Montessori Centre South Africa has been established as a joint venture between Susanne van Niekerk and Lucy Watson of Follow the Child Montessori Teacher Training College and Heidi van Staden formerly of The Montessori Academy for Teacher Training. Both institutions have been offering quality training in South Africa for over twenty years and have now combined to further serve the diverse needs of students across the region. We are accredited and verified providers with the ETDP SETA and are in the process of becoming accredited with the Council on Higher Education and the Department of Education. Our national accreditations coupled with our long-standing association with UK based Montessori Centre International (Europe’s largest training centre) allows us to offer a variety of Montessori training options which are detailed below.

• 1-year Specialisation Course in Montessori Infant-Toddler  (Birth - 3 Years)

  This course is a specialisation course for Montessori Early Childhood development (3 – 6 years) graduates who wish to extend their learning further to include children from birth to 3 years.  This course is aimed at informing the student about the Montessori Toddler environment and aims at developing an understanding of the physical, emotional, social, language and cognitive needs of the infant-toddler. Students enrolling on this course will discover the importance of a thorough knowledge of the Montessori philosophy that applies to this plane of development as well as the application of the philosophy in a classroom environment. Prospective students should have an empathy with both the children at this age and their parents who often seek in-depth guidance.

• 1-year Introduction Course in Montessori Early Childhood (3 – 6 years)

  Assistant staff already working in a Montessori environment, parents, caregivers and students who do not meet the entry requirements for our other courses, or who just wish to gain a basic understanding of the Montessori environment, are encouraged to follow this popular programme. Montessori philosophy and the presentation of key materials across all curriculum areas are delivered through this introductory course. Practice time with the materials is required to obtain the attendance certificate.

• 1-year Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Development (3 – 6 years)

  The Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Development is a SAQA-registered level 5 qualification in early childhood development that is accredited by the ETDP SETA. This qualification is designed to allow graduates to work in a Montessori environment and allows for full SACE recognition.

• 2-year National Diploma in Early Childhood Development (3 – 6 years)

  The National Diploma in Early Childhood Development is a SAQA registered Level 5 qualification in early childhood development that is accredited by the ETDP SETA. Upon qualification, our students may register with the SACE. Full Montessori training in both the philosophy and the materials is provided in this programme.

• 2-year International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy (Montessori Centre International, UK)     (3 – 6 years)

  The International Diploma originates from Montessori Centre International in the UK, Europe’s largest Montessori training college. The diploma is accredited in the UK and is widely recognised across Europe.

• 2-year Dual Diploma (3 – 6 years)

  Students wishing to obtain both a nationally accredited diploma as well as the international qualification should consider this option. We are the only Montessori Training Institution in the country that is able to offer a DUAL DIPLOMA, thus giving our students excellent career opportunities both in South Africa and the world.

• 2-year Distance Learning Diploma (3 – 6 years)

  This option qualifies the student who is unable to attend part-time lectures with a Montessori Centre International (UK) International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy (Early Childhood). We offer the support structures for Distance Learning students in South Africa for those intending to study online. 

• 2-year MCSA Specialisation Course in Montessori Foundation Phase (6 – 9 years)

  Current South African educational requirements for teaching in the Foundation Phase, requires an education degree or PGCE. If you are already a qualified teacher and have been offered a position in a Montessori primary environment, or wish to extend your professional scope, then this course is for you. You will find this course helpful in understanding the Montessori philosophy and presentation of the didactic materials. Your professional teaching qualification has already earned you a SACE certificate, and this course is intended to give you the insight into the Montessori 6-9 environment, child and role of the teacher in this specific plane of development.