1-year Specialisation Course in Montessori Infant Toddler (Birth – 3 years)
This 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 and emotional 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.
Duration: 1 year
Lectures
Depending on the geographic location and numbers of registered students, this course is delivered either on a once-a-month lecture basis, or week blocks during government school holidays. Full details are available on request. The lecture timetable begins in January and runs until December. Please note that all lectures are compulsory as these hours form part of the final qualification requirements. In the unfortunate event of a lecture or workshop being missed, arrangements will have to be made to complete these hours in the next cycle of lectures.
Assignments and Portfolios
You will be required to complete 10 written assignments based on the following modules of study that specifically pertain to infants-toddlers: Montessori Philosophy of the First Plane, Infant – Toddler Environments, Child Development and Growth, Infant – Toddler Nutrition and Health, Safety and First Aid, Activities of Every day Living, Sensorial Education, Movement, Formation of Language Skills, Formation of Social Skills, Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Creativity.
All topic areas are covered in detail during the lectures.
Examinations
A practical-oral examination will take place at the end of the year. During this 45-minute session, each student works individually with examiners who will ask the student to explore different methods of implementing the Infant-toddler Montessori philosophy in various scenarios.
Theory examinations take place upon completion of the written assignments, at the end of the second year of study. This consists of one 3-hour paper for which students are given full preparation with intensive revision sessions.
Teaching Practice/Proposition Paper
As authentic toddler communities are not yet readily available throughout the country, it may be difficult for our students to complete the usual practice requirements. Students therefore have the option of either completing a 240-hour (8 week) teaching practice in an established Montessori Toddler Community, or may present a written proposition paper with supporting research and evidence that details the setting up of a Montessori Toddler Community environment.
FEES
Please contact us for all course fee and registration details.
1-year Introduction Course in Montessori Early Childhood development (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 this attendance certificate.
Duration: 1 year
Lectures
Lectures take place once a month on a Saturday morning from February to November. Full details are available on request. Please note that all lectures are compulsory as these hours form part of the final requirements. In the unfortunate event of a lecture or workshop being missed, arrangements will have to be made to complete these hours in the next cycle of lectures.
Assignments
You will be required to complete 10 assignments based on the following modules of study: Montessori Philosophy, Activities of Every day Living, Sensorial Education, Literacy, Arithmetic and Numeracy, Cultural subjects and Creativity.
All topic areas are covered in detail during the lectures.
Examinations
A practical examination will take place at the end of the year to assess the participant's knowledge and understanding of the materials.
FEES
Please contact us for all course fees and registration details.
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 one-year, 120 credit qualification is designed to allow graduates to work in a Montessori environment and allows for full SACE recognition.
Duration: 1 year
Lectures
The part-time lecture timetable begins in January and runs until December. Individual centres offer training either during the mornings, afternoons or on Saturdays. Full details are available on request. Please note that all lectures are compulsory as these hours form part of the final qualification requirements. In the unfortunate event of a lecture or workshop being missed, arrangements will have to be made to complete these hours in the next cycle of lectures.
Assignments and Portfolios
You will be required to complete written assignments based on the following modules of study: Montessori Philosophy, Child Development, Child Nutrition and Health, Safety and First Aid, Activities of Every day Living, Sensorial Education, Literacy, Arithmetic and Numeracy, Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Creativity.
8 portfolios of evidence must also be submitted covering the core, fundamental and elective components of the Higher Certificate requirements.
All topic areas are covered in detail during the lectures. The assignments and portfolios are assessed by your lecturers, who are all qualified assessors, before being moderated by a specialist moderator and then verified by the ETDP SETA.
Examinations
The practical examination will take place at the end of the course. During this 45-minute session, each student works individually with the examiners who will ask the student to present and discuss different pieces of the Montessori teaching equipment.
Theory examinations take place upon at the end of the year. This consists of one 3-hour paper for which students are given full preparation with intensive revision sessions.
Teaching Practice
Teaching Practice is to be completed during set periods during the course of the year. Each student is required to complete 240 hours (approximately 8 weeks) of teaching practice in an affiliated Montessori school, and we arrange this placement for you. During this time a Teaching Practice Portfolio is completed. This is often the most rewarding part of the course.
FEES
Please contact us for all course fee and registration details.
2-year National Diploma in Early Childhood Development (3 – 6 years)
The Level 5 National Diploma in Early Childhood Development (SAQA ID: 23118) will allow graduates to work as fully qualified teachers in Montessori preschools in South Africa and to register with the South African Council for Educators without limitation.
Duration: 2 years
Lectures
The part-time lecture timetable begins in January of the first year of study and runs until December of the second year. Individual centres offer training either during the mornings, afternoons or on Saturdays. Full details are available on request. Please note that all lectures are compulsory as these hours form part of the final qualification requirements. In the unfortunate event of a lecture or workshop being missed, arrangements will have to be made to complete these hours in the next cycle of lectures.
Assignments and Portfolios
You will be required to complete 14 written assignments based on the following modules of study: Montessori Philosophy, Child Development, Observation and Assessment, School Management, Contemporary Issues in Education, Child Nutrition and Health, Safety and First Aid, Activities of Every day Living, Sensorial Education, Literacy, Arithmetic and Numeracy, Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Creativity.
16 portfolios of evidence must also be submitted covering the core, fundamental and elective components of the National Diploma requirements.
All topic areas are covered in detail during the lectures. The assignments and portfolios are assessed by your lecturers, who are all qualified assessors, before being moderated by a specialist moderator and then verified by the ETDP SETA.
Examinations
The practical examination will take place during the second year of study. During this 45-minute session, each student works individually with 3 different examiners who will ask the student to present and discuss different pieces of the Montessori teaching equipment.
Theory examinations take place upon completion of the written assignments, at the end of the second year of study. These consist of two 3-hour papers for which students are given full preparation with intensive revision sessions.
Teaching Practice
Teaching Practice can be commenced from the second term of year 2 onwards. Each student is required to complete 420 hours (approximately 15 weeks) of teaching practice in an affiliated Montessori school, and we arrange this placement for you. During this time a Teaching Practice Portfolio is completed and the student receives Tutorial and Assessment visits from their Teaching Practice tutor. For many students, the Teaching Practice is the most rewarding aspect of the course although it certainly requires much dedication and energy!
FEES
Please contact us for all course fee and registration details.
2-year International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy (Early Childhood)
The International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy (Early Childhood) will allow graduates to work as fully qualified teachers in Montessori preschools in South Africa and internationally. This diploma originates in the UK and is accredited in England and Scotland, and is widely recognised across Europe and around the world. Graduates can obtain conditional registration with the South African Council for Educators that allows them to work in Montessori preschool environments only.
Students holding this qualification may also register to study further at London Metropolitan University for a BA(Hons) in Early Childhood Development and the diploma will be recognised as the equivalent of the first year of study.
Duration: 2 years
Lectures
The part-time lecture timetable begins in January of the first year of study and runs until December of the second year. Individual centres offer training either during the mornings, afternoons or on Saturdays. Full details are available on request. Please note that all lectures are compulsory as these hours form part of the final qualification requirements. In the unfortunate event of a lecture or workshop being missed, arrangements will have to be made to complete these hours in the next cycle of lectures.
Assignments
You will be required to complete 14 written assignments based on the following modules of study: Montessori Philosophy, Child Development, Observation and Assessment, School Management, Contemporary Issues in Education, Child Nutrition and Health, Safety and First Aid, Activities of Every day Living, Sensorial Education, Literacy, Arithmetic and Numeracy, Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Creativity.
All topic areas are covered in detail during the lectures. Assignments are marked by an MCI Marker who is assigned to you by the London college. The College moderates a percentage of all assignments to ensure fairness and quality of marking standards.
Examinations
The practical examination will take place during the second year of study. During this 45-minute session, each student works individually with 3 different examiners who will ask the student to present and discuss different pieces of the Montessori teaching equipment.
Theory examinations take place upon completion of the written assignments, at the end of the second year of study. These consist of two 3-hour papers for which students are given full preparation with intensive revision sessions.
Teaching Practice
Teaching Practice can be commenced from the second term of year 2 onwards. Each student is required to complete 420 hours (approximately 15 weeks) of teaching practice in an affiliated Montessori school, and we arrange this placement for you. During this time a Teaching Practice Portfolio is completed and the student receives Tutorial and Assessment visits from their Teaching Practice tutor. This is often the most rewarding part of the course.
FEES
Please contact us for all course fee and registration details.
2-year Dual Diploma comprising of the National and International diplomas combined
The Dual Diploma is a double qualification that combines the MCI International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy with the Level 5 National Diploma in Early Childhood Development. Once you have successfully completed all the components of your study you will be awarded both diplomas. 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 Worldwide.
Duration: 2 years
Lectures
The part-time lecture timetable begins in January of the first year of study and runs until December of the second year. Individual centres offer training either during the mornings, afternoons or on Saturdays. Full details are available on request. Please note that all lectures are compulsory as these hours form part of the final qualification requirements. In the unfortunate event of a lecture or workshop being missed, arrangements will have to be made to complete these hours in the next cycle of lectures.
Assignments
You will be required to complete 14 written assignments based on the following modules of study: Montessori Philosophy, Child Development, Observation and Assessment, School Management, Contemporary Issues in Education, Child Nutrition and Health, Safety and First Aid, Activities of Every day Living, Sensorial Education, Literacy, Arithmetic and Numeracy, Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Creativity.
All topic areas are covered in detail during the lectures.
Assignments are marked by an MCI Marker who is assigned to you by the London college. The College moderates a percentage of all assignments to ensure fairness and quality of marking standards.
16 portfolios of evidence must also be submitted covering the core, fundamental and elective components of the National Diploma requirements.
The portfolios are assessed by your lecturers, who are all qualified assessors, before being moderated by a specialist moderator and then verified by the ETDP SETA.
Examinations
The practical examination will take place during the second year of study. During this 45-minute session, each student works individually with 3 different examiners who will ask the student to present and discuss different pieces of the Montessori teaching equipment.
Theory examinations take place upon completion of the written assignments, at the end of the second year of study. These consist of two 3-hour papers for which students are given full preparation with intensive revision sessions.
Teaching Practice
Teaching Practice can be commenced from the second term of year 2 onwards. Each student is required to complete 420 hours (approximately 15 weeks) of teaching practice in an affiliated Montessori school, and we arrange this placement for you. During this time a Teaching Practice Portfolio is completed and the student receives Tutorial and Assessment visits from their Teaching Practice tutor. This is often the most rewarding part of the course.
FEES
Please contact us for all course fee and registration details.
2-year MCSA Specialisation Course in Montessori Foundation Phase Teaching (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.
Duration: 2 years
Mode of Delivery
Depending on the geographic location and numbers of registered students, this course is delivered either on a once-a-month lecture basis, or week blocks during government school holidays. Full details are available on request. The lecture timetable begins in January of the first year of study and runs until December of the second year. Please note that all lectures are compulsory as these hours form part of the final qualification requirements. In the unfortunate event of a lecture or workshop being missed, arrangements will have to be made to complete these hours in the next cycle of lectures.
Assignments
You will be required to complete written assignments and curriculum area manuals based on the following modules of study: Montessori Philosophy including Cosmic Education and the Great Lessons, Developmental Red Flags, Observation and Assessment, School Management, Contemporary Issues in Education, Child Nutrition and Health, Safety and First Aid, Activities of Everyday Living, Sensorial Education, Literacy, Arithmetic and Numeracy, Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Creativity.
All topic areas are covered in detail during the lectures.
Examinations
The practical examination will take place at the end of the second year of study. During this 45-minute session, each student works individually with examiners who will ask the student to present and discuss different pieces of the Montessori teaching equipment.
Theory examinations take place upon completion of the written assignments, at the end of the second year of study. This consists of one 3-hour paper for which students are given full preparation with intensive revision sessions.
Teaching Practice
Teaching Practice is to be completed during set periods during the course of the year. Each student is required to complete 240 hours (approximately 8 weeks) of teaching practice in an affiliated Montessori school, and we arrange this placement for you. During this time a Teaching Practice Portfolio is completed.
FEES
Please contact us for all course fee and registration details.
2010 Student Group
Previously, our students have ranged from 18 to 60 years of age and their backgrounds have included motherhood, childcare, nursing, psychology, speech therapy, office work, law, commerce, IT and conventional teaching.
Montessori has changed not only my perspectives on children's holistic development, but it's also changed how I see myself! I've learnt the best possible ways to approach children and how to guide them to personal success.
The training I received was excellent, in the ways that our voices were always heard and appreciated. There was always assistance when we needed it! Our lecturers were true to what they told us, as we could see the Montessori ethos in their own classrooms.
I wouldn't have wanted to study my Montessori Early Years Foundation Course anywhere else!
- Kelly de Charmoy
As a young matriculant (a long time ago!) I had the idea of becoming a preschool teacher. Instead I ended up a biologist/medical rep/full time mom. Two and a half years ago I decided to follow that little seed of an idea I had way back when and enrolled at ‘Follow the Child’ college for a dual diploma. What a wonderful two years! After my first lecture I had a huge lump in my throat and was filled with anticipation for what was to come and the experience didn’t disappoint. The course contained a wealth of fascinating content and the material was beautifully presented by two very talented, professional and dedicated lecturers both with many years experience as teachers of children and adults. The college’s close affiliation with Montessori Centre International in the UK and their excellent standing with the ETDP SETA were important factors in my choice of learning centre and, having obtained my Montessori and Level 5 diplomas in Early Childhood Development, I feel I have achieved something meaningful and valuable!
- Kim Hounsome
