advice setting up a montessori school

montimad

I am thinking of setting up a montessori school. I would love any advice. Hidden costs, staff issues. Baiscally is it worth my while?
I work in a montessori school at the moment and would like to open my own place.

looksee

Surely if you are qualified to operate a montessori school you should know what the advantages and disadvantages are? Do you mean advantages and disadvantages of montessori over other kinds of pre-school, or are you asking should you do it at all?

montimad

I obviously didnt make myself clear. I want to open my own school. I am a qualified montessori teacher and childcare worker. I have spoken to friends and colleagues and would like an undaised opinion. Is it worth my while?

byhookorbycrook

Have you worked out what your set-up costs will be?Do you have a premises?Is it a pre-school or a primary you hope to set up?

lazygal

First, check out the competition. A lot of mums near me have done the qualification but as there are several schools in the area there wouldn't be the business for another one, so they are working as assistants. Second, are you FETAC level 6 qualified? You need this for the ECCE scheme. Third, are you up to date on the health and safety regulations? There are myriad things to comply with.


It's also expensive to set up a Montessori because of the specialised materials. I get all mine from Nienhaus and I've invested a lot in the proper equipment (i.e. steel insets for design, correct geometric cabinet) over the years, which has cost a lot. You also need to be aware that you will need another member of staff if your numbers are over a certain level, therefore you'll have the admin of being an employer. It's not east by any means.

Knit wit

Contact ur local city/county Childcare committee for advice. You will find a list here

http://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=%2Fdocuments%2Fchildcare%2FCityCountyChildcareCommittee.htm&mn=chig&nID=7

Good luck.

EmerBaggott

Hi. I took would love to set up my own montessori at home. I currently am eirking full time & plan on doing the relevent course through part time or distance learning. Is fetac accredited level 6 course sufficent to practice in & have my own montessori! All info & advice greatly appreciated. Thanks

gabsdot40

I run a Montessori school from my home. For me it's a good way to earn a little bit of extra money while I'm at home with my own kids. I don't teach in my school anymore I employ a teacher. Obviously I'd earn more money if I was teaching.
Now my overheads are small, no rent to pay and I have all my materials.
There is a lot of work in the background, paperwork and then every year there is more advertising and the worry of filling my places. There is a lot of competition in my area and new schools are opening every year.
if I were you I'd try and get a room in a school. There is a preschool in my kids school and although they pay quite high rent to the school they fill the places really easily because it's so convenient for parents.
Good luck

Al126

Hi Lazygal,

I was just reading your post and you seem to have alot of experience in this sector. I am a primary school teacher so i'm not to similar with the qualification requirements plus the legislation behind opening a montessori. Anyway, my girl friend is seeking a new career and in time after getting the relevant experience she would love to set up a montessori at home. Basically, my queistions are 1.) What qualification do you need (Am I correct in saying FETAC level 6 is the standard) and if so, where is the best place to so it. my girlfriend was thinking of doing it through Chevrontraining online. 2.) Any advice on opening a montessori in your own home would be greatly appreciated. We need some good solid advice from someone who knows the business