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The National Diploma in Early Childhood Development is a 2-year SAQA registered level 5 qualification in early childhood development that is accredited by the ETDP SETA. This qualification combines full Montessori training with the requirements of the National Diploma portfolios of evidence.
This two-year, 240-credit qualification is designed to equip our graduates to work as lead teachers in a Montessori pre-school. This qualification is also ideal for students who are wishing to ultimately run their own preschool. Upon qualification, National Diploma students may register with SACE.
Course Delivery
This is a part-time course. Students are required to attend lectures from Mondays to Thursdays during school terms from 14:30 to 17:30.
A full timetable is available on request.
This is a 14-month course for existing Montessori 3-6 certification holders who wish to have a nationally accredited level 5 qualification added to their existing Montessori certification.
This is offered as an online course with one face-to-face lecture per module.
CAMPUS TEAM
3-6 Montessori certified. Over 10 years of Montessori teaching experience.
3-6 and 6-9 Montessori certified. Over 10 years of Montessori teaching experience.
3-6 Montessori certified. Over 15 years of Montessori teaching experience.
3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 Montessori certified. Over 30 years of Montessori teaching experience.
I found the course to be extremely well structured and that the preceding module always left you well prepared for the next one. One often didn’t even need to access the internet for additional information as it was mostly included in the course material thereby making the course accessible to someone with limited internet speeds and access. The time allocated for each section was ample even with my schedule of only being able to study at night – I still met the deadlines on time. Help was always at hand via email and live chat and the scheduled group chat sessions were incredibly insightful in promoting critical thinking rather than having the answers handed to you. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the course, the content, and the help and support provided by MCSA and I look forward to doing further courses with them as they really helped me believe in myself as an adult learner that I have the ability to continue learning and teaching.
Having a full time job and becoming a first time mother, the MCSA online national diploma course was the perfect choice for me beginning my Montessori studies. The curriculum was well structured and enabled me to plan my day to day projects. The support I received from my mentor and the director was indescribable. It was great to say the least, and is the reason I am a qualified Montessori teacher today. Thank you for assisting me along my journey. Montessori Centre South Africa helped me to understand what education should really be about.
I am about to complete my MCSA ECD Diploma, specializing in children ages 3 – 6. I had always believed in the education of the child, however was craving a new and more cosmic approach to education. I went into this course with the idea and ethos that all children need to be treated equally, and specifically that there is equality in all. This is exactly what I found. I have grown and learnt a great deal through this course. I have learnt a lot about myself, from time management to self-love, reverence and respect. My eyes have been opened to positive steps/progress in the future, the excitement for the new generations to come and the possibility to grow, develop and learn in a free, exciting, safe and productive environment. I have learnt and really understood the point and basis of our cosmic tasks, both within the young child and the adult.
This course has helped me view the world differently, and have the privilege to work with children in the Montessori classroom. I will forever see the world differently, touched by the child.
I would love to say the experience I’ve had by studying with Montessori Centre South Africa in Buccleuch was amazing as I truly loved it from the bottom of my heart. Becoming a teacher would be the best feeling as this is my passion. I love the children and, of course, the Montessori Materials which are out of this world. They are is stimulating and enjoyable to work with.
As an MCI (UK) diploma holder, I did the MCSA Upgrade course in 2016. I could not have asked for a better training center. Susanne and Kirsty truly have a passion for what they do, they are always willing to offer support, constructive criticism and an encouraging smile when the assignments seem to get the better of us. Even after my course has ended I still have their full support and if I ever require any advice their assistance is just a phone call or email away.
I am currently working at a Montessori school Tirana, Albania, and now have wonderful opportunities to travel and explore the rest of the world – all thanks to MCSA!
My Montessori journey started in the early in 2010, when I decided to enrol at another Montessori College to do correspondence studies. I completed the course in 2013 and later found out that it was not accredited. Imagine my despair?
I started doing the National Diploma in Early Childhood Development, through MCSA, in 2016 and I am nearly at the end of my studying journey. The course is thorough, detailed, covers all aspects of ECD plus Montessori, is hands on as we worked with all the materials in every area of the curriculum. We had lots of guidance in the form of a tutor, the online portal, recommended reading, and videos of the way in which the material is to be presented. The modules are detailed and provide a wealth of knowledge and information and lastly, the professional practice allowed us the opportunity to be able to work with children in a Montessori environment and be able to grow towards becoming a Montessori teacher.
I have already been offered a permanent position as a Montessori educator starting in January 2018. My real Montessori adventure is about to begin and I am so excited!
I live over 4 hours from the nearest training centre. I was searching for an online pre-primary course and found the MCSA Montessori one. Not knowing anything about the Montessori method, I was a little apprehensive. Signing up for the course has changed my views on education. Especially early childhood education. I have grown to love the MCSA family who are all the most wonderful people. The course is professional – a perfect mix of academic excellence, practical expertise and personal encouragement. I highly recommend it!
My journey studying an Early Childhood Development online diploma through MCSA was an amazing learning experience. The course is professionally and passionately run. I enjoyed learning about Maria Montessori’s pedagogy- and having the opportunity to see it in action during my 420 hour practical. The online course is comprehensive and I received great guidance, loving support and thorough feedback.
Thank you MCSA!
Montessori has changed not only my perspectives on children’s holistic development, but it’s also changed how I see myself! I’ve learned the best possible ways to approach children and how to guide them to personal success.
The training I received was excellent. 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 anywhere else!
The content of the course was very delightful and I have learned a lot. I was used to the traditional way of learning, and I think that Montessori has shown how we can see children as their own beings in growing so that they can form themselves with the adult guiding, not taking centre stage.
I would like to reach out and say the biggest, warmest and heartfelt thank you to all of you for the incredible support and experience I have had throughout my diploma with MCSA. You have all played an integral part in the planning, organising and delivery of an epic course that has forever changed my life.
Susanne, Kirsty, Tasnim and Sam a very special thank you as lecturers. You are all incredible role models, setting the highest standards that I will continue to admire and strive to achieve as I grow and learn.
