internet access and good computer skills.
Don't worry – we will do everything we can to support you through the entire process wherever you are in the world. If you are worried about any aspect of the course then please get in touch with us."
You always receive recognition or certification when you complete a stage or an exam and we strongly encourage individuals to begin the process and get involved.”
The Distance Leaning Course is broken down into two key stages:
- Certificate Course which includes Coursework, Apparatus Workshop, Written and Practical Exams.
- International Diploma Course which includes Certificate Course and Teaching Practice.
To complete the Full International Diploma you will need to complete the Certificate Course and finish the Teaching Practice.
The key theoretical component of the full International Diploma, is the Coursework. When you enrol on the Certificate Course you will join the Montessori family and will receive all of the materials that you need as well as all of the support that you could want:
- You will be allocated a dedicated course tutor who will contact you
- You will be allocated an administrative point of contact
- You will receive full course material in 11 easy to manage modules (7 modules on a USB stick and 4 modules in print)
- You will receive a full set of books relating to the course via courier
- You will recieve step-by-step study guidelines and a timetable
- You will recieve a full list of Assignment Questions
- A 2 Year subscription to Montessori International magazine – click here for more info
Theoretical Subjects
Child Development
Observation and Assessment
Contemporary Issues including awareness of Equal Opportunities
Safety
Nutrition and Food Hygiene
Child Protection and Special Needs
Curriculum:
Education of the Senses
Literacy Skills
Numeracy and Arithmetic
Art and Craft
Music and Movement
Drama
Before each assignment is due for submission, you will be emailed with extra guidelines, useful hints, tips and suggestions. There will be an opportunity for questions and feedback, these will be shared within your study group. The 14 assignments will require approximately 700 hours of home study in total. If you follow the set timetable, you should finish this element of the course in 18-20 months.
The Early Childhood Certificate in Montessori Theory and Methodology is particularly useful for:
- Individuals interested in teaching assistant roles
- Parents with an interest in Montessori
- Professional career nannies interested in self development
- Nannies who are sponsored by parents
- Nursery school head teachers who value investing in their people
- Nursery school staff wishing to cement, broaden and update their own knowledge
This is a key stage in obtaining the Full International Diploma. This is where you will learn to use the wide array of specially devised apparatus which helps children learn. It is here that you will fully comprehend the power of the Montessori Approach to create wonder and excitement and to make learning a thrilling experience. You can attend an Apparatus Workshop at any time after you have completed the first 5 assignments of your Coursework. This usually means that you have a 16 month period in which you can choose to attend a Workshop. Apparatus workshops are offered at MCI Centres around the world and consist of 88 hours of interactive attendance based tuition over an 11 day period. View list of current Workshop locations
Attending a centre often requires making special arrangements to travel and is a commitment in itself, albeit a hugely rewarding one. We do look to facilitate mobile workshops which travel to a locality where there may be a cluster of students. We must point out that this is by special arrangement and is not always practical – but we are committed to supporting you in whatever way we can.
In the Practical Exam you will demonstrate your knowledge of how to use the apparatus effectively. Your practical exam typically takes place at the end of the apparatus workshop, whilst your memory is fresh. You will be well prepared by the 11 day workshop and the exam will be good test and confirmation of what you have learnt.
The written exam is the penultimate stage on your road to qualification for the Full International Diploma. The two written exam papers test the full range of topics covered on the course. You can sit your written exam once you have successfully completed your coursework, the 88-hour workshop and attempted the practical examination. This should be done within two years of your initial registration on the course.
We have Montessori Centres around the world but the exam can also be undertaken in appropriate environments including British Council offices. This provides an option for most countries around the world. Once you have successfully completed both exams you will receive your Certificate in Montessori Theory and Methodology.
Once you have completed the Coursework and Apparatus Workshop, together with your exams, you are ready for the big wide world. To facilitate a smooth transition you will now undergo formal, tutored and monitored teaching practice. We will arrange for you to attend a suitable Montessori establishment wherever you are around the world. There are 22,000 Montessori schools worldwide. 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.
When you have successfully completed your teaching practice you will be awarded the International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy. This is an United Kingdom Level 4 CWDC qualification, which is recognized in places all around the world.
As always, our mission is to support you.